The last time I went to the pharmacy to fill a prescription, for generic ear drops to treat eczema, I almost had a heart attack when they handed me the bill: $184. The last time, I had paid $10. I whipped out my phone and found a coupon that cut the price to $23, as long as the purchase didn't go … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save money on health care
Health & Beauty
8 ways to get help with high drug costs and medical bills
Medical costs are rising across the United States, and patients are left paying a bigger percentage of the bill. Most Americans, whether their health insurance is provided through an employer, the Affordable Care Act exchange or the open market, are paying a higher share of their medical care costs … [Read more...] about 8 ways to get help with high drug costs and medical bills
10 ways to save on prescription drugs
When my friend, Mark, developed whooping cough for the second time, he knew what to expect. A quick phone call to his doctor got Mark the antibiotics and cough syrup he needed. His only mistake? This go-round, Mark had the prescriptions called in to his nearest drugstore. When he went to pick … [Read more...] about 10 ways to save on prescription drugs
Medicare open enrollment: How to pick a plan
Medicare open enrollment is a time each year during which people who are on Medicare can change their health plans or their prescription drug coverage for the following year. This year’s open enrollment period is from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Here are your benefit options: Original Medicare: … [Read more...] about Medicare open enrollment: How to pick a plan
How to find the right Medicare Part D plan
Most people are surprised to learn when they reach age 65 and sign up for Medicare that the standard government health plan does not cover prescription drugs. To get prescription coverage, you need to sign up with a private insurance company for Medicare Part D. That supplements Part A (which covers … [Read more...] about How to find the right Medicare Part D plan
Find free and low-cost mammograms in October
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to consider a mammogram. The National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends that all women over 40 get a mammogram every one to two years. If you have private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, at least part of the cost of your mammogram should be … [Read more...] about Find free and low-cost mammograms in October
Free lead testing kits for home hazards
Lead is a hot topic these days with water crisis in cities across the United States. Even if your water is safe, there can be lead hazards throughout your home, especially homes built before 1960, which may have lead paint. Lead may also be in soil, jewelry, toys, furniture, cosmetics and … [Read more...] about Free lead testing kits for home hazards
12 ways to save at spas
Hot stone massage. Chocolate body scrub. Lavender rose wrap. All sound lusciously decadent ... and expensive. But even the $14 billion spa industry isn’t immune to a skittish economy. Pressured to keep expenses low yet maintain customer levels, spas (both day and destination resort) continue to ramp … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save at spas
How to get salon results from your DIY pedicure
I love the look of a pedicure. Be it a shiny color or a beautiful design, a pedicure makes me think of carefree, barefoot summer days. The weather turning colder across much of America is no reason to neglect your feet. They're still dealing with all the walking, running and pounding you subject … [Read more...] about How to get salon results from your DIY pedicure
12 places to get beauty and health freebies
Hello, gorgeous! All those products we use to look and feel a bit better can be costly. But if you know where to look, you'll find a bounty of beautiful freebies. Look even more marvelous, dah-ling with these products and services on the house. Walk in and ask... Beauty and makeup stores such … [Read more...] about 12 places to get beauty and health freebies
How and when to sign up for Medicare
Think of it as a birthday with benefits. You turn 65 and you are finally eligible for Medicare. Signing up can be a breeze – under the right circumstances. Or it can be a confusing hassle. Lori McGinnis, a counselor with SHIP (State Health Insurance Programs), a federally funded program that … [Read more...] about How and when to sign up for Medicare
How to get a free breast pump through insurance
If you’re pregnant or a new nursing mother, you know that you’re going to either need a breast pump or will have to switch to formula feeding if you are going to go back to work or spend more than a few hours apart from your baby. While breast pumps can range from $25 for a manual pump to $300 or … [Read more...] about How to get a free breast pump through insurance
