There are so many consumers who live day to day without health insurance or individual vision insurance. Many can not afford it unless their employers helps to foot the bill. In some cases, people still can not afford the monthly cost, even through their jobs. If you and your family do not qualfy for medical assistance programs and you are without health insurance and individual dental insurance, there are ways to help curb the costs of health care.

An Ounce of Prevention

Maintaining good health is one of the best ways to lower the costs of your healthcare bills. Eating healthy will help keep your immune system strong and prevent you from being overweight, which can lead to major health problems like heart issues and diabetes, which require even more expensive medical care.

Take vitamins and getting a daily dose of exercise to keep from running your immune system into the ground, especially during cold and flu season.

Drink water everyday to keep your system flushed out and prevent the buildup of toxins that can make you feel sick or more susceptible to illnesses.

Wash your hands often throughout the day to keep from spreading and catching the germs of others.

Get fresh air and sunshine throughout the day. Even if you only have a quick lunch hour, take a walk outside. It will help reduce stress and sunshine helps to increase the serotonin in your body, which will help keep you feeling good.

Test Yourself

Perform self-examinations at home. Detecting lumps or other abnormalities in the early stages can significantly reduce the need for extended medical care.

Keep your weight in check and stop by the pharmacy where they usually have free blood pressure machines you can use.

Not Just Any Doctor

Leave the emergency room visits only for emergencies. A trip to the ER should not be a substitute for a doctor visit. If a medical situation arises after your doctor’s hours, opt for a clinic where the costs are more reasonable than an emergency room.

If your physician’s office offers the services of a nurse practitioner, whose rates are lower than a doctor. Confirm this with the office you will be visiting.

Ask and Tell

Tell your doctor the real deal. Many physicians will offer a reduced or discounted rate for patients who do not have insurance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Chances are good that many more patients are in the same situation.

If you are being prescribed medication, ask the doctor about the possibilities of getting a generic version and explain that cost and no insurance are an issue for you. Many doctors do not contemplate that aspect when writing prescriptions.

Review Your Bills

Whether you’ve had a stay in the hospital or just a check up at the office, make sure you go over the bill when you receive it. It is possible that staff will make a mistake in billing and you need to be certain you are not paying for services you didn’t receive.

Check for Cheaper Rates

Chances are you can save some money by looking up individual health insurance quotes online. Usually there’a cheaper policy than what you have now if you’re not getting your healthcare from your employer.