Sometimes a doctor will recommend a medical treatment to improve your health, but it is one that you just can’t afford. What can you do?
First, you need to start with your doctor. Doctors often don’t know all of the costs associated with medical treatment, including prescriptions and other therapies. You can often work with the office staff or the pharmacy to estimate costs. They should give you a good idea of how much payment for which you may be responsible. If you find that this amount is out of reach, go back to your doctor, who can often help you work out costs.
Some options at the doctor’s disposable could be writing a prescription for a less expensive medication or one that is covered in your insurance formulary, offering samples of a medication, telling you about opportunities for free or low cost treatments, planning out alternative and less expensive treatments, allowing you to take advantage of a payment plan and more. It is better that put embarrassment aside and be upfront about what you can and can’t afford with your doctor than skip filled a prescription or missing therapy appointments.
In the case of prescriptions, contact the drug manufacturer. Drug companies often have programs to help people afford their necessary medication. There are minimal requirements in order to qualify, but this may be an option for you.
Finally, find out if the treatment can be delayed, but don’t make the decision without first consulting with your doctor. You may be able to save up money in the course of a few months leading up to the treatment. For non-emergency procedures, especially when you are in relatively good health otherwise, this might make the most sense. Moonlight for additional income, hold a yard sale or cut back on non-necessary household expenses, such as entertainment, to make affording good care easier.
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