Wednesday Wealth

This week's Wednesday Wealth Series is a big issue with many people across the US.  Healthcare. 

With so many people out of work, and no longer insured, many people are looking the other way when it comes to their health.  This is not something that can be ignored for too long.  There are so many programs available to help you save, that this doesn't have to be an issue. 

Programs that can help you save money:

~ FREE Clinics.  Just about every town has a free clinic that's available to you.  It's not a shameful thing to use, it's there for you, and your family.  Find a clinic in your area.

~ Discount Medications.  Go Generic when you can, download a discount card, there are many discount cards available.  Ask your pharmacy or doctor if your medication qualifies for a Mail Order Prescription Program, where you can get a 90 day supply of your monthly maintenance prescriptions.  If you split your pills, you may be doing more harm than good.  First, your pills may not be able to be split to begin with.  Secondly, ask you doctor if they can subscribe a higher dosage.  By doing so, when you split your pills, you will still get the correct amount of medication. 

~ Ask.  Yes, just ask your doctor if they offer discounts.  Many doctors offer discounts for paying in cash, referring a friend, having multiple procedures, and some doctors even participate in low cost programs.  The worst that they can say is No.  There is no shame in asking for discounts. 

~ FREE Dental Events.  Dentistry From The Heart (DFTH) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing free dental care to those who need it. Every year, individual dentists and practices across the country donate their time and resources to host their own DFTH events. In support our of DFTH partners, the organization serves to recruit, unify, and promote events on a national level.

~ FREE Flu Shots.  CVS will be giving away $5 million dollars worth of Flu Shots, Walgreen's will be giving away $1 million dollars worth of flu shots.  Rite Aid will receive a free coupon booklet that offers over $100 in savings, while supplies last. The booklet includes savings on health and wellness, beauty and household items and other products available at Rite Aid. CVS ExtraCare cardholders who receive a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic will also receive a one-time 10 percent discount on non-pharmacy purchases up to $100 at CVS/pharmacy. 

~ FREE or Low-Cost Mammogram & Pap Test.  The CDC, or Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a program called, "National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)".  Find out if your qualify.  This program isn't just for the UN-insured, it's also for the UNDERinsured. 


~ Planned Parenthood.  Many people don't realize that Planned Parenthood facilities include services beyond just pregnancy issues.  They offer services that include:

• anemia testing
• cholesterol screening
• diabetes screening
• physical exams, including for employment and sports
• flu vaccines
• help with quitting smoking
• high blood pressure screening
• tetanus vaccines
• thyroid screening

The services that are provided, are provided at affordable rates as well.  Find out where your local Planned Parenthood facility is. 
 
Remember if you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of your loved ones.  There are programs out there to help you stay well, and that goes for everyone, not just the UN-Insured.  If you're not sure where to look, call your doctor, or visit your local pharmicist, and ask them where you can go to look for programs, and remember that these professionals are there to help you.