Money-Saving Tips During Deductible Co-Pay Season

The joy of the new year always seems a little less bright when you realize it’s also time to meet your health insurance deductible during the first three months of the year.  Regardless of whether or not you’re on Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, it seems every insurance plan has some deductible and co-pay schedule that you have to meet, making your monthly budget even tighter.

Here’s a fun list of money-saving tips that can help you pinch pennies during deductible season!

 Tip #1 - Save Your Phone Data by Using WiFi at Home

WiFi is an essential these days, especially when it comes to keeping in touch with family and getting work done. You need WiFi for your computer, tablets and mobile phone. Because of this, there are several businesses that provide free WiFi, so be sure and take advantage of this. Don’t know where to find free WiFi when you’re out? No worries just go to WeFi.com, a website that points out places on a map near you that have free WiFi.

But, if you’re at home, you can save your phone data by connecting to your home WiFi. Do this by going to your mobile device’s settings, select the option for your WiFi to be turned on, and then select your home WiFi. If your internet is protected (AND IT SHOULD BE), then it will ask you for a password to connect.

Cutting coupons from magazines are a thing of the past. You can now find the coupons you’re looking for online. So put those scissors and scattered newspapers away and try GivingAssistant.org and Couponmom.com.

Tip #3 - Search for Cheaper Groceries Near You

We’ve all been there, frantically looking through the numerous newspaper pages, in hopes of finding the best deals on groceries without having to go to two different stores. Now you can go to groceryguide.com to find weekly specials, coupons and more at your local grocery store. Once you get those groceries, you can go to myrecipes.com, to find recipes for the perfect meal using what ingredients you have. 

When cooking dinner sounds like more trouble than it’s worth, then check out restaurants.com to find the best deals at your local dining areas. Here you can type in your location, and what type of food you’re in the mood for, and then you can buy gift cards for half their value price, and sometimes for even less than that.

Tip #5 - Lower Your Health Insurance Costs Overall

If you work a job that provides you with good health benefits, then you probably already have the best deal on health insurance. However, if this isn’t the case and you don’t know where to start, healthinsurance.com and ehealthinsurance.com will help you get started. These two websites provide its users with instant quotes, the top carriers from across the country and a side-by-side comparison of health plan prices and benefits. But, if these two websites don’t interest you, then consider using a broker service. Brokers will be able to provide you with the best rates for your area, and do it at no cost to you. To find a broker, go to nahu.org.

Tip #6 - Find Low-Cost or Free Health Clinics

Visits to the doctor can be expensive, and often individuals will avoid going to the doctor because they can’t afford it, which can be even more expensive in the long run and can create more severe health problems in the future. This is why a sliding-fee clinic lets you pay only what you can afford. These clinics provide both medical and dental services.

Tip #7 - Discover Free & Discounted Local Deals in Your Newspaper

Visit your local newspaper to find discounts, freebies and weekly specials on groceries, shopping and fun things to do with the family! Most major metropolitan newspapers have a columnist in charge of rounding up the week's specials.

Look for the week's specials in your local paper - and remember, you can find this online. No need to buy a print subscription unless you enjoy reading the paper over your morning joe!

Never be late on a payment again, by using your bank’s automatic bill payment service. If you have a recurring payment every month, such as a student loan, electric bill or utility payment, using your bank’s automatic payment service can save you money, and help you avoid those unwanted late fees. Not to mention, it’ll help you increase your credit score.

Tip #9 – Find The Best Gas Prices Near You

No one ever wants to talk about the gas prices, especially when they seem to rise every week. But, with these websites, you can find the lowest gas prices near you, and avoid paying too much at the pump. Try using these websites the next time you’re tank is low: gasbuddy.com, fueleconomy.gov and aaa.com.