Affordable healthcare becomes increasingly vital as we age. Here are some thoughts about finding affordable healthcare, seniors. We’ll give you ideas on how to save on medical costs – including costs associated with dental and vision care.

Health Coverage Options for People Younger than 65

If you are under the age of 65, you may be able to find insurance plans in the health insurance marketplace from the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  However, the cheapest health insurance will have a high deductible and cover few preventive services.

If this describes your situation, consider using a health benefit plan to help you fill in the gaps. A health benefit plan is not the same as a health insurance plan. Here’s how it works:

You purchase a plan that covers your entire household for less than $40 per month. Then, whenever you need health services, you make an appointment with a local in-network doctor, who has agreed to provide medical services at a discounted rate. (Please note that to receive the discount, you must pay when you receive your services.)

A health benefit plan is an excellent option for those without health insurance. It reduces out-of-pocket costs on doctor’s appointments, prescription drugs, and other healthcare services.

Additionally, a health benefit plan can be used by those with a high deductible health insurance plan. If this describes your situation, you can use a health benefit plan to receive discounts for your healthcare services. (Please note that if you use a medical discount plan and pay cash for services, the amount you spend will not go toward your deductible.) 

Health Coverage Options for People Over 65

When you turn 65, you are eligible for Medicare, a federal health insurance program. During open enrollment, you have the option of signing up for Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A & B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C).

While Medicare covers most medically necessary healthcare services, it does not cover visits to the dentist or eye doctor. This is where the medical discount plan can help. For an average monthly cost of less than $40, your household can receive discounts for services you receive from your local eye doctor or dentist. And unlike health insurance companies, a medical discount plan company doesn’t require you to fill out lengthy forms or receive a physical.

Medical Discount Plans vs. Health Insurance/Medicare

Again, a medical discount plan is different from health insurance you would purchase from an insurance company. Here’s what you need to know about these two options for making medical care more affordable.

Health Insurance plans: Health insurance costs are skyrocketing. To get the best health insurance coverage (with a low deductible and comprehensive coverage,) expect to pay over $1,000 monthly in health insurance premiums. Plans with high deductibles are more affordable – but you will have high out-of-pocket costs before your health insurance kicks in and pays for services. 

Medical discount plans: Medical discount plans are affordable – and can be used by the entire household. And there are no household income requirements for purchasing a plan.

Medicare: Medicare coverage is great for those without retiree health benefits. However, Medicare doesn’t cover all of your health care costs – such as prescription drug coverage and visits to the dentist and eye doctor. You can purchase a marketplace plan to cover these essential health benefits, but you will have to pay more for these plans. 

Medical discount plans: Medical discount plans can be used with your Original Medicare plan to make things that Medicare doesn’t cover more affordable.

If you are unsatisfied with your health insurance options, contact an AmeriPlan consultant. We offer a low-cost health plan that gives you access to discounted services, prescription drugs, and more. 

Key Takeaways on Affordable Healthcare Seniors

• Those under 65 may try to get marketplace coverage, but low-cost coverage means high deductible policies.
• Those 65 and older may qualify for Medicare, but they will need to purchase coverage for dentist and eye doctor visits – or pay out of pocket for these services. Affordable healthcare seniors continues to be a challenge. 
• Medical discount plans lower the cost of uncovered healthcare services.

Some people think that they can’t afford to go to the doctor. But regular health check-ups – especially if you have risk factors for cardiovascular disease – can save you money in the long run.

Don’t just take our word for it. According to the director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, “preventive services can both help prevent illness and identify health problems early, when clinical interventions are most beneficial. Preventive services include screenings, tests, checkups, patient counseling, and vaccines to help define risks for, prevent, or recognize diseases and other potential health problems.”

According to Web MD, here are some checks and tests you shouldn’t miss.

Routine Physical Exam

During a routine physical exam, a doctor will record your weight, height, body mass index, and vital signs (such as pulse and blood pressure). They will review your family history, ask about your lifestyle, and listen to your heart and lungs.

Do you need to have a physical examination every year? That depends on your age, general health, and whether you have risk factors for any certain diseases or types of health problems.

Cholesterol

High cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke. Your doctor will likely recommend that you check your cholesterol more often if you’re an older adult, male, overweight, or have a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Talk with your healthcare provider to see if it is time to begin colorectal cancer screenings. These tests look for cancer in the colon or rectum by checking for blood or tissue growths called polyps. These tests are given earlier if the patient has a high risk for this type of cancer.

Blood Sugar

A blood sugar test is a simple test that measures the glucose level in your blood. This routine test is most often given to those who are overweight, have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, or have had gestational diabetes.

Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram)

Talk to your doctor to see if you should add a mammogram to your annual checkup. But, of course, go to your doctor’s office if you have the following breast symptoms:

• a lump in the breast
• swelling of all or part of the breast
• skin irritation or dimpling
• breast or nipple pain.
• nipple retraction
• nipple discharge

Cervical Cancer Screening

A Pap test checks for changes in your cervix that could become cancer. Using those same cells, the lab can screen for HPV, a virus that can lead to cervical cancer. You may need both tests or one, depending on your age and medical history.

Other Tests to Consider

Of course, there are other tests to consider. Men should be checked for prostate cancer, and everyone should be on the lookout for signs of skin cancer. 

Please understand that this is not an exhaustive list. Instead, it’s to remind you of the importance of seeing a doctor regularly – especially if you have high-risk factors for chronic disease.

How to Pay for Health Screenings If You Have Risk Factors

Consider purchasing an AmeriPlan package before visiting your primary care physician. AmeriPlan is a medical discount program that allows you to save money on regular checkups, screening tests, and blood work. Here’s how it works.

You purchase a plan. Everyone is charged the same regardless of personal history, health conditions, lifestyle choices, or family history.

You schedule an appointment with an AmeriPlan healthcare provider. These individuals have agreed to provide services for a certain amount as long as the patient agrees to pay in cash at the time of the appointment. 

It’s that easy.

Contact AmeriPlan today to learn more about our medical discount program.

Key Takeaways

• Routine checkups and tests can help with the early detection of some medical conditions, chronic illnesses, and diseases.
• You can get a routine checkup – even if you don’t have medical insurance.
• Health benefit plans make healthcare more affordable.

Unfortunately, many Americans don’t get the medical testing they need because they are concerned about lab test costs. However, lab tests are an essential part of a preventative healthcare plan. Additionally, they can also alert your medical provider to signs of disease.

Here are some of the most common types of lab tests. Keep reading to learn how to save money on medical testing and all healthcare costs.

Common Lab Tests

Your healthcare provider may recommend lab tests based on your risk factors, health history, and age. Here are some of the common lab tests your doctor may recommend.

Lipid Panel

A lipid panel measures your total cholesterol level – both good and bad components. This test is often used to screen for risks of heart disease.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This blood test analyzes and checks your red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, plasma, and hematocrit. This test is used to screen for diseases or to check your health status.

Thyroid Function Panel

A thyroid test evaluates the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood. This test is used to diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Urinalysis

A urinalysis test measures the chemicals and protein in your urine. Urine tests can give physicians a clearer view of your kidney function. Additionally, it can help detect kidney disease, diabetes, and urinary tract infections.

Basic Metabolic Panel or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

This blood test measures substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, level of glucose, calcium, and electrolyte balance. The test results also provide information about your body’s chemical balance and metabolism.

Vitamin Panel

This blood work monitors levels of up to 13 vitamins, including folic acid.

How Much Do Blood Tests Cost?

Whether you have health insurance or not, you should know how much your lab tests cost before scheduling any service. Unfortunately, we cannot tell you the exact cost of laboratory testing because the cost of laboratory tests varies depending on facility and geography. However, it’s worth noting that some diagnostic tests cost around $1,000.

If your healthcare provider has recommended multiple tests, you may be rightfully worried about your out-of-pocket costs. You aren’t alone. The high cost of lab tests and medical procedures can challenge many families. However, we have a solution for you if you are struggling with medical expenses.

Save on Lab Tests with AmeriPlan – An Alternative to Health Insurance

For less than $40 per month, you can purchase a membership in a health benefit plan that covers your entire household. The AmeriPlan Deluxe Plus Medical Benefit Plan includes discounts for “ancillary medical services.”

You can save up to 80% on the following services:

• MRIs and CT scans
• Other imaging and radiographic services
• Lab tests or lab work (including lipid panels, blood tests, and other health panels).

Key Takeaways

• The information you can receive from lab results may prolong your life.

• Many Americans are concerned with how much lab tests cost.

• You can save money on blood work and other medical testing by purchasing a membership with a health benefit plan – whether you have insurance coverage or not.

What is the difference between an MRI scan and a CT scan?

CT (computerized tomography) scans to create a 3D image of the patient’s organ(s) by photographing a collection of different x-ray images from various angles.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans to create one of the most detailed images possible with the combined use of powerful magnets and radiofrequency impulses. They are often used when other methods fall short because they produce a high-resolution, in-depth photograph. One of the tradeoffs for producing such an image is the safety concerns due to EMF (electromagnetic frequency) risk levels.

Differences between an MRI scan and a CT scan:

MRI scan	CT scan
Uses a combination of magnetic fields and radiofrequency impulses	Uses x-rays (ionized radiation)
More detailed images of inner organs (soft tissues, skeletal system, brain, et.c)	Less detailed images of the body than MRI, but more detailed than traditional x-rays
More expensive	Less expensive
Enclosed space (claustrophobia trigger)	Less enclosed space (shorter than MRI)
EMF concerns (from magnets and radio waves)	Radiation concerns (from x-rays)
Can be time intensive (15-90 minutes)	Can be fast (5-30 minutes)
Noisy	Less noisy than MRI
Captures tendons and ligaments as well as other hard-to-see space between fat, water, etc.	Does not show tendons and ligaments

What can CT scans detect?

CT scans are often used to quickly detect and rule out trauma effects, such as fractures or breaks from falling or impact accidents.

CT can detect:

• Abnormal tissue
• Blood clots
• Bone breaks/fractures (including more subtle ones that x-rays might not see)
• Cancer (preferred scan for detection)
• Organ injuries
• Pneumonia
• Tumors (depending on size)

What is an MRI scan used to diagnose?

An MRI can be used to diagnose harder-to-see soft tissue issues that a CT scan or X-ray might miss.

MRIs are commonly used to detect:

• Herniated disks
• Soft tissue damage
• Tendon or ligament tears
• Tumors

Why would you need to have an MRI after having a CT scan?

Though CAT scans give a more detailed scan than an x-ray, an MRI provides the highest resolution scan of the three. As stated above, MRIs can capture more hard-to-catch details, such as tendon and ligament tears, but with an added health risk.

A doctor might start with a CT scan order. If the CT scan does not reveal what they’re looking for (e.g. tumor), a doctor might order an MRI to make sure they haven’t missed anything.

Which is safer: CT scan or MRI?

While CT scans run the risk of radiation due to the x-rays, the added clarity of strong magnets and radio waves makes MRIs more dangerous. MRIs also use a tightly enclosed, noisy space that can take more time than CT scans. They can cause more anxiety and stress in claustrophobic people since the CT scan uses a shorter, more open bed.

MRI scan risks:

• Loud noises from the timed magnetic lock changes may damage ears without proper protection. Some of the rare but possible side effects are tinnitus (ringing in ears) or hearing loss.
• Implant wearers (cochlear devices, pacemakers, stents, etc.) should consult their doctor before MRI scans, as they present heightened risks such as malfunction.
• Magnetic objects can be projected due to the strong magnetic field that’s used, so take extra care to ensure no magnetic objects enter the space prior to the scan.
• Radiofrequency energy can cause body heating, which increases as the procedure time increases.
• Twitching sensation due to nerve stimulation may occur.

CT scan risks:

• Allergic reaction to contrast material (iodine)
• Pregnancy defects may occur due to radiation
• Cancer risks due to ionizing radiation

Which is better: a CT scan or MRI?

Each scan is better or worse depending on the specific needs and health of the patient. A CT scan is better for bone breaks and fractures while MRI is better for soft tissue contrast images that require higher detail for detection. An MRI is seen as more risk-prone due to the magnetic resonance and radio waves. However, a CT scan has its own health risks due to ionized radiation. Claustrophobia adds another layer to the risk levels, as does medical devices or health history. The best practice is to consult your physician to discuss which option is best for you.

Questions? Call AmeriPlan

If you are stressed about paying for your family’s medical bills or prescription drug costs, contact AmeriPlan. Fill out this contact form or call 800-647-8421 for more information.