As H.S.A’s and high deductible health plans become more normal, we as consumers have to become shoppers, and not blindly go ahead with orders for tests and prescriptions without speaking up. Ask “What does that cost?”, or “Can you do it cheaper?”, and then shop for a deal. The easiest place for deals is office visits for primary care. One of my favorites for your average coughs and colds or rashes are the CVS Minute Clinics. They are fast, efficient, reasonable, and they also show what they charge for a visit. Also, ask your local MD what he will charge for a routine visit for a cash patient. Don’t forget to ask for a bargain.

When you go to a Minute Clinic, it is a good idea to ask for a generic RX, and then, if you have time, go to Costco or Target for your RX. For RX, there are many deals available. Target has its $4 generic list where drugs only cost $4 or less if you buy 90 days worth. Walmart has one as well.

Take the list with you to your next doctor’s visit and ask if any of these drugs will work for what you need. Most doctors are brand oriented, but if you tell them that you cannot afford the prescription, they may get creative. Also, Costco has generic and brand deals as well. I have found them to be the best deal for RX overall.

Here is a sample of a drug and what its costs.
Simavastain, the generic of Zocor, 30 day supply:

• $7.71 Costco
• $19.87 non chain drug store
• $63.59 CVS
• $89.99 Walgreens

Imagine paying $82 more than Costco’s product. It is time to become a shopper: use the web to check out discount e-tailers, and haggle with everyone. If you are paying cash (H.S.A card), then you should get a deal.

Watch the Video Here – Lessons for Living Longer

In the recent October 2009 issue of Bottom Line Personal publication the topic of living longer sparked our interest. Dan Buettner, writer for National Geographic, published a book called The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. Along with the National Institute on Aging and the nation’s top gerontologists, they have studied the world’s Blue Zones, which are places where people live curiously longer and healthier lives. Below are some interesting facts from the article.

* Blue Zones include Okinawa, Japan; Ardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, CA, and Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.

Why Loma Linda, CA (I raised my eyebrows too) known as home to California’s Seventh day Adventists? They do a lot of nature walks, which means they’re always exercising.

* Average life expectancy in the US is 78.1 years

* 50 centenarians per 100,000 people in Okinawa, Japan

* 20 centenarians per 100,000 people in the US

* 25% of longevity is genetics, 75% is environmental

* On average you can live 14 more years if you eat better and exercise more often,
nothing too strenuous just frequency will make all the difference.

* Recommended that you do 30-60 minutes worth of moderate exercise daily
One thing not mentioned in this article is annual check-ups at the doctor’s office. This is very important because preventive care with the right health insurance coverage will save you a lot of time and not to mention pain. Make sure you see your doctor annually and update your health insurance coverage.