February 4, 2012
Walk With A Doc is a national health movement encouraging patients to walk a mile with a physician on the first three Saturdays of every month. Each walk will be led by a physician who will give a brief overview of the benefits of exercise and answer general questions during the walk. Beginning today, this local program will continue through May (with a chance of turning into a year-round activity).
“All of our missions involve improving public health,” said Steve Nash, executive director of the Pima County Medical Society, which is one of the sponsor groups, “Regular walking can reduce your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, help maintain weight and in general make you feel better.”
The walks are open to the public and the routes are generally flat with some minor hills. Be sure to dress comfortable. Walk schedules are posted at www.pimamedicalsociety.org. It is best to arrive at least 15 minutes before the walk starts.
For questions call (520) 977-6445
February 2, 2012
Did you know that you can file for mileage getting to and from medical appointments? The medical mileage rate for 2012 is 23 cents a mile, according to the Internal Revenue Service. For example, say you went to the doctor 4x last year and the office is 20 miles from your home. That means you have four round-trips of 40 miles each, or a total of $37.60 in reimbursable charges.
You can also submit parking fees, which at some medical providers can cost more than the medical co-pay. Other reimbursable expenses include tolls, out-of-town care lodging, weight-loss and smoking program membership fees. The IRS allows flexible spending account participants to claim these common but little-known expenses.
“A lot of people don’t know it, but it can add up pretty quickly,” said Jesse Gelsomini, an employment lawyer who specializes in employee benefits at Haynes and Boone in Houston. “You can put some real change back in your pocket.”
Hundreds of dollars in reimbursable medical expenses are waiting for you, without having to go through a single book or paw through the junk drawer. It just takes an hour or two with a pencil, paper and calculator to yield reimbursable expenses you never knew you had. Start the year off smart!
January 31, 2012
To help optimize your health care budget this year, here are a few tips:
1. Stay In-Network: Make sure your doctor(s), laboratory and hospital are a part of your health plan’s provider network so you save on copays and coinsurance amounts
2. Have A Referral: Before seeing a specialists, check to see if you need a referral (and if so, how to request one). Without a referral, you may have to pay for services at the full out-of-pocket cost.
3. Use Alternative Emergency Services: A visit to the hospital emergency department is generally unnecessary for issues such as the flu, minor cuts and sprains, or urinary tract infections. Overall costs are usually lower at medical aid units (MAUs) and urgent care centers.
4. Take the tests: These include screenings, tests, vaccines and other care that your plan covers. When you and your family stay healthy, you can avoid doctor’s visits and missing work.
5. Take Your Medicine: People who take their medicine(s) as prescribed need less health care - and less expensive care.
6. Find the Best Price for the Medication You Need: Some generics are up to 80 percent less expensive than brand names, and also have the lowest copays.
7. Use your health flexible spending account (FSA) dollars: If you don’t use the money that you have contributed to your account, you’ll lose it at the end of the year.
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