38 PROVEN METHODS TO REDUCE MEDICAL & DENTAL 
COSTS

1.   Don't get sick!  Practice preventative medicine.  Eat 
     a balanced diet.
2.   Keep your weight down.  Encourage family members to 
     do the same.
3.   Choose a family doctor before you get sick.  To find 
     one, ask friends. neighbors local medical society or 
     nearby hospital.
4.   If you have minor medical problems, phone your 
     doctor.  Don't visit him.
5.   Purchase prescription drugs by generic names rather 
     than brand names.
6.   Buy drug items from discount stores where they are 
     less expensive.
7.   If vitamin/mineral supplements are necessary, order 
     from mail order firms such as: Nutrition Headquarters, 104 
     W. Jackson Street, Carbondale, IL 62901.
8.   If you smoke, stop.  You'll eliminate heart, lung, 
     circulatory problems.
9.   Excessive alcohol is bad for anyone.   Cut down or 
     stop drinking entirely.
10.  Ask your doctor for "starter" samples of drugs he may 
     prescribe for you.
11.  Protect against cost of blood transfusions.  
     Contribute blood periodically.
12.  By law, all aspirin is the same.  So always buy the 
     cheapest brand.
13.  If your doctor writes a prescription for a brand name 
     drug, ask the pharmacist to substitute a less expensive 
     generic drug.
14.  Most prescription drugs may be ordered from mail 
     order pharmacies licensed by the state.  Ask your doctor, 
     pharmacist or hospital for the name and address of such 
     firms.  This is a great saving for non-emergency drugs.
15.  Check public health centers in your area.  They 
     usually give immunizations and routine screening tests 
     free of charge.  or for very little cost.
16.  Buy a good home medical guide.  Learn to recognize 
     symptoms of diseases.
17.  If you have a persistent problem, get it taken care 
     of as soon as possible.
18.  Record all medical expenses for tax deductions.
19.  If possible  , use "out patient" facilities for minor 
     operations and medical procedures if it is acceptable to 
     you and your doctor.
20.  Have physical examinations regularly.
21.  for minor surgery, ask your doctor if it can be done 
     in his office.
22.  If hospitalization is necessary, have all tests done 
     before you enter.
23.  Discuss your financial condition with your doctor, 
     especially before surgery or special medical program.  He 
     may be able to suggest savings.
24.  Save on hospital costs.  Get in and out as quickly as 
     possible.  Before you enter, be aware of what everything 
     will cost and cut out the "frills".
25.  Shop around first.  Then join the best health care 
     plan you can afford.
26.  If a doctor claims you require surgery, get a second 
     opinion.  A second M.D. nay know of a non-surgical 
     treatment that works.
27.  Investigate any health insurance organizations in 
     your area.  These are groups of doctors who offer you all 
     the health care you need in a year for a single 
     predetermined fee.  Check your phone book.
28.  Many medical schools that train optometrists and 
     podiatrists operate low-cost clinics.  These clinics are 
     open to anyone.
29.  Senior citizens who join the American Association of 
     Retired People get drug discounts.  Ask your doctor for 
     the name and address.
30.  Home health care is sometimes possible if there is a 
     knowledgeable person around.  discuss it with your doctor 
     and you may shorten your hospital stay.
31.  If you are in bad financial straits, you may be 
     eligible for Medicaid.  Your local Dept. of Social 
     Services can give you information.
32.  Keep your own accurate and up-to-date medical 
     history.
33.  Many large corporations now arrange for their 
     employees to get free or low cost medical and dental care, 
     and medicine.
34.  When visiting your doctor, bring along a list of 
     questions you want to ask.
35.  Observe and teach all family members good dental 
     hygiene.
36.  Visit your dentist regularly for checkups.
37.  Use the best and cheapest dentifrice:  salt & 
     bicarbonate of soda.
38.  Many dental colleges operate no-cost or low fee 
     dental clinics.