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8 Ways to Save on Health Expenses

Investing in your health is vital, but you can still save a buck by cutting back on these expenses. Here's how

from: AARP Bulletin, June 29, 2011

En español | No copay. The new health care law provides for free preventive tests by participating Medicare providers. Included are wellness checkups, mammograms, colorectal cancer screenings and bone density, Pap and other tests that used to require a 20 percent copay. Check with your Medicare-participating doctor.

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Rx for less. Get a 30-day supply of some generic drugs for $4 — with no enrollment fees — at Walmart, Sam's Club, Kroger and Target. Other chains also have $4 programs but may charge fees. Find local offerings at medtipster.com.

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Hearing aids. Lions Club International, the Sertoma Hearing Aid Recycling Program and the Starkey Hearing Foundation's Hear Now program all sponsor recycling campaigns that help the financially needy obtain hearing aids.

Members only? Not when it comes to buying pharmaceuticals at low-price warehouse clubs Costco and Sam's Club. They sell prescriptions to anyone.

Your eyes. Free exams and a year of follow-up by volunteer ophthalmologists are available for certain folks over 65. See EyeCareAmerica.org.

99 Ways to Save Money on healthcare-dumbbell weights

Health and wellness doesn't have to cost you a fortune. — Flickr/Getty Images

Fiscal fitness. If you're joining a health club, see if it offers a per-visit plan. Despite good intentions, most people work out only about once a week, and overpay with monthly or annual memberships.

In the doughnut hole. If you entered the Part D coverage gap this year, you'll get a 50 percent discount on all brand-name and biologic drugs you buy while you're in the gap. Over 10 years, you'll gradually receive more discounts on generics as well as brands until the gap closes in 2020.

Cute choppers. If your whitening strips are too big for your teeth, cut them in half horizontally. Two for the price of one!

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Contributors: Arthur Dalglish, Sid Kirchheimer, Cathie Gandel, Joan Rattner Heilman, K.C. Summers, Jeff Yeager, Bob Calandra and AARP members like you.