'Why don't governments step in?' YouTube's MrBeast 'cures' 1,000 blind people and gives away 1,000 hearing aids — 5 ways to cut down health costs if you don't have a celebrity friend to help

Preventative care beats any cure

Regular check-ups, vaccinations and screenings can detect health issues early and reduce the likelihood of expensive care down the road. Many insurance plans offer free or low-cost preventative care services. Most states have your back on this, requiring private insurers to reimburse for telemedicine.

Where your insurance won’t step in, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts can cover alternative procedures — the kind many folks swear by — like acupuncture or herbal medicine. Just be sure to get a Letter of Medical Necessity from a doctor first.

Stop overpaying for home insurance

Home insurance is an essential expense – one that can often be pricey. You can lower your monthly recurring expenses by finding a more economical alternative for home insurance.

SmartFinancial can help you do just that. SmartFinancial’s online marketplace of vetted home insurance providers allows you to quickly shop around for rates from the country’s top insurance companies, and ensure you’re paying the lowest price possible for your home insurance.

Explore better rates

Make the call on telehealth

Telehealth services allow patients to consult with health care providers remotely. They became increasingly popular during the COVID-19.pandemic when visiting a doctor’s office or clinic wasn’t possible.

But today, they remain a convenient and cost-effective option, particularly for non-emergency care.

Many insurance plans now cover telehealth, so consider this option for routine check-ups, consultations and even some urgent care needs.

Make prescription shopping your Rx

Comparing the prices of prescription medication at different pharmacies can produce significant savings over time.

Some pharmaceutical companies will offer introductory pricing on medications, while discount programs and price matching can also help.

Don’t hesitate to speak up when visiting your pharmacy to make sure you land the lowest price, and look into generic drugs as an effective, cost-saving measure.

Stop overpaying for home insurance

Home insurance is an essential expense – one that can often be pricey. You can lower your monthly recurring expenses by finding a more economical alternative for home insurance.

SmartFinancial can help you do just that. SmartFinancial’s online marketplace of vetted home insurance providers allows you to quickly shop around for rates from the country’s top insurance companies, and ensure you’re paying the lowest price possible for your home insurance.

Explore better rates

Do the due: Negotiate medical bills

While big medical bills can be intimidating, providers and collectors will often extend flexibility if you ask for it. Step up to bargain or negotiate with insurers or care providers by asking about payment plans or financial assistance programs.

Healthy habits, building bonds

Research has shown that exercise makes a difference in overall health, especially walking. A 2021 study connecting exercise routines to Medicare claims found that starting regular exercise before or during middle age can save between $824 to $1,874 annually on health-care costs after retirement.

Strength training, a balanced diet, meditation and sleep hygiene also have positive effects. Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption will bolster overall health.

But the one factor just coming into its own centers on the strength of human bonds. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest running study of its kind at 85 years, has established a strong correlation between deep relationships and well-being.

So if you’re not sure where to start, grab a close friend for a long walk and a healthy meal afterward. Make a habit of it and you may just be on your way to boisterous health along with (we’re sure MrBeast would agree) one beauty of a life.