Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or any other age, regular lab tests like blood tests—also called health screenings—are essential to keeping yourself healthy. They help you to monitor changes, detect early signs of disease, and manage chronic conditions effectively.
Regular health checkups can also guide lifestyle changes and treatment decisions so interventions are timely and appropriate, helping you take proactive steps to maintain or improve your health at any stage of life.
However, there is no denying that the cost of lab testing can accumulate quickly, especially with so many to take. Thankfully, there are several ways to get the health screenings you need without breaking the bank.
By understanding your options for smarter savings, you can ease the financial strain and focus on what truly matters: your health. Let’s explore eight tips on how to save on lab tests and lessen the burden on your healthcare spending.
1. Ask for Generic or Alternative Tests
Much like opting for generic medications to lower costs, choosing generic or alternative lab tests can reduce medical bills without compromising the efficacy of diagnostics. Some tests come in multiple forms or can be collected in various ways, some of which may be much more cost-effective than others.
Always discuss the possibility of substituting a recommended test with a less expensive alternative that has comparable quality with your doctor. Be proactive by asking them about all available testing options and their respective costs.
Additionally, some medical facilities might offer sliding scale fees based on income for certain tests, so don’t hesitate to ask about such options.
2. Check Your Insurance Coverage
Many health insurance plans cover a wide range of diagnostic tests, but coverage levels can vary significantly. Therefore, you should always check if your insurance covers the specific lab tests you need and what your out-of-pocket costs may be. This includes understanding your deductible, copayments, and whether you need a referral or pre-authorization.
Sometimes, tests your doctor orders may be fully or partially covered. If a specific test isn’t fully covered, you can also discuss the necessity of the test or if there are covered alternatives with your healthcare provider. Being well-informed about your insurance benefits and restrictions can help you avoid unexpected bills and make the most of your health plan.
Some other ways you can get discounts with your insurance include:
- Use in-network labs: Using discounted labs in your insurer’s network generally costs less than using out-of-network labs.
- Utilize preventive care services: Your insurance provider may cover these services at no additional cost, and they can include some screening tests recommended by your healthcare provider.
3. Leverage FSAs and HSAs
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are powerful tools for managing out-of-pocket medical expenses, including lab testing. Both accounts allow you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualifying medical expenses, which can result in significant tax savings.
Both accounts allow you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualifying expenses—including lab tests—at the start of the year. However, FSAs are typically use-it-or-lose-it accounts that expire at the end of each year, while HSAs are yours to keep and can accumulate over time if not spent.
To leverage these accounts effectively, plan your anticipated healthcare expenses, including lab tests, at the start of the year. Keep receipts and make sure your expenditures qualify under your account’s rules. Using FSAs and HSAs reduce your taxable income and stretch your healthcare dollars further, so you want to be sure to use them correctly.
4. Compare Prices
Lab test costs can vary widely between different healthcare providers and facilities. To make sure you’re getting the best deal, you should compare prices before committing to a particular lab or hospital.
Many health systems now offer price estimation tools on their websites. You can also call and ask for pricing information directly. Additionally, there are some independent online resources and apps designed to help patients compare lab test prices across multiple locations.
By gathering this information, you can choose a provider that offers the tests you need at the most affordable pricing. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve quality care. The lowest price should also be balanced with the service’s quality and reliability, as well as convenience and the speed of lab test results.
5. Use Online Health Test Sites
Online health test sites like Quest Diagnostics have become a popular and convenient option for getting your own lab tests without needing a doctor visit. They offer a wide range of tests that you can order yourself. They’re often competitively priced since there are no hidden costs like you find at the doctor’s office—you only pay for the test itself and possibly the cost of shipping.
The process typically involves selecting and purchasing a test online, visiting a local lab or waiting for the company’s lab for sample collection, and then receiving results electronically.
Utilizing online health test sites can save you a lot of money, particularly for routine tests or if you’re monitoring a known condition. However, it’s important to verify that the site is reputable and uses certified labs. So you should always review the type of accreditation the lab holds along with customer reviews.
Moreover, discuss your lab test results with a healthcare provider for proper interpretation and follow-up. This method offers cost savings and makes managing health care much more convenient and private.
6. Ask About Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
Patient Assistant Programs (PAPs) are initiatives typically sponsored by nonprofit organizations, government bodies, or pharmaceutical companies designed to help patients cover medical costs, including lab testing. They often target people who are uninsured, underinsured, or have high medical costs relative to their income. They can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost of necessary lab tests, making essential healthcare more accessible.
To take advantage of PAPs, start by inquiring with your healthcare provider or directly contacting the lab to see if they offer any assistance programs or if they partner with organizations that do. Be prepared to provide proof of income, medical history, or other documentation for applications.
7. Consider Community Health Clinics
Community health clinics are valuable resources for reducing healthcare costs, including lab tests. They often provide services based on a sliding scale fee structure, which means your costs are proportional to your income. Many community health clinics receive funding from federal or state programs and offer a wide range of health services to individuals with limited financial resources or inadequate insurance coverage.
To utilize this option, contact your local health department or do an online search to locate a community health clinic in your area. Then, contact them to ask about their services and eligibility criteria.
8. Use Discount Health Plans
Discount health plans like AmeriPlan are a practical solution to manage and reduce health test costs. These plans are not insurance. Instead, they provide access to a network of healthcare providers who agree to offer healthcare at lower rates.
Members pay a monthly or annual fee in exchange for discounted rates on various medical services, including:
- Lab tests
- Doctor visits
- Prescriptions
- Dental care
- Vision care
To make the most of a discount health plan, make sure a wide network of laboratories and healthcare facilities accept your plan. Before scheduling any tests, confirm that the facility participates in your specific discount plan and understand exactly how much you’ll save.
Taking this proactive approach can lead to substantial savings on routine and specialized lab testing, making healthcare more affordable and predictable.
Get Quality Lab Tests Without Breaking the Bank with AmeriPlan
If you’re looking to save on lab test costs with a discount plan, partner with Ameriplan! We offer discounted health services and prescriptions with our Deluxe Plus Plan so you can get the quality care you need without breaking the bank.
Contact one of our AmeriPlan consultants today to see how we can help you manage and improve your health at an affordable price.
Key Takeaways to Save Money with Discount Lab Tests
- Lab tests are an important part of monitoring health and making proactive changes to prevent diseases and chronic health conditions.
- While regular screening is important, costs can quickly accumulate.
- Eight ways to save on lab test costs include asking for generic/alternative tests, checking your insurance coverage, leveraging FSAs and HSAs, comparing prices, using online health test sites like Quest Diagnostics, taking advantage of Patient Assistance Programs, going to community health clinics, and using discount health plans.