How Pensioners Can Reduce Their Medical Costs

As many Australians move into retirement age; one of their major concerns is the rising cost of medical care. According to Private Healthcare Australia; due to the baby boomers hitting 65 in 2011, there will be an unprecedented demand for health services in Australia. They go on to say that during that period real health spending on people 65 and older will increase seven fold. This information alone should be enough to scare the average baby boomer and Gen-Xer’s into action. Instead of being fearful, the answer is being proactive about individual health to ensure personal medical costs are kept down. If medical care is necessary, be sure to take advantage of available Government programs.

Here are some steps that can help reduce your medical cost.

1.Annual Checkups. Many serious health issues are often found during annual checkups. Primary doctor visits at least annually are the best way major illnesses can be detected in their earliest stages. Early detection gives the best opportunity for survival especially in aggressive diseases. The Australian Medical Associate confirms that by having regular checkups the result is a reduction of mortality because the diseases are found early. These checkups not only identify disease but also help to establish normal baseline readings for the patient. The best part is that the assessment is usually free.

2.PBS Safety Net Cards. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Safety Net Cards were implemented to help families pay for medicines after they reached a certain threshold. Once a family has spent up to their maximum threshold they would receive either free or cheaper medicines. This can save a family from serious indebtedness as medicines can be very expensive. Just go to the nearest pharmacy to apply for the card.

3.Medicare. Those Australians eligible for Medicare get many benefits. They can go to a public hospital for free medical care. They also have reduced payments on outpatient treatment. Medicare covers test and exams to assess health and diagnose illnesses. It also covers treatment to include surgery performed by doctors and dentists.

4.Exercise. Regular exercise is good for overall health. A sedentary life style coupled with poor eating habits can lead to many chronic illnesses. According to the Medical Journal of Australia, over a quarter of the cancers found in Australia could be eradicated in years to come through diet and exercise alone. So get up off the couch and take a walk or go for that swim. If everyone followed this advice; the cost of medical care in Australia would go down immensely.

5.Follow A Healthy Diet. Speaking of diet; we eat many foods today that are not good for the body and the obesity rate in this country exemplifies that fact every day. By talking with a nutritionist or dietician; we can learn to eat healthier for a longer and more productive life. Don’t drink alcohol excessively and cut down on salt intake. Just following these two simple guidelines can go a long way in keeping a body healthy. If seeing a professional isn’t affordable, the primary physician can provide information on foods that can potentially cause heart attacks and strokes. This information alone can reform any diet from potentially deadly to beneficial for continued wellness and good health. The better you eat the fewer visits to the doctor and more money left in your pockets.

Everyone is interested in reducing the cost of medical care. What many don’t realise is that preventive care is the key. By exercising daily and eating healthy, many of the worst illnesses and even injuries are avoidable. By having annual checkups you are ensuring that any problems are detected and treated early. If additional care is necessary; Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Safety Net Card are available to help reduce your costs.