New Chinese immigrants arriving in the United States will inevitably encounter issues such as seeking medical care. Although having health insurance can save a significant amount of money, applying a few tips to save on medical costs in advance can undoubtedly minimize your expenses.
What are the tips for new US immigrants to save on medical care in the United States? WorldWay's US immigration experts provide a detailed analysis below:
1. Take care of your dental health before immigrating to the US
As everyone knows, the cost of dental care in the United States is relatively high, and standard US health insurance does not cover dental treatment. Therefore, to reduce unnecessary expenses, it is recommended that new US immigrants complete a comprehensive dental check-up and receive relevant care and maintenance before immigrating. For example, six months before going abroad, it is best to visit a clinic for an oral examination, fill any cavities, remove tartar, and eliminate any potential oral health issues.
2. Avoid hospitalization whenever possible
Hospitalization costs in the United States are also quite high. If your condition does not require hospitalization, try to avoid it to reduce unnecessary inpatient expenses.
For example, when a doctor suggests hospitalization, you can ask for alternative treatment options. For instance, ask the doctor to refer you to an ambulatory surgery center for treatment, as these centers can treat over 1,500 types of conditions, and some can even perform surgeries depending on the severity of the condition without the need for hospitalization.
3. Choose the most suitable hospital based on your actual situation
There are two types of hospitals in the United States: for-profit hospitals, which are mostly private, and non-profit hospitals, which are generally public. Generally speaking, the fees at for-profit hospitals are 25% higher than those at non-profit hospitals (such as "county hospitals").
In addition, teaching hospitals with high-tech medical equipment charge significantly more than non-teaching hospitals. Therefore, it is best for new US immigrants to consider their medical condition, convenience, and other comprehensive factors when choosing the most suitable hospital for treatment.
4. Try to seek medical care during regular hospital working days
Since many US hospitals do not provide any diagnosis or treatment on weekends and major holidays (such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.), being admitted to the hospital during those times would undoubtedly waste money on expensive room charges.
Additionally, hospital stays in the US are generally calculated by the day. Hospitals usually have detailed regulations regarding discharge times, so when being discharged, be careful not to exceed that time frame to avoid paying for an extra day.
5. Purchase necessary items for hospitalization outside the hospital
Because items rented or sold by the hospital itself or its affiliated shops, including medicines and daily necessities, are much more expensive than those in regular stores, try not to buy anything inside the hospital that can be purchased outside.
6. Carefully check your bill before discharge
Before being discharged, be sure to carefully check your bill to prevent any errors.
Of course, the best method is to ensure a healthy diet, get sufficient exercise, and maintain a happy mood, thereby ensuring good health and a smooth settlement in the United States.
