Make Health Care Affordable: Beat These 5 Roadblocks

Not sure how to start saving money on health care? You've got company: Nearly 40% of people who took the survey also felt unsure. Try these tips may help. Use generic medicines when possible. If you have insurance, brush up on confusing insurance lingo with Healthcare.gov's handy glossary. Try to use in-network doctors for more coverage. And take advantage of any free screenings or preventive care your plan offers. If you don't have insurance, you may be able to get low-cost care through local community health centers.

Just over 30% of survey-takers felt that using cost-saving strategies for care takes too much time. If you feel the same, a couple of low-effort tactics may help. Check your prescriptions on apps that compare prices at various pharmacies and find coupons. And if you use a health savings account like an HSA or FSA to set aside pretax income for future health care expenses, set it up to take out a set amount per paycheck.

About 31% of people who took the survey said they worried that getting cheaper healthcare meant lower-quality care. But at least one review of studies didn't consistently find a link between the cost and quality of healthcare in the United States. Other research has argued that you could pay a lot for certain newly approved treatments that aren't proven to be more effective than older ones. Also, you might pay a different amount compared to someone else for the same treatment or test due to differing coverage.

Thirty-one percent also said a lack of transparency about pricing makes it hard to save on medical expenses. Federal law requires hospitals and health insurance plans to publish the costs of certain items and services, which can help you shop around. But not all hospitals follow the law. And some post pricing info that's hard to understand. Still, some health systems offer online tools that can estimate out-of-pocket costs for certain services. Certain insurance companies also have tools that estimate costs based on your coverage. You could also try an independent cost estimator like Fair Health Consumer.

Thirty-five percent of survey-takers said their health insurance makes it tough to lower medical expenses. If you're choosing a plan through your state's online Marketplace, here are a few tips. Make sure your preferred doctor or hospital is "in-network" on the plan for more coverage. Want added perks? Some plans offer services like free checkups, quit-smoking counseling, and virtual care. Need help reviewing similar plans? The Marketplace lets you compare up to three side by side.