How to Save Money on Health Insurance: Expert Tips from Gina Katz

Navigating health insurance can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! On this episode of Smart Living, I sat down with Gina Katz, a health insurance broker, to uncover ways to save money on your health coverage while ensuring you get the care you need.

Why Work with an Insurance Broker?

Gina explains that brokers do the “heavy lifting” for consumers, helping them find plans that match their specific needs and budget. Many people don’t realize brokers can help them explore insurance options year-round—not just during open enrollment—and that this service is often free!

Key Takeaways to Save on Health Insurance:

  1. Tailored Plans for Every Need: Whether you’re self-employed, part of a group plan, or need private insurance, Gina can connect you to over 30 different plans, some with no deductible.
  2. Explore Cash Prices: Even with insurance, you might save money by asking about cash-pay options for services like MRIs or lab work.
  3. Prescription Savings: Use tools like GoodRx or Mark Cuban’s pharmacy to slash medication costs. Gina also shares resources for nonprofit and manufacturer discounts.
  4. Emergency Room Alternatives: Avoid costly hospital ERs by visiting local, doctor-owned facilities like Phoenix ER, offering quality care at lower prices. Heres the link to them:
    They are open 24 hours a day. They bill their ER visits based on the level of severity.
    Just for the average visit ,the ER charge is $350 and goes up to $2400 for extreme cases.
    For example, a kidney stone would be $600 ( I just had a client be billed $15,000 at Banner health for a Kidney stone)
    They also offer outpatient imaging as well at a very low price.

Bonus Tip:

If you’re relatively healthy, private insurance plans can offer significant savings compared to Affordable Care Act plans, as they aren’t required to cover higher-risk individuals.

Gina is passionate about helping people navigate health insurance and maximize their benefits. To learn more, check out her services or contact her directly via the information on my blog.