None of us can control the cost of health insurance, but we can save money by getting healthy. Smokers pay upwards of $300 per month for cigarettes. That’s $3600 per year and $36,000 over 10 years. According to the CDC, “smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis”. Smoking is an extremely costly habit. An individual battling cancer will pay on average $150,000 depending on the type of cancer, treatments needed, and health insurance. Quitting smoking is no easy feat but is possible with help and support.
Those who drink more than 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks per day should reducing alcohol consumption to reduce monthly spending and their risk of developing serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease or cancer. On average it costs over $18000 per patient per year to be treated for heart disease, according to the National Library of Medicine, and more than twice that amount to treat liver disease.
Even those who aren’t overweight and don’t smoke or drink to excess can save money by making healthy lifestyle changes.
- Make meals at home instead of going out to dinner.
- Workout every day.
- If your gym is expensive, switch to another location that offers a reduced monthly membership fee or workout at home.
- Make lists before going to the grocery store to avoid impulse buys of junk food.
- Skip the soda and drink more water. If you don’t like water, purchase flavor drops to make it more appealing.
Getting healthy can mean discounts on health insurance. Check with your carrier to see if they offer a program that rewards you for wellness checks, daily workouts, healthy eating, and preventative care. Every penny saved counts!