Mariel Segarra

Another option is to get on an interest-free payment plan with your hospital or doctor's office.

Not a credit card or a loan, just an installment plan with zero interest.

Takeaway three.

If you think you're going to meet your deductible, you want to schedule expensive medical procedures and visits earlier in the year so that you can squeeze the most out of your plan.

Of course, this isn't always possible.

And if you've already met your deductible in a given year, that's also a good time to go to the doctor.

Takeaway four, certain kinds of visits and services are free, even if you have a high deductible plan and you haven't met your deductible yet.

And takeaway five, don't sleep on your HSA.

It can save you a lot of money in taxes and help you save up for medical bills.

That's our show.

Do you have a question or a story about navigating the healthcare system?

It could be part of an upcoming healthcare helpline installment.

You can share your story by following the link in the show notes of this episode.

This episode of Life Kit was produced by Margaret Serino.

Our digital editor is Malika Garib and our visuals editor is CJ Rikulan.

Megan Cain is our senior supervising editor and Beth Donovan is our executive producer.

Our production team also includes Andy Tegel, Claire Marie Schneider, Sylvie Douglas, and Mika Ellison.

Engineering support comes from Ko Takasugi Chernovan.

I'm Mariel Segarra.

Thanks for listening.