Healthcare saving hacks to consider before November's open enrollment

Affording health care can be a constant headache for families. As insurance costs continue to rise, coupled with recent changes to the Affordable Care Act, some of the subsidies people count on have been rescinded. So how do you save money on healthcare? 7 On Your Side has a few hacks that can help you save big.

Every year, as summer vacations wind down and kids go back to school, we begin to settle into the fall season and the biq question is: When is open enrollment?

The answer? Sooner than you think! Open enrollment starts November 1st.

So, if you're shopping to enroll, renew, or switch plans, you have a little over eight weeks to do your research. But first things first, don't just let your current plan roll over because you may be missing out on savings.

While you may not be able to control some aspects of what you pay, you can and should revisit your current plan before automatically reenrolling.

"Don't ' just set it and forget it. Plans change every year. There may be new providers in your state, a new option, so if you just set it and forget it, you might be missing out on things,," said consumer expert Trae Bodge.

Bodge recommends looking for extra benefits and tasks you can complete to earn points or discounts.

"Some insurance plans offer things you can do to earn extra points and discounts. Maybe its going to the gym and checking in on the app or investing in equipment, Bodge said. Adding, "Going for a preventative doctor's visit, these thing can help out."

She also says joining prescription membership programs can pay off.

"GoodRx is a site I have used for a long time and now they have this companion program which really helps when people are struggling," said Bodge.

"New Yorkers are grappling with a growing issue, which is underinsurance," said Senior Vice President of Good Rx, Divya Iyer.

"They may have coverage but the out-of-pocket costs and bills may be hard to manage and they may have insurance restriction which delays access," Iyer said.

Iyer is also a pharmacist and says many people walk away from necessary treatment because of affordability. To help with that, Good Rx has a companion program that charges a monthly membership fee. Iyer says its array of benefits far outweighs the cost.

"For $1499 a month or $9.99 a month, if they pay annually, they get access 250 generic medications free. It's no cost to them. Zero dollars," said Iyer.

While you should always check with your doctor before switching to a generic medication, you can also use the site to compare prices at pharmacies near you.

Also, search for coupons and check manufacturer self-pay programs for discounts on medications like weight loss injections.

"Including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound, these leading GLP-1's where you can get them for the lowest cash prices "

And don't overlook this simple saving hack!

"If they're managing a chronic condition they can switch to a 30-90 day supply which often tends to be more affordable," Iyer said.

Health Savings and Flexible Spending accounts are also option to save. They allow you to spend pre-tax dollars to pay for medically-related expenses like, doctor visits, prescription eyewear, exercise equipment, and skincare products.

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