Freelancing allows you to create what you want, when you want and how you want, which is the epitome of freedom for many people.
How many of you know that freedom is not really free?
There is a cost to freedom and some of the highest prices you’ll pay as a full-time freelancer are medical, dental and vision expenses.
Thus, I would like to share a few medical, dental and vision resources I’ve used or discovered during my freelance writing life.
Medical, Dental and Vision Resources
Health Benefits
- State insurance plans
- Sliding scale plans based on your income (inquire at the health center)
- Professional associations
- Affordable Care Act
Prescription Drug Benefits
I read an article on how to save money on prescription drugs on The Penny Hoarder.
This was a blessing for several reasons. One, the article was recently published so I didn’t have to do tons of research myself. And two, the tips and resources provided were invaluable.
I have a monthly prescription. I called several pharmacies and the prices ranged from $109.99 – $177 at pharmacies. I found a coupon on Good RX and ended up paying $57 at Walgreens, which was almost half of the lowest cost quoted and $72 less than the quoted price at Walgreens.
Be sure to read that article and check out the resources listed. Also, a person left a comment to check with local independent pharmacies.
Hospitalization Benefits
- Hospitals have charity funds and other payment options to help
Dental Benefits
- Some health centers offer dental services
- Sliding scales based on income
- Dentist offices may offer sliding scale or payment plan options
- Dental schools
Vision
Eye exams are relatively inexpensive. However, prescription lenses and frames are your biggest expenses. Your frames don’t have to be name brand; they just have to complement your face.
Eye Exams
- Vision centers
- Discount stores like Walmart
- Optometry schools and programs
Eyeglass Frames and prescription lenses.
- Vision centers (ask if they have discounts or discontinued frames)
- Discount stores
- Optometry schools and programs
- Online search for discount eyewear
In Chicago, the Illinois Eye Institute has a program called Vision of Hope where you get a complete exam, dilation and frames for free based on your income.
Other Benefit Sources
- AAA Travel Club
- AARP
- Sam’s Club
- College alumni associations
- Professional associations
- Online research
- Conversations with individuals
These are the medical, dental and vision resources I’ve used or discovered on my journey. Hope you can use them.
What About You?
What are some medical, dental and vision resources you’ve used that can benefit other freelancers? Share your tips and resources in the comment box below.
Image credit: Pixabay