By Chris Woolston CONSUMER HEALTH INTERACTIVE
Spending money on your health is probably the best investment you can ever make. But how much do you know about health care costs in this country? Take this short quiz to find out.
1. How much do Americans spend each year on health care? a. About $1,000 per person b. About $2,000 per person c. About $3,000 per person d. More than $5,000 per person
2. Insurance premiums are increasing about five times faster than worker's wages. True False
3. From 1993 to 2003, the price of prescription drugs rose nearly three times faster than inflation. True or false? a. True b. False
4. Which of these is the most expensive? a. A year's supply of Enbrel, a rheumatoid arthritis drug b. Gastric bypass surgery c. Staying at least four days in a typical hospital d. A new Subaru Outback Wagon
5. In a 2004 survey of patients in five major industrialized countries -- Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States -- which patients were the most likely NOT to see a doctor when they were sick, to forgo recommended tests or follow-up care, and NOT to fill their prescriptions, all because of high health care costs? a. Australians b. Canadians c. New Zealanders d. United Kingdom patients e. Americans
6. What can you do to keep your medical costs down? a. Ask for generic medications b. Take your medicines as directed c. Shop around for the best prices d. All of the above
7. A flexible spending account for health care expenses can save people money on medical costs. True False
8. Most health plans charge about the same amount for copayments. True False
9. Paying medical bills after an emergency or long hospital stay can be tough. How you can cut those costs? a. Check your hospital bills to see if you've been billed for services or prescriptions that were never ordered. b. If you need to visit a doctor for an emergency, consider using an urgent care center rather than the emergency room of a local hospital. c. Ask your doctor whether you can split pills to save money. d. All of the above.
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