GREENSBORO, N.C. - If you're buying a car, it's a no brainer to shop around but an MRI or some other medical service, well you're probably not going to find the lowest price.
In fact a new study from researchers at Harvard, Yale and Columbia says most of us think our insurance makes things the same price to us everywhere, so only one out of every 100 people will shop around. But you want to be that one person, and here's why: They found on average going from your house to the doctor for the treatment you actually pass by six lower priced providers. Six chances you're passing up to save money. A lot of money.
They discovered you're out of pocket expenses could decrease by 44 percent. Got your attention? Okay here's what you do:
For any major service that is something you can schedule, you'll want to ask your insurance company for a list of all providers within 60 miles of your house. Then call each one and ask to speak with their office manager. It's natural to ask what will be the cost, but it's better to be more specific. Actually ask this question: What will be my out of pocket expense?