Lesson 6: Taking the Driver’s Seat Module 10: Small Steps to Health and Wealth TM for Older Adults

Communicate Effectively with Your Health Care Provider  Be comfortable talking to your doctor  Be your own health care advocate  Make a list of what you want to discuss  Write down your questions  Write down your symptoms  Make a list of your medications

Communicate Effectively with Your Health Care Provider  Medical tests  Explaining medical conditions  Consider bringing a friend or loved one

Small Steps to Step Down Your Health Care Costs  Negotiate with medical providers  Get the facts  Track your expenses  Bring your own equipment  Check bills for errors  Follow the rules

Small Steps to Step Down Your Health Care Costs  Go generic  Time your expenses  Split your pills  If (and only if) your doctor approves, split a higher dose pill in half to save on drug plan co-payments  Sample the samples  Use the Internet  Quit smoking  Wash and floss

Take Home Message Taking small steps to understand labels can help you make informed health and wealth decisions. It is important to communicate effectively with your health care provider to receive the most appropriate health care. It is important to communicate effectively with your health care provider to receive the most appropriate health care.

Take Home Message Taking small steps to understand labels can help you make informed health and wealth decisions. You can take small steps to make informed health care decisions and step down your health care costs. You can take small steps to make informed health care decisions and step down your health care costs.

Take Home Message Taking small steps to understand labels can help you make informed health and wealth decisions. Taking an active role in your heath can improve your physical and fiscal well-being.

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