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Rx for Access
Online resource that helps patients better understand health coverage options, choose the right coverage, manage the denial process and reduce health care costs.
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Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
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Gout
Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
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  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Webinar: Sleep Solutions for Pain

    Experts discuss solutions on how to quiet nighttime pain to get better sleep.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
    • Joint Surgery
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Insurance Management
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

    Get Your JA Power Pack

    Newly diagnosed with JA and wanting to learn more? Power Packs have the tools you need to find Yes! for you and your child.

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Providers
    Common Topics
    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

    Fellowships

    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

    • Better Living Toolkits
    • Our Issue Briefs
  • Science
    Common Topics
    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

    Focus

    • Awards
    • Funding Opportunities
    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
    • Partnerships
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  • Get Involved
    Common Topics
    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    Jingle Bell Run

    The original festive race for charity and signature Foundation holiday event! Wear your favorite holiday attire and together, we’ll jingle all the way to a cure! Register as an individual or bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run, walk or stroll, and spread the good cheer. 

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Back

10 Tips for Managing Arthritis Care Costs

Read these 10 tip on managing and reducing arthritis care costs.

1. Learn the Jargon
Understanding the complex terms of health insurance and medical billing can be a struggle.  But what you know can save you money.  The Arthritis Foundation, the billing specialist at your doctor’s office, your benefits manager and patient navigators provided by the health exchanges are information sources you can turn to.  Get started by visiting arthritis.org/healthcareglossary or calling our patient helpline at 1.800.283.7800.

2. Run the Numbers
If you haven’t been tracking your expenses, it’s time to get started. Use an excel spreadsheet, online expense tracker or app.  This will help you to do a health expense audit before open enrollment. Use this information to choose the best plan and to get the most benefit from financial tools.

3. Choose Carefully
Here are four must-ask questions before choosing a health plan:

Are my doctors in the plan’s provider network?
Is there a medical care and a prescription drug deductible?
What formulary tier does my medications fall under?
What’s my total out-of-pocket cost for the plan year?

4. Don't Assume
It’s possible that your preferred providers leave your plan’s network during a plan year.  Always check before scheduling an appointment.  Also, it’s important to follow up with the provider’s office to make sure that benefit verification and prior authorization procedures are completed before any consultation, procedure, surgery or lab test.

5. Prioritize Paperwork
Keep track of medical records, lab tests, medication lists, expense receipts, explanation of benefits and all insurer communications. This will help you to:
  • prevent billing errors or duplicate medical services and prescriptions
  • stop taking or make changes to medications
  • alert new doctors or ER professionals of health issues that may turn into costly expenses
  • monitor health plan changes (e.g. a provider leaving the network or a change in the formulary tier for your medication)
  • maximize tax savings
  • prevent or appeal claim denials

6. Discuss Cost
Your doctor and pharmacist can help you manage cost.  But they need to understand the issues that affect treatment adherence and your wallet.  Review the details of your health plan and how to balance the best care with your budget limitations.  Always bring a list of all medications you take to every appointment. Discuss the date you started and the dosage to identify changes that may reduce your expenses.  Also, you should remind your doctor about your provider network if other healthcare providers (e.g. an anesthesiologist) need to be involved with a procedure.

7. Get Financial Assistance, Claim Management and Appeal Support
Nonprofit associations, drug manufacturers, state and federal sources give free or reduced-fee care and medications. Some insurers and drug manufacturers have employees that help with benefit verification, claim management and appeals.

8. Always Comparison Shop
Prices for medical procedures and medications can vary widely depending on the provider, pharmacy, location and whether you order by mail or from an online vendor.  Big box stores offer a no-frills pharmacy experience that can save you money.  Publications like Consumer Reports do a great job of comparing drug prices at different retail and online vendors.  Using an urgent care center instead of the emergency room can save time and money.  Ask other patients for information too.

9. Use Financial Tools
Pay for out-of-pocket qualifying expenses with pre-tax dollars and reduce your tax bill by taking advantage of financial tools. These include flexible spending or health saving accounts, medical tax deductions and health reimbursement arrangements.

10. Invest in a Healthy Lifestyle
Being proactive about being healthy is an important way to manage healthcare costs.  Closely follow your preventative health and disease management plan, be physically active, reduce stress, eat nutritious foods and have healthy sleep habits. Talk to your doctor about possible comorbidities that may occur with your arthritis and how to reduce your risk.
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Reducing Arthritis Care Costs

Insurance Management

Reducing Arthritis Care Costs
Look through this list of simple questions to ask your doctor, billing manger and pharmacist to reduce the cost of arthritis care.
Read More
Managing Arthritis Care Costs

Insurance Management

Managing Arthritis Care Costs
Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.
Read More
Raise Your Voice
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Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes.

Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you’ll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others.

 
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    Donate

    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

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    Volunteer

    Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.

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    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

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Ways to Give

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become a Member

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

Make an Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

Gift Planning

I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.
 

Other Ways to Give

  • Match Gift
  • Donate a Car
  • Donor-Advised Funds

Volunteer


Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

  • Walk to Cure Arthritis
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

Partner


Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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