LaborPress | Kerri O’Brien | December 1, 2025
Healthcare is one of the biggest line items in many union families’ budgets — and often the hardest to predict. Copays, deductibles, prescriptions, surprise bills, over-the-counter medications… it adds up fast. The good news is, there are practical ways to get more value from the coverage you already have and to think differently about how you spend your healthcare dollars.
This isn’t financial advice, and everyone’s situation is different. But small changes in how you plan, ask questions, and use your benefits can help you feel more in control and less stressed when medical costs show up.
- Start with What You Already Have: Know Your Coverage
A lot of savings begin with understanding your health plan. Many families never look closely at their summary of benefits until there’s a problem. Taking a little time now can pay off all year.
You might want to review:
- Your copays for primary care, specialists, urgent care, and ER visits
- Your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
- What’s covered for preventive care (often at no additional cost)
- Which providers and hospitals are in-network
Knowing this ahead of time can help you make choices that fit your budget. For example, when it’s not an emergency, some families prefer a telehealth visit or urgent care instead of the ER, because it can come with a lower copay.
Your union benefit fund or HR department can often walk you through your coverage and answer questions. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
- Track Your Healthcare Spending – Even in Simple Ways
Healthcare can feel chaotic because bills arrive at different times from different places: the doctor’s office, the lab, the imaging center, the pharmacy. One way to regain control is to keep a simple record of what you’re paying.
That might mean:
- A notebook or folder where you put all your medical bills
- A spreadsheet or notes app where you log dates, amounts, and what the bill was for
- Saving digital copies of Explanation of Benefits (EOBs)
The goal isn’t to become an accountant — it’s to spot patterns and catch mistakes. If something doesn’t look right, you can call your provider, health plan, or union benefit office to ask questions. Sometimes bills are coded incorrectly or don’t reflect your union-negotiated benefits.
- Make the Most of HSAs, FSAs, and Union Benefits
If your plan offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), it may be worth learning how those accounts work. These tools are designed to help people set aside money specifically for healthcare expenses.
Some families use these accounts to help cover:
- Copays and deductibles
- Prescription drugs
- Eligible over-the-counter items (like bandages, certain pain relievers, or allergy medications)
Your employer, union, or benefit fund may also offer wellness incentives, health coaching, or screenings at reduced or no cost. These programs are part of the value your union fights for – taking advantage of them can support your health while easing future costs.
Because HSA and FSA rules can be specific, it’s a good idea to check your plan materials or talk with your benefits office for details about what’s eligible and how contributions work.
- Smarter Pharmacy Choices: Generics, Coupons, and Mail Order
Prescription drugs are a major expense for many families. A few small shifts can sometimes help you manage those costs.
You might consider:
- Asking about generics: Many medications have lower-cost generic versions that work the same way for many people.
- Comparing pharmacies: Prices can vary. Some families check costs at a few local pharmacies or big-box stores.
- Using discount programs or coupons: There are savings programs, pharmacy cards, and digital coupons that may lower the price of certain medications.
- Mail-order pharmacy: If your plan offers it, a 90-day mail-order supply may cost less per month than filling a 30-day prescription at a retail pharmacy.
Always check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before changing medications, and make sure any savings program fits with your plan’s rules.
- Over-the-Counter Purchases: Plan Ahead
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplies — like pain relievers, cold medicine, allergy pills, thermometers, and dressings — can sneak up on your budget.
You could:
- Buy store-brand versions when appropriate, which are often lower cost than name brands
- Keep a small home “health kit” stocked with basics to avoid last-minute, expensive purchases
- Check whether any OTC items are eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement under your plan
Planning ahead can turn emergency runs to the pharmacy into calmer, more budget-friendly choices.
- Use Your Union Power
Behind every health plan and benefit fund are contracts and protections fought for by your union. That’s power — and it’s meant to be used.
If you’re confused by a bill, overwhelmed by costs, or unsure how to get the most from your coverage, your union and benefit office are there to help. They may not be able to erase every bill, but they can help you understand your options, point you toward resources, and make sure your negotiated benefits are respected.
As we head into a new year, think of this week as an invitation to take one step toward better control of your healthcare dollars. Maybe it’s organizing your bills, calling your benefit office with a question, or checking if you’re using all the benefits available to you.
You work hard. Your healthcare dollars should work hard for you, too.
