FOR YOUR HEALTH

Every small step can lead to better health and your overall well-being. Check out these tips that will help you feel empowered and better equipped to care for your mind, body and spirit. 

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. 

With just a little planning, you can eat well and still save money. Here are some smart tips to fill your plate — and your wallet.

Plan Ahead

  • Think about shopping for a week’s worth of meals
  • Check to see what foods you already have
  • Make a list of what you need to buy
  • Buy fewer snack foods, which can be expensive
  • Get the best price
  • Ask your favorite store about a loyalty card for extra savings
  • Look for ads online or in the local newspaper
  • Watch for sales and coupons
  • Look for specials on meat and seafood, which are often costly
  • Buy fresh fruits and veggies from a farmer’s market
  • Try frozen veggies, which cost less and still have many nutrients
  • Prepare meals that expand your food dollars
  • Stretch large dishes like stews and casseroles into extra portions
  • Make a second meal or tasty side dish from leftovers
  • Add leftover cooked or raw vegetables to salads, omelets or casseroles
  • Put extra veggies into whole-wheat pasta and water-packed tuna

Five more easy ways to save

Compare and contrast
Check the “Unit Price” on the shelf directly below the product. This will help you compare different brands and sizes of the same brand. That way, you can get the best deal.

Buy in bulk
Smart choices include family packs of chicken, steak or fish. You can also buy larger bags of potatoes and frozen veggies

Go back to the basics
Foods like frozen dinners and pre-cut produce may be easy for you, but not so easy on your wallet. Making meals from scratch takes a little more time. But the savings are worth it.

Focus on low-cost foods
Certain foods are typically low-cost options all year round. Try buying beans, carrots, greens or potatoes.

Save when eating out
Sure, it’s nice to dine out. But it can be costly. To save, take half of your meal home or ask someone to share. You can also try drinking water instead of iced tea or soda. Going out for lunch instead of dinner can also help.

Journey to your best health

The journey to your best health is the trip of a lifetime. And we’re here for every step along your journey to your best health. Health plans can be overwhelming and confusing. But once you’re an Aetna member, the next step is simple. Learn about the tools and resources available to members.

Become a wise consumer with your benefit choices

As partners in health, we have a shared responsibility to manage health care costs by being informed and engaged health care consumers. Most health care costs are tied to decisions and behaviors we can control and improve. That’s why making smart choices every day is so important.

  • Understand your plan before you need to use it. Find out about pre-approvals, emergency room visits, copays for doctor visits, and coinsurance for procedures.
  • If your condition isn’t lifethreatening, don’t go to the emergency room. A persistent cough or a broken finger may be better treated by Teladoc or an urgent care facility at a much lower cost.