How to Care for Your Health in Washington DC

Intro

Washington D.C. is a city full of opportunity, culture, and innovation. It’s also a city full of stress and inequity.  For the millions of people who live here, it can be hard to care for your health properly.  This article will provide tips on how to care for your mental and physical health in Washington D.C. 

The Problem of Health Disparity in Washington D.C. 

Washington D.C. has a chronic disease disparity that is caused or worsened by a lack of access to care. Without proper access to care, residents of D.C. struggle to get the help they need. This can lead to higher rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other complicated health problems when compared with other parts of the country or even within Washington D.C. communities. Those with higher socioeconomic statuses or a person’s race can greatly impact someone’s potential for health. 

Access to Health Care 

Unfortunately, Washington D.C. has a problem when it comes to access to care. To take care of your health while living here, you’ll need to work around this barrier, but first, let’s understand the problem. Washington D.C., is one of the most expensive cities to live in the United States. Not only is it difficult to afford simple needs like rent or mortgages, it is also hard to pay for health care. The cost of health care in Washington D.C. also continues to increase, making it difficult for residents to receive the care they need. If you’re looking for solutions to work around this problem, check out these solutions: 

High-deductible Health Insurance

One way to help gain access to care is to have a high-deductible health insurance plan. These types of plans lower the monthly cost making them more affordable to maintain for worst-case scenarios. To maintain the policy, you’ll pay monthly premiums. If you ever need to use your insurance for something, you’ll need to pay the out-of-pocket cost or deductible. This option is best reserved for people who are healthy and don’t need regular service but just need an emergency plan in place.  

HSA 

Another way to reduce the cost of healthcare is to use a health savings account or HSA. An HSA is a savings account that allows you to set aside money each year to pay for medical expenses. 

This is a great option when you have a high-deductible insurance plan or even no health insurance at all. 

Low-Cost Healthcare

If you’re without health insurance, you may be able to get coverage through Medicaid or DC Health Link exchange. Medicaid is a government program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families. 

Consider Natural Treatments 

To help reduce the need for doctor visits, try keeping up your health with natural options. Exercise and a healthy diet can help lower your risk factors. 

Alternatively, you might also consider using natural remedies for pain management, such as cannabis, rather than going to the doctor for minor needs. 

If you need help securing your medical card in DC, start the process early to reap the benefits sooner.  

Mental Health Care 

In Washington, DC, mental health care is an important part of overall health care. 

Mental health care providers work to provide services to those who suffer from mental illness and to promote mental health in the general population. 

There are plenty of options, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors – something for everyone. 

And as rates of serious mental illnesses continue to rise, it’s more important than ever to get the help you need. 

Services you might receive include counseling and therapy, diagnosis, outreach, or education. 

So if you or someone you know is in need of mental health care in D.C., there are a number of resources to help, and it’s best to do so rather than later.  

Conclusion

The hustle and bustle of living in D.C. comes with many benefits but also plenty of problems, including stress. Stress can take its toll and impact a person’s health. To take charge of your health while living in Washington, D.C., we’ve rounded up this list to help you navigate your health journey. Whether it be securing insurance or advocating for yourself, these tips can help you better care for your health. 

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