10 Ways to Cut Your Health Care Costs

The cost of health care continues to rise for most Americans. Therefore, it is to your benefit to do as much as possible to keep your health care costs down. Below are ten suggestions.

1. Maintain a healthy diet: For so many people, unhealthy diets, along with unhealthy habits, result in unnecessary illnesses and increase health costs. It is imperative that you watch your diet and it is advisable to add appropriate vitamins to supplement your nutritional needs.

2. Check ups and screenings: Have regularly scheduled physical examinations by your doctor, dentist, eye doctor and so on. In addition, if your company offers free medical screenings, flu shots or other benefits, take advantage of them.

3. Choose the best health plan: If you have a plan through your employer, chances are that's your means of coverage. However, if your spouse also has a plan, you might want to compare the two to determine which will save you money. Be careful because there?s more to selecting a good health plan than just saving money. If you are shopping for a health plan, compare the premiums along with what is and is not covered by the various plans.

4. Stay within the network: When you have a health care plan, look for doctors and health care providers that are within the insurance company?s network. This can save you a lot of money. However, if you need a specialist and you cannot find one in the network, put your health needs first.

5. Save money on prescription drugs: Prescription drug plans, online pharmacies, discount pharmacies, Medicare drug cards and even ordering by mail through traditional pharmacies can save you money on medications. There are several ways to obtain the prescribed medication you need, so shop around and compare prices.

6. Use your flex spending account: If your company offers such an account, you can save money by enrolling. The money is deducted from your paycheck before taxes, so you get a tax benefit.

7. Review bills and charges: Review medical bills carefully. Billing errors can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Contact the billing office if there is a billing error or you do not understand what is on your bill. Be proactive. You can also often negotiate fees and bills that you feel are too high.

8. Exercise: Join a gym, buy home exercise equipment or run a mile or more daily. Staying in good physical shape will benefit you and your health care costs.

9. Think safety: Much of the increase in health care costs for families is the result of accidents, often incurred by children. Make sure children wear bicycle helmets and learn to take safety precautions. Also make safety a priority around your home and in your car.

10. Keep good records: Keep track of your doctor visits and payments for all medical expenses from aspirin to eyeglasses. You can claim deductions on your tax return once your medical bills (beyond your coverage) exceed 7.5 percent of your AGI.

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