How to Reduce Health Care Costs

Health care costs are gradually rising and taking a bite out of the typical family's monthly budget. If you've found yourself the victim of rising deductibles and high coinsurance, then it's time to examine ways to reduce your health care costs. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to put a little extra money back into your pocket. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

• 1

  Join your employer's flexible spending or cafeteria plans. A pre-set amount is deducted from your paycheck before taxes which you use pay future medical expenses.

• 2

  Skip the name brand drugs at the pharmacy. Generic brands save you money. Also consider filling your regular prescriptions through mail order.

• 3

  Consider using a health savings account, which has lower monthly premiums. These accounts generally have high deductibles; however, they allow you to save pre-tax money for medical expenses.

• 4

  Participate in a discount health program. These programs charge an annual fee, but provide discounts on medical visits, prescriptions, vision and dental.

• 5

  Save all your medical receipts. Track miles driven to receive medical care. You can deduct medical expenses, including premiums and miles traveled, from your taxes if they exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income.

• 6

  Get regular annual check-ups at your doctor's office. Be proactive about your health care to avoid serious illness.

• 7

  Keep yourself fit and healthy. A large percentage of health care costs can be attributed to diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other obesity-related diseases.