53 ways to cut your health care and health insurance costs

53 ways to cut your health care and health insurance costs

A commonly asked question, and a tough one to answer is, "Why are my health insurance costs going up at a rate that is so much higher than inflation?" Experts say that there are no easy answers as to why costs keep going up. But there are straightforward explanations.

First of all, it is important to understand that the health insurance companies aren't the source of these cost hikes. They are merely a conduit. Nearly all insurance companies work with fixed and highly regulated operating margins. Health insurance premium increases are a "pass along" expense from rising doctor, hospital and overall medical costs.

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Introduction: Why costs keep rising

• High tech is high cost
• Heroic efforts
• Inflation
• Drug costs
• Fewer hospital admissions
• Social ills drive up costs
• The government pays a smaller share
• Uncompensated care
• The aging population
• Chronic illnesses
• People sue doctors

The 53 Tips on Reducing Health Care Costs

1. If a medical bill seems excessive, try negotiating
2. Contact a medical bill "auditor"
3. You may get a tax break on your medical bills
4. Can I qualify for any other tax breaks?
5. Deduct 100% of your healthcare costs from your taxes
6. Help for families with kids -- CHIP
7. 24-hour nurse-on-call services
8. Only in an emergency
9. Use home health care
10. You better shop around
11. Federal funding may come your way
12. Know when to stay home and treat your aches on your own
13. Check for free clinics in your community
14. Ask what a new doctor charges before seeking treatment
15. Get a second opinion out of town
16. Don't pay double for a second opinion
17. Take your dental x-rays to your next dentist
18. Make sure you're covered . . . or begin to plan ahead
19. Get regular mammograms
20. Avoid sunburn
21. No smoking during pregnancy and beyond
22. Emotional Stability
23. Use a hospital that offers incentives
24. Order your prescription drugs by phone or mail
25. Ask your doctor to prescribe generic drugs
26. Take only those drugs you really need
27. Pay attention to the quantity
28. Buy over-the-counter drugs only when needed
29. Buy the cheapest supplement possible
30. Think about buying home test kits
31. Understand your Medicare benefits
32. Look for a doctor who accepts Medicare
33. You can appeal your Medicare reimbursement
34. Know what's not covered under Medicare
35. Look for medical equipment discounts
36. Use unexpired prescriptions
37. Share a home with other seniors
38. Try seniors day care
39. Get enrolled in a group plan
40. Choose a higher deductible
41. Pay premiums annually
42. Review your policy carefully once a year
43. Think twice about additional cancer insurance
44. Make sure there's a ceiling for out-of-pocket expenses for catastrophic illnesses
45. Helpful hints for filing insurance claims
46. Get educated about your health
47. Take advantage of free health advice
48. Call toll-free health care hotlines
49. Buckle up for safety
50. Brush up on first-aid skills
51. Keep your home safe
52. For your back health: prevent injuries
53. Take a lifestyle approach to wellness - every day