| After home and living expenses such as rent or a | | | | factors that lead to higher costs for health |
| mortgage, for a good number of American | | | | insurance and medical care. |
| families healthcare can be the next greatest | | | | 4. Select a Higher Deductible - A higher deductible |
| expenditure, and for many a big part of that | | | | and higher co-pay will surely result in a lower |
| overall healthcare cost can be their health | | | | health insurance quote, and may qualify you for a |
| insurance premium. However, according to financial | | | | Health Savings Account (HSA) which can help |
| experts, when it comes to preparing your family's | | | | defray the costs of the higher deductible. |
| budget, there are ways to reduce both your | | | | 5. Read and be Sure you Understand your Health |
| health insurance cost, and what you pay for | | | | Plan - you would be surprised at how many |
| healthcare in general. Whether you are shopping | | | | consumers pay more for healthcare simply |
| for the first time for health insurance, or are | | | | because the do not know the details of their own |
| looking for a new plan to reduce your monthly | | | | heath insurance plan. |
| payments, here are 10 suggestions that can lead | | | | 6. "Cheaper" isn't always more "Affordable" - |
| to a lower health insurance quote, and more | | | | When it comes to a health insurance quote you |
| affordable healthcare: | | | | must pick a plan that is right for you and your |
| 1. Stop Smoking - Depending on where you live | | | | lifestyle. Cheaper doesn't always mean more |
| you can save over $200.00 a month on the costs | | | | affordable in the long run. If you go for a health |
| of cigarettes alone. As far as a health insurance | | | | insurance quote with a smaller monthly premium, |
| quotes goes, non-smokers always pay significantly | | | | but if you have health problems and must make |
| less than smokers for any policy. According to a | | | | many doctors visits the high deductible or higher |
| recent study, even though smokers generally | | | | co-pay may cost you more in the long run. |
| have a shorter lifespan than non-smokers, they | | | | Choose a plan that is right for you. |
| pay a third more in overall healthcare than | | | | 7. Consolidate Your Health Plans -if you and your |
| non-smokers throughout their lifetime. | | | | spouse both have separate health plans you may |
| 2. Reduce Weight - Again weight plays a | | | | save money by consolidating under a single plan. |
| significant factor when getting a health insurance | | | | 8. Be Proactive - and you can save money. For |
| quote, it's a fact that if you are overweight you | | | | example know before you need them what if |
| will pay more. Obesity is becoming one of the | | | | any ambulance services in your area are covered |
| greatest drains on our healthcare system. | | | | by your insurance, and when and if your regular |
| According to a recent study by the Rand | | | | physician is available after hours. |
| Corporation, being obese adds $395 each year to | | | | 9. Be willing to Negotiate with Your Doctor - most |
| your average per-year health care costs, more | | | | physicians will offer reduced or discounted rates |
| than smoking (an addition of $230), aging 20 | | | | to patients with no or limited insurance. |
| years ($225), and problem drinking ($150). | | | | 10. Reduce the costs of Prescription Drugs - if |
| 3. Get More Exercise - While it may be hard to | | | | you have heath insurance with prescription drug |
| put a quantitative amount on how much you can | | | | coverage, take advantage of the "lower tier" by |
| save on a health insurance quote by exercising | | | | asking your doctor to prescribe generic drugs, |
| and getting in shape - regular exercise will not only | | | | even if you do not have prescription drug |
| reduce weight (see above) but can also improve | | | | coverage look into the discount programs offered |
| cardio-vascular health and reduce other risk | | | | by many drug companies and retail pharmacies. |