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