We have put together a list of things you can do or change in your life to lower your health insurance rates and save on health insurance over the years. We hope these tips will be helpful.
Raise Your Deductible
Anytime you raise your deductible you will save money on your premiums. It is important to note; make sure you can afford the higher deductible out of pocket cost if the need occurs.
Save on Prescription Drugs
Check with your doctor about generic drugs, ordering some prescriptions online can save you up to 25%, Shop around with numerous pharmacies and investigate and compare health care providers for a policy that fits you, any of these can help keep prescription drugs affordable.
Quit Smoking
Quit smoking immediately, smoking not only effect your health insurance premiums it effects far more. Besides you’re your most important asset your health;
- Smoking decreases the value of your house and possessions since they always smell of smoke, in addition smokers have an increased cost of homeowners insurance.
- Car insurance premiums will increase; as well smoking devalues the resale value of your car.
- Smoking leads to increased use of prescription drugs which of course lead to higher premiums.
Lose Weight
According to the U.S. Public Health Service’s more than 400,000 annual deaths are due to obesity in the United States. Some of the major medical problems attributed to obesity are;
- Heart disease
- Pulmonary disease
- Diabetes Bone and joint pains
- Certain types of cancer
Overweight individuals can pay up to $1,500 per year more in health care cost than a healthy person. Severely over weight or obesity can lead to Health Care and Life Insurance providers cancelling your policy all together.
Get More Exercise
Evidence shows that keeping your body healthy will lead to large saving on your health insurance. Leading causes of death in the United States, such as heart disease, injuries, cancer and stroke often can be prevented by improving personal health habits. Eating right, staying physically active and annual physical exams can keep your rates low and can help you live a healthy life.
Compare Health Insurance Quotes
Comparison shopping is a great way to save money. When insurance companies compete for your business; you win. Results have shown that consumers can save 20 % and more just by taking five minutes to compare rates from top rated insurance companies that compete for your business with the same coverage’s in the same state. Compare Health Care Insurance Now has done all the research and due diligence to make sure that you can get all the facts you need here at our site.
Take Advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts
Flexible spending accounts (FSA), health reimbursement arrangements (HRA) and medical savings accounts (MSA) known collectively as health care savings accounts are very popular. FSA is the most used employer-sponsored account; the money is taken out from your payroll check through payroll deductions. Since taxes aren’t calculated on the contributions, the actual savings to your paycheck will be less than the amount you set aside. For example, a $2,000 annual contribution could save you $760 in taxes if you’re in the 38 percent tax bracket. All medical expense can be reimbursed or paid with your FSA account even dental and vision expenses.
Look into State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
In February, 2009 President Obama sign in legislation to extend health insurance to millions of low income children. Obama commented Let’s give America’s families the support they need to weather this crisis,” An estimated four million children will gain access to health care through the new law. The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a federally funded program created to provide health and dental coverage for children whose parents are not able to pay for health insurance. Each state has a separate SCHIP program and is allowed to made modifications to the policies and eligibility.
If you think your child might be eligible, you can get more information about SCHIP in your state by calling (877) KIDS-NOW or visiting the InsureKidsNow.gov Web site, which offers information about eligibility in your state and applying for coverage.
