When the economy is in a less-than-desirable state and wallets are being squeezed, there are still ways that you can save on various health care costs.

Do Not Go Without Medical Care

Saving on health care costs does not include going without health care. Many people make this common mistake, but it can end up costing much more if a major illness or accident occurs.

Treating serious illnesses and injuries can become extremely expensive, especially if a hospital visit is part of the treatment. Prevention of illness through regular check-ups, which are usually covered under most health care insurance premiums, can eliminate the high expenses of treating an undiagnosed and more progressed illness, like cancer. Early detection usually offers a variety of methods that are less costly and can help to treat conditions without extensive and emergency procedures.

Shop Around for Health Insurance

Many employers offer health benefits packages; the cost of health insurance to the employee can range from nothing, to the full amount for the health plan. For those who are not required to sign up for the health plan through their company, and are going to be responsible for a large portion of the premium due each month, shop around.

The insurance industry is large and varied in the United States, and many plans are tailored to fit individuals and families of all sizes and situations. Not all plans cost the same and offer the same coverage. An individual could pay $100 more with a single insurance plan and receive less than half of the coverage he or she would receive from a cheaper insurance plan at a different company.

When shopping for health insurance, pay attention to the out-of-pocket expenses for which you will be responsible. Some plans offer low premiums but high out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles. Paying a slightly higher premium that offers a lower deductible is usually a money-saving path to take when you know you will have health care expenses due to current health conditions, such as pregnancy, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

When shopping for insurance, ask others what they use or would recommend. Interview representatives of doctor’s offices and medical facilities as well. Often, these establishments deal with a variety of insurance companies daily and can report which companies are more likely to provide the benefits you need.

Buy Generic Prescriptions

When filling a prescription, talk to your pharmacist or physician about using a generic medication. In many cases, the generic form of the medication has the same effect on medical conditions as does the more expensive name-brand medicine.

Pharmacies such as Walgreen’s, Wal-Mart and Kmart offer customers inexpensive generic prescription plans and medicines. For maintenance medication and seasonal allergy medications, reducing the amount spent on frequently purchased prescriptions can amount to a large savings.

Stay Physically Fit and Active

Practicing healthy preventive measures can reduces the costs of treating and managing serious health conditions and injuries. Walking is a good exercise that will cost you nothing, except perhaps the money for a pair of good tennis shoes. Walking can help increase your blood circulation, muscle tone, and emotional well-being, which can lead to lower blood pressure and better heart health.

Many people believe they do not have time to walk or do any sort of exercise.  Examine all of the tasks you do in a given day, and make time to exercise, even if it’s just walking down the block once per day. Spending 30 minutes in the morning stretching with a yoga tape can help with flexibility and energy.

Utilize a Flexible Benefits Program

If you are employed and your employer offers a flexible spending program, taking advantage of this benefit could save you hundreds of dollars per year. A flexible spending account allows you to set aside money for health care expenses. This money is deducted from your wages before government taxes are applied. Medical expenses you acquire, such as prescription costs or copayments, are then paid throughout the year  using this money. Note that you must generally use 100 percent of your flexible spending account, or you will lose that money, so if you think your medical expenses fluctuate widely from year to year, you may not want to take this option.

Additional Resources

--       Prevent Disease:  http://www.preventdisease.com

--       Prevention Magazine:  http://www.parents.com

--       Mayo Clinic Health Letter:

http://healthletter.mayoclinic.com/Editorial/Editorial.cfm/i/292/t/New%20series%20focuses%20on%20saving%20money%20on%20your%20health%20care%20costs/