Posted in Health Insurance , Save on Health Insurance
April 16th, 2009
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1. Open a health savings account. An HSA is like a combination of a savings account and health insurance policy. It basically allows you to set aside funds for medical purposes on a pretax basis so that by year’s end, you will have saved the potential of hundreds in medical expenses.
2. Deduct medical expenses. If you have medical expenses that have not been reimbursed by your insurer, and these expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, you can deduct those expenses in your itemized tax deductions.
3. Lead a low risk lifestyle. Avoid dangerous activities where you can get hurt easily, quit smoking, and maintain a healthy BMI (body mass index). Be sure to get a check up after restoring your health to see if you can qualify for a lower rate.
4. Try preventative care. When you go to the doctor for checkups, tests, flu shots, or physical examinations, these can potentially save you money treating and diagnosing problems early.
5. Avoid brand name prescription drugs. Generic drugs are actually former brand-name drugs with expired patents. This means, they actually accomplish the same goal as the more popular versions but cost much less.
6. Choose a plan for singles. If your insurance covers your spouse, significant other, or children, and raises your deductible in the process, you should choose a plan for singles instead. Plans for singles will sometimes offer everything you need without charging you for the services you’ll never use.
7. Get health insurance quotes often. Getting health insurance quotes online can be an easy and painless process within minutes you’ll know if you can save a few hundred per year on health insurance costs. Check back often to get the best rates possible.
8. Compare health insurance plans. Not all health insurance plans are the same, so make sure youre getting the right plan with the best rates. Dont simply settle for a plan that is offered by your employer, and definitely look at multiple health providers before you decide.
9. Use your school’s health insurance. By using a school’s health insurance plan, you’ll be able to get a discounted rate because it is considered a group health care policy. Most schools often try to provide the best and least expensive health insurance possible for their students.
10. Examine your true needs. Are you a single male whose health plan offers gynecological visits and maternity coverage? Does your plan cover childrens vision and dental care when you have no kids? Chances are, there are things in your plan you’re paying for that you don’t truly need. Make sure you look at the coverage you really need, and eliminate the rest to save more on your health insurance.
Health insurance needs are truly different for everyone, so its important that you do your research and save where you can.
Thanks for sharing! I opened up an HSA a year ago and love it. I don’t go to the doctor often and find I can save a few hundred a year.