The most important contributing factor for heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory disease, diabetes and accidents—six of the ten leading causes of death in the U.S.—is a lifestyle choice.

—American Journal of Health Promotion

Manage Your Costs

TIP:  Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a generic equivalent prescription when possible. Generic brands cost significantly less and are just as effective.

Health care is a complex issue, and with the national focus and reports of health care costs increasing at a rate that is double—or even triple—the rate of inflation, it may seem there is nothing an individual can do. In fact, there are many ways you can manage your health care expenses.

Prevention
One of the best ways to save on health care is to use the preventive health care services that are available to you.

Choose the Right Plan
When selecting a medical insurance plan, don’t automatically choose the one with the lowest monthly premium or the one you used before. Coverage and your doctor’s participation with a plan can change every year, as can your family’s health needs. 

Save on Medications
When medication is necessary, there are many options you can explore to lower your costs for both prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies.

Enroll in a Flexible Spending Account
Even if you have medical insurance and keep your health care costs to a minimum, you may still need to pay for office visit copays, deductibles, prescription drug copays and other out-of-pocket expenses. 

Save on Dental Care
In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, there are several ways that you save on dental care costs.

Check Your Bills and Save Receipts
Keep all receipts for office visits and prescription copays, over-the-counter medications, dental care, vision care and health care products.