10 easy ways to cut medical costs.

1. Take care of your own health—exercise, eat right, quit smoking. You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again—your lifestyle choices greatly impact your health plan’s bottom line.



2. Stay in network Ask what network your insurance uses and find physicians and hospitals on that list. It can save hundreds or even thousands a year.



3. Avoid emergency rooms or urgent care centers for non-emergency accident or illnesses



4. Avoid pain clinics or specialty care centers.



5. Take advantage of a Flexible Spending Account if offered by your district. You save taxes on insurance premiums and out of pocket medical expenses.



6. Lower your prescription drug costs If you take prescription drugs regularly, try ordering your prescriptions through the mail, using a traditional or online pharmacy. You may be able to get a three-month supply of your prescription drug through the mail for the same price you would pay for a one-month supply at your neighborhood pharmacy. Also request generic drugs in lieu of brand name.



7. Question your physician on tests to ensure they are medically necessary.



8. Make sure your office visit is truly necessary. Even though it may only be $20 or $30 out of your pocket, the visit itself can be 5 to 10 times that much.



9. Take advantage of free resources If your health insurance doesn't provide adequate coverage in some areas, you may want to look into free health screenings. Local clinics and hospitals often provide a variety of screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and mammograms.



10. Check Your Medical Bills
Check to make sure that the bill accurately reflects the procedures you have undergone. Question any expense you do not understand or for which you were not aware. Seek a patient advocate if you feel you are being charged unfairly.