In today’s economy, people everywhere are looking for ways to cut costs, from downsizing homes to forgoing vacations to driving that car an extra year. One area people often overlook in their money-saving quest is health insurance, which doesn’t have to be a steep, rigid price. So in the spirit of saving money, below are three ways you can reduce the cost of your Texas health insurance.
Live Healthy, Be Healthy
Taking care of your health has multiple benefits. Insurance companies usually offer lower monthly premiums to those who live healthier lives, and when you take care of your health, you spend less money on doctor visits and prescriptions. A few simple activities, like eating healthy, exercising and not smoking can dramatically impact your health, and ultimately, your health care costs.
Shop Around
A qualified Texas health insurance broker can direct you to the leading Texas health insurance carriers and help you to compare different health insurance plans. Comparing coverage options and pricing allows you to find the most affordable health insurance plan that best fits your needs.
Choose a Higher Deductible
A deductible is an amount you are expected to pay toward doctor, hospital, and other medical bills. Once your deductible is met, most plans cover 100 percent of costs up to a set amount, called a “Lifetime Benefit,” which is usually between three and five million dollars. The major benefit of a high deductible health plan (HDHP) is that it’s paired with a lower monthly premium. If you’re generally healthy and don’t require frequent doctor visits or prescriptions, an HDHP can be maintained with just a small payment each month, and it usually covers all of your preventive and wellness benefits too.
Another money-saving advantage of an HDHP is that it makes you eligible to open a health savings account, which allows you to save money on a tax-free basis, similar to an IRA. This money is then used toward health care costs not already covered by your deductible. Any money left in the account at the end of the year can be rolled over year after year up to age 65 on a tax-deferred basis, saving you even more money. It’s like a health care IRA on steroids.
Following these simple tips will allow you to save some money and take control of your health care costs – something we can all benefit from these days.
