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According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, family health insurance costs for those with employer-sponsored coverage increased by nine percent in 2011.
Maybe it's time for a health insurance checkup. Take a look at what you're paying for coverage, think about which benefits you value most, and read the following tips to save money on health insurance:
Review your options annually. Whether you get your health insurance coverage through an employer or purchase an individual policy, you should review your options at least once per year.
Cultivate healthy habits. By taking care of yourself now, you may be taking care of your pocketbook in the future. A recent study conducted by eHealth Inc. found that policyholders with a body mass index in the "obese" range paid 22 percent more than those in the "normal" BMI range –– an average annual savings of $444.
Try a plan with a higher deductible. If you're relatively healthy and rarely see the doctor, consider switching to a plan with a higher annual deductible and a lower monthly premium.
Consider splitting up the family. There's no law that says you need to have the whole family on a single health insurance plan. For example, some employers pay little, if anything, for an employee’s dependents. You may be able to save on your monthly health insurance costs by putting your dependents on a plan of their own.
-- Family Features
