Be Accountable

The best way to keep healthcare costs down is by focusing on health and wellness and preventing health problems or catching them early before they become more complicated and expensive.

Stay Informed

The better you know what you can do to get the most bang out of your healthcare buck (i.e., taking advantage of preventive care benefits [Link to preventive care document]), the more you can save.

Get Involved

No one is a better advocate for your care than you. Get involved, ask questions and participate in decisions that affect your care, your health and your costs.

Talk to Your Doctor

Good communication between you and your doctor is important. Your doctor can’t treat you properly if you don’t share your health concerns. Write it down and come prepared to talk about your list of concerns during your appointment.

Consider How Much You Use Your Healthcare Plan

High utilization – or how much healthcare is accessed – is one of the main drivers of increased healthcare costs across the country. While nobody wants you to skimp on healthcare – or go without – it’s important to consider how and when you’re using healthcare services.

Use Prescription Drugs Wisely

Consider cost-effective ways to receive medications. For example, you can ask your doctor to prescribe generic prescription drugs rather than brand name drugs. Or you may want to consider using your plan’s mail-order program to save money on prescriptions you use for ongoing conditions.

Consider Cost-Effective Ways to Receive Medications

For example, you can ask your doctor to prescribe generic prescription drugs rather than brand name drugs. Or you may want to consider using your plan’s mail-order program to save money on prescriptions you use for ongoing conditions.

Consider a Flexible Spending Account

The Healthcare Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is great for saving money on healthcare expenses because it allows you to set aside money on a before-tax basis. This money can be used to pay yourself back for certain qualified expenses.

Stay Healthy

Half of all healthcare spending is related to lifestyle issues. Adopting good habits such as following a healthy diet and exercising can increase your energy, improve your health and lower your healthcare costs.

Know When It’s an Emergency

If you are in an emergency situation, go to the nearest emergency room. For non-urgent health concerns, consider using the WebMD Symptom Checker. You might discover that you can treat your condition at home, saving you both time and money.