As health care costs have a tendency to rise you may be looking for ways to lower your medical expenses. Ten ideas can help you get started.

1. Practice prevention

The best way to cut medical expenses, although it may sound naturally, is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For example, you can:

• Take advantage of wellness programs
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Give up unhealthy habits (e.g. smoking)
• Have regular checkups

2. Shop around for health insurance

In case you don't have employer-sponsored health insurance, you should be ready to look for individual health insurance. Getting quotes from several companies will probably save your money because premiums vary widely. Each plan's coverage and features should be evaluated carefully, among other things you should take into account exclusions, limitations, and the freedom to choose health care providers. Also find out how much you'll end up paying out of pocket in the form of co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles, because if you visits your doctor frequently even relatively small amounts of money can really add up. If you're healthy and just want protection for a major illness or accident, pay attention to Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage.

3. Cut the cost of prescription drugs

Ordering prescriptions through the mail, using a traditional or online pharmacy is also an efficient way to save. If you belong to a prescription drug plan (e.g. through your health insurance), 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 local pharmacy. You can also ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend a less-expensive generic drug whenever possible. Besides, many groups and pharmacies offer prescription drug discount programs. Although the programs usually offer small savings at best and large drawbacks at worst, they are worth considering. Direct apply to pharmaceutical companies for prescription assistance is also an option for senior citizens and others on a limited budget.

4. Check your medical bills

Check every itemized statement you receive from a hospital or physician. Checking is important to make sure that the bill accurately reflects the treatment you received and applies all available insurance coverage. You may be billed for health care you never received, in case some rather common errors (incorrect computer codes) occur. If you think, you've found a mistake contact the billing office. And if you've received an explanation of benefits from your insurance company that you believe is wrong, ask the company to review your claim.

5. Join your spouse's health plan

Many married couples maintain separate health insurance coverage. However, it can be much more advantageous to belong to the same insurance plan. Examine both your coverage and your spouse's coverage and think over if it makes sense for either of you to join the other's plan. Bear in mind that most plans allow you to add a spouse to your plan within a certain period after you get married (e.g. 30 days). Otherwise, you may have to wait for the plan's annual open enrollment period.

6. Keep track of your medical expenses

When tax time comes, you may be able to deduct certain medical expenses. The current IRS rules specify that you must itemize your deductions, and your total medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Allowable medical expenses include a wide range of medicines, services and medical aids (e.g. eyeglasses, hearing aids). And it is preferable that you shouldn't wait until the end of the year to track these expenses, if there's a chance you'll be able to deduct them on your income tax return.

7. Negotiate a discount with your health care provider

Many people don't make use of the possibility to negotiate a discount to lower medical bills. While it may not always work, it will not do any harm to ask your doctor, hospital, or pharmacy if they can reduce the price. Before negotiating the price, do a little research to find out what other health care providers in your area are charging. Another option is to ask your health care provider whether they'll lower their price if you pay in cash up front.

7. Investigate health care incentives

Health care providers promote wellness for their customers. Health care incentives can include regularly attending a gym, pledging not to smoke, and preventive care programs. Many health insurance companies provide an annual or monthly discount if you simply get a physical once a year and your doctor can confirm that you're receiving proper preventive care.

8. Contribute to a tax-favored medical account

Your employer may offer a tax-favored health plan that allows you to put pretax dollars in an account. These plans are known as a flexible spending arrangement or health savings account (HSA). The main point of these plans is that you can use funds remitted to these accounts to pay for your unplanned or not covered medical expenses, such as prescription drugs, dental care, and co-payments. The contributions are taken away of your pay before federal and state taxes are calculated, which actually saves your money. Abovementioned advantages makes it easy for you to get to use pretax dollars to pay your medical bills. In some cases, these accounts may turn out to be an investment savings option as well.

9. Take advantage of free health screenings and immunizations

Free health screenings may be great opportunity to take advantage of in case your health insurance doesn't provide adequate coverage in some areas, or if you don't have any health insurance coverage at all. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and mammograms screenings are usually included in free screenings provided by local clinics and hospitals. You may also find free flu shots and well-child check-ups at government offices or your local WIC program.

10. Get to know your health insurance

Your health insurance may cover more than you suppose. The fact is that insurance companies often provide benefits helping you stay safe and healthy, that is why it is important to read your plan membership materials carefully to find out what products and services are available through your health plan.

The health plan can cover various services and products, the variety may seem even surprising. You may be given discounts on vitamins, alternative medicines, health club memberships, exercise equipment, bike helmets. What is more, health plan offer may cover dental care for young children, chiropractic care, and acupuncture.