Health Care and Health Insurance Costs Can Be Controlled Through Lifestyle ChoicesWritten by Michael Ertel
As you probably know all to well, cost of healthcare and health insurance premiums continue to increase at levels substantially above general inflation rate. The reasons given for these extraordinary cost increases are numerous and include: technological advancements in medical field, increased demand for medical services and prescription drugs, aging of population, cost shifting caused by uninsured and governmental reimbursement rates, state and federal mandates, and costs associated with medical related lawsuits.As individual consumers, we have very little control over some of factors contributing to cost of healthcare. However, all of us have control over lifestyle related health insurance claims. A simple formula of eating a balanced diet, getting appropriate amount of daily exercise, participating in annual physicals and other recommended routine care, limiting alcohol consumption, and eliminating use of tobacco products will no doubt reduce our personal healthcare costs. In addition to reducing medical costs, other benefits of following such a
| | High Deductible Health Insurance Plans For Individuals and FamiliesWritten by Michael Ertel
Do you pay more attention to your car than your body? You change your oil every 3000 to 4000 miles. You have your tires rotated every other oil change. Your air filter and brake pads are changed at appropriate intervals.Now, what about your body? You follow recommended AMA guidelines for routine check ups and other healthcare services. You pay special attention to make sure you eat a balanced diet and always take time to get enough exercise. The reality is many Americans pay more attention to maintenance of their car than they do their body. From an insurance perspective, your automobile insurance company has a certain expectation that you will take reasonable care of your car. Things such as routine maintenance of brakes and making sure your turning signals work properly are expected by your insurance company. Basic common sense says that proper automobile maintenance reduces traffic accidents and saves both you and your insurance company money. Health insurance consumers can benefit by taking a similar approach to taking care of their body. For average American, regular exercise, routine check ups and following your doctor’s advice will reduce your healthcare costs in long run. It is really very simple. By doing things necessary to stay healthy, you will need to seek medical care less frequently.
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