With health-care costs on the rise, you may be looking for ways to bring down your medical costs

. Here are 10 ideas:

1. Practice prevention

2. compare around for health insurance

3. Cut the cost of prescription drugs

4. Check your medical bills

5. Join your spouse's health plan

6. Keep track of your medical expenses

7. Negotiate a discount with your health-care provider

8. Contribute to a flexible spending account

9. Take advantage of free health screenings

10. Get to know your health insurance

Practice health living

As basic as it sounds, one of the most good ways to lower your medical expenses over time is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For example, you can:

Take advantage of wellness programs

Maintain a healthy weight

Exercise regularly

Kick unhealthy habits (e.g. smoking)

Have regular checkups

sponsor around for health insurance

If you don't have employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be looking to obtain coverage on your own. To get good coverage at an affordable price, shop around. Because premiums vary widely, you'll probably save money if you get quotes from several companies. measure each plan's coverage and features, taking into account exclusions, limitations, and the exemption to choose health-care providers, among other things. Also find out how much you'll wind up paying out of pocket in the form of co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles, because even relatively little amounts of money can really add up if you make often visits to your doctor.

Cut the cost of prescription drugs

Prescription costs can eat up a large percentage of your budget if you take prescription drugs regularly. Fortunately, it's not hard to find ways to save money. For example, try ordering your prescriptions through the mail, using a traditional or online pharmacy. 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 neighborhood pharmacy. You can also ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend a less-expensive generic drug whenever possible.

ascertain your medical bills

Medical bills are often confusing to read. However, taking a few minutes to go over the charges may save you money in the long run. check up on to make sure that the bill accurately reflects the procedures you have undergone and takes into account any applicable insurance coverage you may have. Some errors, such as wrong computer codes, are common, and you may be billed for health care you never standard. Contact the appropriate billing office if you think you've found a mistake. If you've received an explanation of benefits from your insurance company that you believe isnt right, ask the company to review your claim.

Join your husband or wife's health plan

Many married couples maintain separate health insurance coverage even though it may not be cost effective to do so. Examine both your coverage and your spouse's coverage to see if it makes sense for either of you to join the other's plan. Keep in mind that most plans allow you to add a spouse to your plan within a certain time period after you get married (e.g. 30 days). Otherwise, you may have to wait for the plans' annual open enrollment period.

continue track of your medical costs

Come tax time, you may be able to deduct sealed medical expenses if you itemize, and your total medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. Allowable medical expenses include everything from health-care services to medical aids (e.g. eyeglasses, hearing aids). Keep track of these expenses if there's a chance you'll be able to deduct them on your income tax return.

Negotiate a price reduction with your health-care provider

Many people don't recognize that you can sometimes negotiate to lower your medical bills. While it may not always work, it doesn't hurt to ask your doctor, hospital, or pharmacy if they're willing to come down in price. Before you begin to negotiate, do a little research to find out what other health-care providers in your area are charging. You can also ask your health-care provider if they'll get down their price if you pay in cash up front.

kick in to a flexible spending account

Your employer may offer a flexible spending plan that allows you to put pretax moneys in an account. You are then given back for your out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as prescription drugs, dental care, and co-payments. Because flexible disbursement contributions are taken out of your pay before federal and state taxes are calculated, you get to use pretax dollars to pay your medical bills.

Take advantage of free health screenings

If your health insurance doesn't provide decent coverage in some areas, or if you don't have any health insurance coverage at all, you may want to look into free health screenings. Local clinics and hospitals often provide a diverseness of screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and mammograms.

Get to know your health policy

Your health insurance may pass over more than you think. Nowadays, insurance services often provide benefits designed to help you stay safe and healthy. For example, you may receive discounts on vitamins, alternative medicines, health club services, or bike helmets. You may also be surprised at the range of coverage your health project offers. For instance, it may include dental care for young children, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. go over your plan membership materials to find out what services and products are available through your health plan before you pay for them on your own.