In an uncertain economy, it simply makes sense to do everything you can to lower your health care costs.

These suggestions can help.

• Practice prevention. Staying healthy is the most effective way to lower your medical bills. To do so: Eat a balanced, low-fat diet. Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight. Have regular checkups. Manage chronic conditions. Make sure your immunizations and health care screenings are up to date. Take advantage of wellness programs offered at your workplace, health club, or local hospital.
• Check out your policy. Knowing what your health care plan does and doesn’t cover is your first line of defense against high bills. For example: Your plan may cover those acupuncture treatments you’ve been paying for. And not being precertified for an operation could cost you hundreds of dollars.
• Carefully review your medical bills. Human error can add big bucks to hospital, lab, and doctor bills. Before paying any medical bills, check to make sure you’re being charged only for procedures, vaccines, and services you actually received.
• Check out your partner’s health plan. Many couples have separate health insurance coverage, even though it could save them money to have joint coverage. To make sure you have the best coverage for the best price, examine both plans and speak to your plan administrators.
• See your personal doctor before finding a specialist. Your primary care physician can treat most conditions. Many health care plans charge higher copayments for specialist appointments and procedures.
• Cut prescription costs. To do so: Ask your doctor to replace brand-name prescriptions with generic ones. Order three-month supplies of drugs online or through the mail instead of one-month orders—you’ll have one or two copays instead of three.
• Compare prices. Whether you’re filling a prescription or getting a lab test, compare prices for medical supplies and services.
• Add up your costs. If you itemize your deductions, you may be able to deduct certain medical expenses if your total medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. Visit www.irs.gov for a list of allowable medical expenses.
• Pay up front. Paying with cash or a check instead of a credit card or in installments could save you 5 to 20 percent. Ask your providers if they’ll cut you a deal in exchange for immediate payment.

The bottom line: Staying healthy and doing what you can to contain your costs can lower your medical bills and improve your health.

© StayWell Custom Communications. Information is the opinion of the sourced authors and organizations. Personal decisions regarding health, diet, and exercise should be made only after consultation with the reader's own medical advisers. This material may not be reproduced for redistribution without written permission from StayWell Custom Communications.