Health Care and Health Insurance Costs Can Be Controlled Through Lifestyle Choices

As you probably know all to well, the cost of healthcare and health insurance premiums continue to increase at levels substantially above the general inflation rate. The reasons given for these extraordinary cost increases are numerous and include: technological advancements in the medical field, increased demand for medical services and prescription drugs, the aging of the population, cost shifting caused by the 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 the factors contributing to the cost of healthcare. However, all of us have control over lifestyle related health insurance claims. A simple formula of eating a balanced diet, getting the appropriate amount of daily exercise, participating in annual physicals and other recommended routine care, limiting alcohol consumption, and eliminating the use of tobacco products will no doubt reduce our personal healthcare costs. In addition to reducing medical costs, the other benefits of following such a formula include more energy, self confidence, less stress, and increased productivity. If you are not doing so already, I encourage you to consider practical ways to promote a healthy lifestyle for you and your family. For example, one of the individual health insurance companies my organization works with has an option that will offset 25% of the annual cost of a health club membership. Simple things such as taking a walk, bike ride, or going swimming promote both a healthy body and mind. If you have a sweet tooth, consider limiting yourself to eating desert once a week. You will enjoy it more and your body will thank you.

Health insurance premiums will continue to increase as long as the cost of healthcare continues to go up. The best way to reduce the overall cost of healthcare is to decrease our need for healthcare. Healthy lifestyle choices and prudent use of the healthcare system are the best and easiest ways to get a handle on our healthcare expenditures. Perhaps the greatest benefit of a healthy lifestyle is our ability to enjoy our precious time here on earth to the fullest.

Michael Ertel is the President of Ertel & Company, Inc. and has over 15 years of experience in the health insurance business. He is the founder of MedicalInsuranceNow.com which is an internet based service that assists individuals, families, and small business owners by providing side by side comparisons of health insurance alternatives and the convenience of applying for health coverage online.

---

Term Life Insurance - Buy Term and Invest the Difference!

The phrase "BUY TERM AND INVEST THE DIFFERENCE" evolves around... Read More

The Need For Life Insurance

A person needs to reexamine their life insurance needs every... Read More

Private Health Insurance: A Sense of Dissatisfaction

The three C's, customization, consumerization and customer-satisfaction, seem to be... Read More

Life Insurance: Why Theres No Need to be a Desperate Housewife

Life insurance looks set to make a comeback in the... Read More

Understanding How Your Credit History May Affect Your Car Insurance Coverage

Many personal auto insurance companies consider your credit information when... Read More

Health Insurance Online - Save Today

It is now possible to thoroughly research and buy health... Read More

Tips for First Time Insurance Buyers

The are many scary things in this world. Buying insurance... Read More

Insurance in Northern Ireland: Historic Difficulties

No doubt most readers will have heard of the Northern... Read More

Insurance Glossary of Terms

Assured - Those insured under the terms of an insurance... Read More

Why Buy Life Insurance?

Love. Yes, that's right. Love for your spouse, children, family,... Read More

CarInsurance.com Is Available At All Dealerships With Internet Access!

You are ready to buy your first car. Researching the... Read More

Travel Insurance Might Be Just What You Need!

Travel insurance is something that many people haven't considered. Sure,... Read More

Why Should I Go To A Life Insurance Broker?

A life insurance broker is a dedicated person that encourages... Read More

Business Insurance; Information you will need

When you start a small business you will need to... Read More

Health Savings Account (HSA): Do I Lose It At the End of Each Year?

The Health Savings Account (HSA) is an amazing tool to... Read More

Will Online Automobile Insurance Quotes Really Save Me Money?

If you're looking to save money on your auto insurance... Read More

Are You Sure That Heirloom Oriental Rug From Your Aunt Hilda Is Really Insured?

Gone are the days of the cinder block and wood... Read More

Protecting Your Expatriate Family

If you and your family relocate overseas, one of your... Read More

Auto Insurance In Texas

If you are looking for auto insurance in texas, you... Read More

Health Insurance Options for Entrepreneurs

One of the most important benefits employed people enjoy is... Read More

Guide to Life Insurance

Here is a useful guide to life insurance. Simply put,... Read More

Used Car Insurance

Every state requires that drivers carry liability insurance. The liability... Read More

7 Tips Toward Helping You Reduce Your Insurance Costs

Not a year goes by that insurance rates go up.... Read More

Term Life Insurance and Permanent Life Insurance

Term insurance and permanent insurance are two basic types of... Read More

Health Savings Account (HSA): Useful for Women in Childbearing Years?

The Health Savings Account (HSA) is an amazing tool that... Read More

About Online Term Life Insurance Rates

Online term life insurance ratesHow simple it is today finding... Read More

Types of Long Term Care Insurance

Regardless of what some people might think, medical insurance will... Read More

Taking The Mystery Out Of Long-Term Care Insurance

Here's the good news: with improvements in medical technology and... Read More

Credit Card Insurance

A word of warning about Credit card repayment protection schemesThe... Read More

10 Ways To Save On Car Insurance

For most people car insurance is a the single largest... Read More

Talking to Your Parents About Insurance

Who can you talk to about auto insurance? Insurance agents... Read More

How Many Homeowner Insurance Quotes Do I Need To Save Money?

Homeowner insurance quotes can vary in the amount they cost... Read More

Mortgage Life Insurance

Owning a home is a dream for most of us,... Read More