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.

---

Medical Insurance - Health Insurance Coverage & Plans Explained

If you're trying to decide between health insurance plans, you'll... Read More

UK Young Driver Motor Insurance - Build Your Own No Claims Bonus or Insure through Your Parents

For may young drivers, affording the costs of motor insurance... Read More

Gain An Advantage Over Your Competition By Controlling The Cost Of Your Health Insurance

As many of us expect, the New Year will bring... Read More

We Dont Need Another Broker: How To Get The Best Liability Insurance Rates Available

Some business relationships are forged through blood and friendship. When... Read More

What Are The Auto Liability Insurance State Minimums For My State?

As you shop online for the best auto insurance deals... Read More

Credit Card Insurance

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

Online Insurance: The End of the High Street Broker?

When I was a lad, some 25 years ago, the... Read More

Finding a Discount Car Insurance Broker

Discount car insurance brokerTimes past finding a discount insurance broker... Read More

The Need For Life Insurance

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

How Much Renters Insurance Do I Need?

When obtaining renter's insurance it is important to put serious... Read More

How Do I Calculate How Much Life Insurance I Need?

Life insurance protects you and your family from economic hardship... Read More

Insurance Claim Handling Online - TPA Adjuster System

Claims management and administration software systems enable insurance claims adjusters,... Read More

Tips for First Time Insurance Buyers

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

How Does Credit History Affect Car Insurance Rates?

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

Consumer Driven Health Plans [ CDHP ]

Do you know that skyrocketing health care costs have been... Read More

The Life Insurance Quote Business is Booming, but is the Insurance Quote Accurate?

The life insurance quote business online is booming. Not only... Read More

Cheap Term Life Insurance is Available Everywhere

Cheap term life insurance is easier to get than most... Read More

Term Life Insurance and Permanent Life Insurance

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

What Is Homeowners Insurance Coverage?

Before attempting to find the best homeowners insurance coverage you... Read More

Internet Insurance Leads

It is a fact that more and more people everyday... Read More

Six Crucial Insurance Claim Possibilities

There are DOZENS of insurance claim possibilities which will increase... Read More

Health Savings Accounts (HSA): How Do I Tell a Good One from a Bad One?

The Health Savings Account (HSA) is becoming well-known as an... 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

How To Get Cheap Whole Life Insurance Quotes

Whole life insurance quotes the most expensive kind of policies... Read More

Types of Long Term Care Insurance

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

Term Life And Whole Life Insurance

Which type of policy is best for you, term or... Read More

Mortgage Life Insurance

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

Choosing Buy-To-Let Property Insurance

Risk is an area often overlooked by landlords, but failing... Read More

Cut Business Insurance in 8 ways

1. Comply with recommendations from company engineers and loss control.... Read More

Are You Running the Risk of an Uninsured Business? Beware & Get Business Insurance

Human life is precarious and so are the activities they... Read More

Vehicle Insurance Online is a Convenient Way to Get Insurance Cheap

Online comparison shopping is a convenient way to get cheap... Read More

Does an HSA Cover Alternative Medicine?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) does not really cover alternative... Read More

Affordable Health Insurance - Health Insurance For The Self Employed

One of the things that is important to consider when... Read More