A vast majority of those who do not have access to group health insurance plans are taking their chances without insurance because they are afraid of high personal health insurance plan costs.

The problem with taking this type of risk is that the cost of just one major injury can far exceed the cost of any annual health care plan!

Health insurance doesn’t need to break the bank. There are 5 simple things that you can do on your own to dramatically lower your health care costs.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Keeping your weight within an average range for your age and height can help you qualify for the best health insurance rates. Being morbidly obese can cause health insurance rates to increase by 7 times the quoted rate.

Weight Management Resources:

eDiets.com

eDiets.com is a full-featured online weight loss website offering:

• 22 diet plans
• Meal delivery
• Online meetings
• Support community
• Fitness program
• Recipe club
• Videos
• A live on call nutritionist

Don’t Use Tobacco

Tobacco use of any kind, including chewing tobacco can increase your health insurance rates by 30%!

Smoking Cessation Resources:

SmokeFree.gov

SmokeFree.gov is a non-commercial site with many free resources to help smokers quit and new quitters to stay focused on their goals. Just a few of the many resources include:

• Real time phone counseling
• Support groups
• Craving journal
• 33 downloadable PDF resources
• Quizzes
• And much more!

Reversing Type II Diabetes

Those with Type II Diabetes automatically receive a 30% increase – and that is with a healthy A1C. Those with an unhealthy A1C often pay even more. In a majority of cases, controlling weight and eating right can eliminate Type II diabetes.

Diabetes Resources:

Diabetes.org

The American Diabetes Association has compiled a huge list of valuable resources for those living with diabetes or who wish to take action to prevent becoming diabetic. Just some of the many resources at diabetes.org include:

• Virtual grocery story
• Recipe of the Day
• Guide to eating out
• Guide to reading food labels
• ‘Club Ped’ walking club program
• Downloadable prevention resources

Find Natural Ways to De-Stress

Dependence on anti-depressants and anti-stress medications are automatic health insurance rate increases. Stress related illnesses are one of the driving factors of health care costs. Instead, try exploring natural ways to reduce stress and anxiety such as lifestyle changes, yoga, and meditation.

Stress-Free Living Resources

HelpGuide.org

HelpGuide.org is a non-profit resource offering ways to take charge of stress in your life. Among HeathGuide.org’s available resources are:

• Resilliancy test
• Stress reduction tips
• Information on and links to stress reducing resources including yoga, tai chi, and massage therapy
• Relationship help

Lower Cholesterol

Risk factors of heart disease such as high cholesterol can significantly increases rates. Exercise, healthy eating, and monitoring your cholesterol can help you to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Healthy Heart Resources

The American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the #1 resource for information and tools about ways to maintain a healthy heart. Here you’ll find numerous heart-healthy resources including:

• ‘My Start!’ personal nutrition and exercise tracking tool
• Cholesterol lowering checklist
• ‘Choose to Move’ free physical activity program for women
• Personal stories of hope
• Heart-healthy grocery shopping lists

Tags: Health Insurance //