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By: Kade Phillips, contributing writer at Kanetix.com.

The costs associated with health care have risen sharply over the past decade. Millions of people have watched the benefits of their employer-sponsored plans deteriorate even as their out-of-pocket expenses have climbed. What's more, many experts suggest things will likely worsen before they improve. As individuals and those with families grow increasingly anxious with regard to what the future holds, now is the time to do everything possible to lower your health care costs.

Below, we'll share the top 5 strategies for reducing your health insurance premiums and trimming your long-term expenses. These five tips are designed to keep more money in your pocket while making sure you receive the benefits upon which you and your family depend.

#1 - Increase Your Deductible And Co-Pay
Many people maintain their health care coverage with a low deductible and co-pay. Doing so significantly raises your rates. If you and your family are relatively healthy and do not suffer from pre-existing conditions, there's a low likelihood that you'll make frequent visits to the doctor. In that case, you're paying higher premiums to maintain a low deductible and co-pay from which you'll rarely gain benefit. Increase both and watch your health insurance rates drop.

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#2 - Choose Generic Medications
A sizable portion of today's health insurance costs are attributable to the price of prescription medications. Many policies pass a large share of these costs to policyholders. In many cases, there are generic alternatives that are just as effective as branded drugs, but are available at far lower prices. For example, your co-pay might require you to pay $32 for a prescription drug, but only $7 for its generic equivalent.

If your doctor prescribes a brand name medication, ask for its generic counterpart. You might be able to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by 70% or more.

#3 - Avoid Going Outside Your Network
Health insurance companies will lower your out-of-pocket costs when you use doctors, surgeons, and specialists within their network. The reason is due to leverage. These medical professionals participate in your health plan's network because it provides a steady revenue stream. Health insurers use that leverage to drive costs lower for their policyholders. It's not uncommon for doctors outside the network to charge 30% to 40% more for the same services. Stay within your health insurer's network whenever possible.

#4 - When Outside Your Network, Haggle
There may be circumstances that prevent you from using in-network doctors. For example, you may need the services of a particular specialist who operates outside your health plan's system. Or, a trusted in-network surgical team may be unable to perform the procedure you need within your preferred time frame.

When you're forced to go outside your health insurer's network, be willing to negotiate with doctors on their prices. Not only will many doctors take the opportunity to help someone in need, but they're often happy to have your business. They may lower their prices to accommodate you. Ask them. That's the only way you'll know whether they are willing to do so.

#5 - Improve Your Health
This is arguably one of the best strategies for reducing your long-term health insurance costs. Not only is improving your health directly within your control, but doing so can have a significant influence on your rates. If you're overweight, considering shedding a few pounds. If you're an habitual smoker, considering quitting. Both can dramatically lower your premiums.

Review your health insurance policy. Many of them offer cost savings that are tied to joining a gym or participating in a health and wellness program. Not only might you enjoy immediate savings, but becoming healthier poses lower health insurance costs down the road.

With out-of-pocket expenses related to health care coverage rising, it is critical to proactively look for ways to cut your costs. Implement the five strategies above and you'll enjoy the medical coverage you need while preserving your budget.

Lower your health care rates with smart insurance shopping
Take advantage of the fact that each insurance company views the risk to insure someone slightly differently. These differences in opinion can result in fairly large differences in price from one company to another for basically the same kind of coverage.

With this in mind, it's always a good idea to compare several health insurance plans before a decision to purchase. Kanetix can help you find the low cost health care coverage that you are seeking. Compare health insurance quotes today!


Kade Phillips is a contributing writer at Kanetix.com, serving free health insurance quotes nationwide.
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