You do have control over your health care costs. With a little common sense and a healthy dose of consumerism, you can save money and still get good care, says Devon Herrick, PhD, an economist at the National Center for Policy Analysis.

1. Insurance options: A health savings account (HSA) might save you money over a PPO or HMO, especially if your employer contributes too. If you’re on a nongroup plan, shop around and consider increasing the deductible to reduce your premium and still maintain major medical coverage. If uninsured, ask about cash rates and discounts before you receive care. Check the Internet for discount card programs that lower costs at hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and retail clinics.
2. Shop for better prescription deals: Ask your doctor about similar drugs that cost less but do the same thing. Compare prices among local pharmacies and reputable online sites. Even if you have insurance, these low prices can sometimes beat your insurance rates.
3. Ask your doctor about generic versions of your medications: For brand-name drugs, ask your doctor for samples. Also, go to the drug manufacturer’s Web site and check for discount coupons, rebates, and cost-assistance programs.
4. Consider OTC options: Ask your pharmacist about drugs available over the counter. There may be drugs that can help with managing some temporary and chronic illnesses—and cost a lot less than prescriptions.
5. Cut office visit costs: Retail clinics (in grocery stores or strip malls) or telemedicine services can cost much less than regular office visits. A visit to a walk-in clinic can result in a bill that is less than half of what you’d see from a doctor’s office visit and a fraction of emergency room treatment.
6. Shop for diagnostic procedures and lab work: Call around and check prices for both cash and your insurance plan’s negotiated rate. Paying upfront and/or filing insurance forms yourself may save costs. If you are getting any kind of procedure, make sure—in advance—that all providers are in-network.
7. Take advantage of health fairs: Many health fairs (at work or in your community) offer wellness health screenings, lab work, and diagnostic imaging at much reduced rates. Some services are free.
8. Medical tourism: If your deductible is high or you’re uninsured, consider traveling to a country where the cost of performing surgery might be a fraction of the cost of the same procedure in the United States.
9. Do your homework: Search reputable Web sites or a self-care guide for information that can help you ask more-informed questions and prevent an unnecessary office visit.
10. Become an active patient: Learn to help manage long-term conditions, such as asthma, GERD, allergies, or diabetes. Active participation in the daily treatment of your illness can help keep costs and complications low.