Healthcare expenses are a huge issue for many Americans. Even employer sponsored health insurance can be horribly expensive, and the situation is worse for those without corporate health insurance from their employers or the self employed. While many states are working to provide new health insurance options for the children of the working classes, adults are often still lacking even basic health care coverage. Moreover, for many Americans, their health coverage is inadequate and can still leave them managing massive medical bills or not getting the care that they critically need. You can reduce healthcare costs somewhat with smart planning and forethought.

If your employer provides health insurance, read through your options carefully. You may find that there are several possible plans. Your own health status and how apt you are to visit the doctor can both be relevant when you choose a health insurance plan. Taking the lower cost option can be smart, but do carefully compare the choices available to pick the best for your own needs.

Another option that can reduce your healthcare expenses is to use a health savings account, or HSA. You can learn more about HSAs at http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa/faq_basics.shtml.  These accounts are designed for people with a high deductible insurance plan and can help you save by allowing you to spend pre-tax dollars on health needs of all sorts. 

Prescription drug costs are a huge problem for many people. While some insurance providers do offer good prescription coverage, this is becoming less and less common. Fortunately, the private sector has stepped in to make drug costs more manageable for every American. Several major retailers, including Wal-Mart and Target are now offering low cost generic prescriptions. For only a few dollars, you can fill a 30 day prescription for many generic drugs, making the financial burden of necessary medications much less difficult to manage. Low income Americans may also find that pharmaceutical companies offer assistance programs that can provide medications not available through these generic drug programs.