I read an interesting article today from WalletPop.com about simple ways to cut your medical costs.  I am a huge proponent of preventative health.  The way I keep my costs down is I STAY HEALTHY so I don't have to pay money to doctors and hospitals!  Unfortunately, I do have to visit every once in awhile, so I found the information in this article helpful.  In a nutshell, here is what I got out of it:

Americans spend an average of $7600 per person per year on health care, and its getting worse.  They suggested doing a few simple things to ease the pain.

• get prescription drugs at discounts!  get coupons, or go to retailers like Wal-Mart and Target that have drug discount programs.  Also, consider generics.
• Ask your doctor for free samples when you are considering a prescription.
• Learn how to use a flexible spending account and talk to your employer about these.
• Deduct your medical expenses on your taxes.  Yes, that means keeping a good record of your expenses! 
• Consider taking part in clinical trials
• This one was big, so I quote it: "

  The key is to ask for a discount. Insurance companies get as much as a 40% to 60% discount, so ask for that first. According to a survey by Consumer Reports National Research Center, only 31% of Americans have even tried to negotiate their medical bills; of the ones who have, though, 93% were successful in getting a discounts, so go for it!

  Just make sure you talk to the right person -- usually that's the head of billing. If he or she doesn't have the power to negotiate, ask to speak to someone who can.

  "
• Review your bills!  They can make mistakes
• Dont take no for an answer on your medical claims, keep trying
• Buy medical supplies yourself, such as crutches etc so you dont have to pay the outrageous hospital and clinics prices.
• Stay in your insurance network! 

to read more, go to http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/10/15/11-simple-ways-to-slash-your-medical-costs/