You know health care costs are going up, up, up. And you also know you can't control the cost of new technology and other reasons for the increase. But you do have some control — in the decisions that limit your out-of-pocket costs. These simple tips can help you stretch your health care dollar — without putting your family's health at risk.

1. Take advantage of network savings. Doctors, hospitals, and other providers in your plan's network — most insurers call them participating providers — charge lower rates for plan members. Going to a participating provider is kind of like shopping at a warehouse club where you need a membership card. And if you can get lower prices with your membership, it's obviously in your best interest to shop there. There's a second reason to stay in the network: if you go to a nonparticipating provider, any amount over what a participating provider would charge comes out of YOUR pocket.
2. Don't believe all the hype about brand-name drugs. The drug industry spends more than $2 billion every year advertising expensive brand-name drugs (IMS Health study). In many cases, you can get the same results for less money by choosing generic drugs. Before your doctor finishes writing up your prescription, ask about generic equivalents, lower-cost brand-name drugs that treat the same condition, and even over-the-counter options. If you take an alternative drug and don't think it works as well, you can always go back to the brand-name drug you used before.
3. Pay with pre-tax money. If you have the option to get a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), do it! These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck to pay for eligible items like prescription and over-the-counter medications, copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, dental expenses, and vision care. If you're thinking, "But I don't have room in my budget to take more money out of my paycheck!" consider this: You're paying for these items anyway, so setting aside a little bit from each paycheck means you don't have to worry about whether there's enough money in your checking account. And because you don't pay federal taxes on the money, you're getting a "percent-off" discount on everything you pay for with your account.
4. Take your medication as prescribed. Not refilling your prescriptions might seem like a good way to save money, but it might cost you much more in the long run. Many prescription drugs, when taken as directed, can keep you from needing expensive medical care or hospitalization. So make sure everyone in your family follows doctor's orders.
5. Go to the ER only for emergencies. If you need non-emergency medical care, think about going to an urgent care center or your regular doctor instead of the emergency room. Sometimes it's a tough call. But for something like a cold or a minor sprain, avoiding the ER will probably save you money for two reasons: the copayment is usually lower for a doctor's visit or urgent care, and your insurer might make you pay for the full cost of care if you use an emergency room for a non-emergency.
6. Look into free-standing surgery and diagnostic centers. If you need outpatient surgery, you may save money by having it done at an ambulatory surgery center – a free-standing clinic that isn't in a hospital or a facility operated by a hospital. And free-standing diagnostic clinics usually charge less than hospital-run facilities for tests like MRIs, CAT scans, X-rays, and bone density scans. But before you go to one of these facilities, do two things: make sure the facility is part of your plan's network, and check your plan to make sure your benefits cover the service.
7. Ask your doctor about home testing and monitoring devices. Home tests for blood pressure, diabetes, and so on can help you make sure you're following doctor's orders … for less money than in-office testing. Just check with your doctor make sure home tests are appropriate for you, report your results regularly, and call your doctor right away if you see anything unusual.
8. Take advantage of programs from your health plan. If you have diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or another chronic condition, you may have access to free disease management programs. These programs can really help you stay healthy and possibly save you money at the same time. Some plans also have programs to prevent illness, like smoking cessation, weight loss, and even stress management. Remember, staying healthy is still the best way to save money on health care!