As a health plan broker, I've spent the last 23 years

helping people find affordable health insurance. Along the way I've

learned how to trim the price of health insurance without trimming the

quality. Here are a few of my secrets:#1) Don't be afraid to consider

plans with higher deductibles. Insurance, by definition, is protection

from serious financial loss. A good plan, even with a high deductible, can

give you that protection. As a bonus, many of these types of plans will

waive the deductible for routine office visits, routine physicals, and

generic drugs.#2) Take a look at HSA plans. In the last few years a new

type of plan has become available. These are called HSA (Health Savings

Account) eligible plans. They are low cost, high deductible health plans

that offer outstanding tax benefits. Any good health insurance company

offers them.#3) If you don't need maternity, drop it. You can lower your

premium by choosing a plan without maternity. And remember, for family

coverage, not everyone has to be on the same plan. To lower your cost you

can get a plan with maternity for the person who needs it and a plan

without maternity for the other family members.#4) A quick word about

basic, hospital only coverage: Caution. Yes, I know those super low prices

are tempting, but there is a risk. You can rack up huge medical bills

without ever stepping foot in a hospital. That being said, if that's all

that's affordable at the present time, it's better than nothing, and you

can try to upgrade when finances allow.#5) HMO's vs. PPO's. Many people

think that HMO's are cheaper than PPO's but usually that's not the case.

If you're looking for good quality insurance at the lowest possible price

and you don't mind a higher deductible, then a PPO will be cheaper. If you

want the richest benefits possible with little or no deductible, then you

might consider an HMO. Remember, though, an HMO is less flexible and there

are restrictions on which doctors you can use.#6) Get some help. In your

quest for affordable health insurance, sometimes it helps to talk with a

professional. Make a few phone calls. Find an experienced, friendly health

plan broker that offers several different companies. It won't cost you

anything (we're paid by the insurance carriers), but it will probably save

you time, money, and frustration.