Why do Health Insurance Premiums Rise?

Few people realize how much health care really costs in the United States today. Costs have skyrocketed on everything from routine tests to prescription drugs to emergency room visits. Many people, who have had insurance over the years have abused their health care coverage and had many expensive tests and procedures that may not have been necessary ,but thinking that they were "free" consented to or even asked for unnecessary procedures. Another way that insurance coverage has been abused is with expensive brand-name prescriptions.

Did you know that a generic prescription is identical to the brand-name, but generally costs about one-third the price? Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance has become educating people that this type of abuse raises health care costs for everyone because insurance premiums are based on the amount of money the insurance company has to pay out in medical costs each year. Expensive unnecessary trips to the emergency room or paying the higher price for prescription drugs raises the price for everyone involved. Every person regardless of the type of medical insurance they have, including Blue Cross Blue Shield should begin taking a more active role in reducing medical costs and keeping premiums low.

Other ways to keep the cost of health insurance low include staying healthier by watching your diet and getting enough exercise. Overweight is one the biggest contributors to health problems and so by keeping your weight healthy you are less likely to experience devastating and expensive health problems like heart disease, adult onset diabetes and high blood pressure. Maintaining reasonably priced health insurance with a provider such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield can also help you by covering routine doctor visits such as a yearly physical which will also help prevent serious health problems.

Health insurance premiums may go up now and then, but by taking a few precautions such as using the emergency room only for emergencies and opting for generic drugs whenever possible, you can help keep them at a reasonable level. Taking proper advantage of your insurance coverage through a provider like Blue Cross Blue Shield in maintaining your health will also help keep premiums lower.