This year, the average employee on a company's group plan still will pay $3,597 in health care costs, $331 more than in 2007, reports Hewitt Associates, a human resources company. Try these eight cost-cutters to help put a big chunk of that money back in your wallet:
* Ask for a freebie. When starting a new drug regimen, see if your doctor can give you a sample or starter kit. That way, you can check whether the medication works for you - and doesn't cause severe side effects - before you invest in a month's supply.
* Don't bypass your doctor. Now that many health plans don't require a referral to see a specialist, it is tempting to skip the primary-care physician. But you may not need the specialist - or the higher co-pay, which may be twice as much.
* Focus on the Web. Try on frames at an optician's first, then look for the same or similar ones to buy online. And ordering contacts from an Internet retailer can save you up to 30 percent on popular brands.
* Check out a discount card. These plans get you a hefty chunk off on care from participating dentists, doctors and even hospitals. Vital Savings, a plan from Aetna, offers savings of 50 percent on eye exams and 15 percent to 50 percent on dental care for a one-time sign-up charge of $15 and a monthly fee of $10.50 for a family.
The discount health card industry has attracted scam artists. And if you are especially attached to your doctors, ask first whether they participate in any discount plans.
* Stay covered. If you leave a job, you have the right, by law, to continue participating in your company's group health plan for up to 18 months. The program (COBRA) is expensive - up to 102 percent of the cost of the policy, all of which you will pay yourself. But it's cheaper than taking out a comparable private policy or than getting sick without insurance.
* Take advantage of kid programs. Even if you can't swing insurance right now, every state provides health coverage and medical care to infants, children and teens whose family income falls under certain levels. For information, call 877-543-7669 or visit insurekidsnow.gov.
* Shape up. Women who are extremely overweight have annual medical costs that are nearly 70 percent higher than normal-weight women, a study in the American Journal of Health Promotion found. Not fazed? Some employers reward fit employees with reduced insurance premiums or deductibles.
* Choose generic drugs. You could enjoy a 52 percent cut in the cost of your medications. Fill your prescription at one of the big-box retailers like Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart, and you can get a month's supply for as little as $4 or a 90-day supply for $10 to $15.
* On another matter: The Institute enlisted a team of testers to try out nine walking shoes, evaluating each for fit, comfort, cushioning, quality and style. Brooks Sports Defyance ($90) earned top scores for fit, support, comfort and cushioning. Testers loved the cool style of the Ryka Moira ($70) in addition to its superb quality, support and comfort. The Asics Gel Kayano Walker 7 ($100) is lightweight, while still providing support and comfort. For comfort, go with Saucony Grid Instep RT ($60). And the Nike Air Miler Walk+ ($85) wowed testers with its roominess and ventilation because of the mesh-top toe box.
