Saving tips for children's health insurance related costs

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If you think healthcare is expensive for adults, you’d be surprised by how expensive it can be for children. A recent study found that health care costs are rising fastest among those who are eighteen and under. There are a number of things that parents can do to ensure that their children’s health costs stay low. Here are some tips:
Look into state or local resources for health insurance If your kids are currently being covered from your employer-provided insurance, then you can likely skip this step. But if you are paying for insurance yourself, it may be a good idea to look into state and local options to get your kids covered. Many states have child-only health insurance that can help save you tremendously on your family’s insurance coverage. Based on your income level, you may even be able to get your kids insured for free or almost free. See this article for more information.
Stay up-to-date on your child’s vaccinations Vaccinations are extremely important in maintaining your child’s health and ensuring that s/he won’t be hit with a disease or illness that could result in life-crippling financial costs. Don’t delay vaccinations and keep in touch with your pediatrician so you know exactly when the next vaccination is due.
Take a preventative attitude toward health for you and your children As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The best way to keep healthcare costs down for you and your children is to avoid illness in the first place. Make a healthy diet with as little processed foods as possible the number one priority. Make sure that your children get plenty of exercise through sports programs in school. Also be sure to teach young children proper hygiene—washing hands thoroughly throughout the day - that goes a long way in preventing minor illnesses like colds and the flu.
When you consider the lifetime cost of having kids, a good percentage of that cost is spent on treating illnesses and maintaining health. As such, if you plan accordingly, look for the most affordable health insurance that meets your child’s needs, and you make health and prevention a priority in your family, you’ll be well on your way to reducing your child’s healthcare costs. Good luck!
Tracy Myers is a freelance writer and blogger who previously spent years working in the insurance industry. While her specialty is home insurance, she also likes to write about a broad spectrum of insurance-related topics such as healthcare and automotive insurance. Read more of her writing at www.homeinsurance.org.