Article courtesy of Payne Financial Group's Benefits Buzz newsletter, August 2010 issue

Many Americans will search through the newspaper for a coupon that saves them a few dollars at the grocery store, but when it comes to health care - a far more complex and expensive purchase - they rarely ask questions or consider all the options to save time and money.

Learn to shop for value when it comes to health care - it could save you thousands of dollars on your family's medical bills. Consider these tips: 

• - Make a deal. Ask your doctor, hospital or dentist if they will accept less for the service. Many individuals who bargain for health care succeed.
• - Know the price. You will be better armed to negotiate discounts when you know the real cost of care. Find rates on the websites of large insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Aetna.
• - Pay in cash. You can often save up to 10 percent on your bill by paying in cash up front. Doctors lose thousands of dollars each year on credit card processing fees, unpaid bill and collection fees.
• - Don't skimp on preventive care. Be sure your child gets routine checkups and vaccines as needed, both of which can prevent medical issues down the road. And be sure you are getting the recommended screenings to detect health conditions early.
• - Look for free services. Search for free health screenings and vaccinations in your area.
• - Live a healthy lifestyle. Focus on eating nutritiously, cutting back on fast food and getting more physical exercise. Striving toward a healthier lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight can drastically reduce future medical conditions.