We all want to save wherever we can, and health insurance is no different.

Almost 87% of health insurance applicants were eligible to receive a discount last year

I completely admit to putting off getting health insurance because it was overwhelming.  Luckily, I’m sharing some really great – and short – videos and resources to help simplify things.  Also, since we are health and fitness minded around here, 4 Ways Taking Care of Your Health Can Save You Money on Health Insurance.

Health insurance is so important.

We all know we should have it but, many of us who don’t have the luxury of working for a company who makes it easy, may put it off far too long because it can be completely confusing and overwhelming.

I’m embarassed to say how long we went without health insurance.  We always made sure our young kiddos were covered because we had well-checks like crazy and are finally down to one a year for each kid.  However, between my husband being self-employed, switching to a union and waiting for coverage that didn’t start until the next quarter, and trying to learn about our options, we were without for far too long.

I wish I had found all the amazing resources at United HealthCare uht.tv.  It sure would have helped us get on the ball sooner.  I especially love the videos to help demystify health care reform, including Why Health Care Reform Matters and the video that clears up Health Insurance Definitions and Terms.  I was so thrilled when they provided me with this opportunity to learn more and share some awesome rescources with you!  As someone who avoids this type of stuff because I don’t know where to start, I found these videos extremely helpful!

We were just lucky to stay healthy during that uncertain time without health insurance.  Now that we have coverage, taking care of our health is equally as important.

4 Reasons Taking Care of Yourself Can Save You Money On Health Insurance

1. Many insurance companies offer “Value Adds” that benefit healthy people.

Insurance companies want you to stay healthy and will reward healthy behaviors.  Often, insurance companies will offer discounts to those who use their health club regularly.  This is a great thing to take into consideration in Buying the Right Health Insurance Plan.

2. Being in tune with your health helps you pick the appropriate health insurance plan and save.

The more you know about your health and what you need from your health insurance will help you compare plans and find the best fit for the least amount of money.  The 4 Numbers Every Woman Should Know can help you make an informed decision about your health care needs.

3. Making your health a priority, and encouraging others to do so as well, will lower the cost of health care for everyone.

Ok, this one is not a quick fix, but it is true that health insurance cost are skyrocketing right now The UHC Video on Lowering Your Health Insurance Costs reports that obesity related illnesses account for 21% of health care costs. As a whole our society’s unhealthy habits are driving up the cost of health care and we are all paying for it.

4. Healthy People are way more profitable to health insurance companies – they want you!

It’s a Common Health Insurance Myth that health insurance companies make their money off sick people.  Health insurance companies don’t make their money off of the sick people, they make their money off of the healthy ones who don’t require a lot of spending. Therefore, if you take care of your health you may be in a better position to shop around for health insurance to lower your costs.  You have a much better opportunity to find a plan with lower costs because you have less out-of-pocket health care related expenses, less risk for disease, and can find benefits from health insurance companies that support your already healthy lifestyle.

There are so many other great – and quick – videos to answer your questions about health care over at uhc.tv – so be sure to check them out, especially during open enrollment when you could make some important changes to your health care.

What do you do to take care of your health and the health of your family?