1. Move To a Higher Deductible. Higher deductivles mean lower premiums. If your deductible is too low, you could be throwing away hundreds of dollars a month.

2. Avoid policies with pre-existing condition exclusions. Sometimes this cannot be avoided, but at least see if the company might reconsider covering the condition after a 6-month waiting period.

3. Consider a Health Savings Account. A high-deductible HAS makes the most sense for healthy individuals or families in higher tax brackets. The tax benefits of an HAS can make this a powerful tool in combating out-of-control health insurance premiums.

4. Enroll in a group plan.
Individual health insurance can be extremely costly for self-employed people. By joining some small-business associations, you may have the opportunity to enroll in a group health insurance plan and save money.

5. Review your policy every year.
Read the fine print to make sure your policy still matches the needs of your family. As the health care system continues to change, and your personal circumstances change, your health insurance policy should reflect today's needs and conditions.