Health insurance rate increases happen - no big news there. And sometimes, they're either just too big to swallow or they're the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. But it really concerns me when I have a client who lets their policy lapse without ever having contacted me and who doesn't reply to my calls or emails.

There are almost always alternatives to just dropping health insurance coverage altogether. Even if you're healthy and "never" go to the doctor, going without coverage is just too risky. Broken bones and appendicitis can happen to anyone at any time, and they're way more expensive than you would think!

Moving to a higher deductible, a slightly less benefit-rich plan, or shifting to an HSA-qualified plan are all ways to decrease those monthly premiums while still protecting against the big things. And getting medical services at the lower, PPO-negotiated rate is always a big plus of having health insurance.

If your premiums become too big to handle, let a qualified health insurance agent have a "go" at saving you money. That's our job!