Within any plan, there are things you can do to minimize your out-of-pocket costs and make the plan work best for you.

Here are some ideas for getting the best value for your premium dollar:

• an easy way to save money is to use your plan's home delivery drug program, if it has one. You will usually get the convenience of a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply and lower out-of-pocket expense.
• Request generic drugs instead of brand name drugs. A generic is a copy of a brand name. It has the same active ingredients and also receives Food and Drug Administration approval but costs less.
• Almost all FFS Plans have Preferred Provider Organizations. Using a PPO will reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

It is important to note that some of the services provided in a PPO hospital may not be covered by PPO arrangements, such as anesthesia and radiology.

Quality - talk openly with your health plan and providers about the kind of quality you want. Is your HMO rated by a national accrediting organization? Ask your surgeon how frequently he/she performs the procedure you are considering. If you're pregnant, ask your obstetrician the percentage of cases in which he/she performs a caesarean section and how that compares with the local average. Is your doctor proposing an invasive approach to treatment when a more conservative one is just as effective? Does your doctor discuss possible drug interactions with you when prescribing a new medication?

Nowadays, the distinctions among different plan types (i.e., FFS, PPO, POS, HMO) are blurring. FFS plans use networks of providers in their PPO arrangements. POS plans let you get care in or out of network. HMOs allow members to visit selected specialists without a referral from the primary care physician. Rather than make decisions based on plan type, compare quality indicators, compare benefits, compare premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and look at the plan's rules for getting care.

No one has a greater stake in your health than you. Understand how your plan works and don't be shy about asking questions. An informed consumer is a better decision maker.