• During 2008, more than $2.3 trillion was spent on health care in the United States.medikamente image by Daniel Fuhr from Fotolia.com
  
  The rising costs of health care in the United States have become a large issue as of 2010 and are creating many social issues. According to the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation, health care spending in the United States exceeded $2.3 trillion in 2008. Health insurance premiums rise along with the cost of health care, but there are a few ways to reduce the cost of group health insurance.
  
  

Paying More to Pay Less

• One way to reduce the cost of group health insurance coverage is to pay more expenses out-of-pocket. Insurance plans with higher deductibles are less expensive than plans with higher deductibles. Changing the co-insurance ratio is another way consumers can reduce health insurance costs. Many insurance plans require insured individuals who have met their deductible to pay for only 20 percent of their health care costs while the insurance company pays the remaining 80 percent. This is known as an 80/20 arrangement. Increasing the percentage of costs paid by the insured lowers the insurance policy premium.
  
  

Major Medical

• Purchasing a major medical insurance policy is another way to reduce group health insurance rates. Unlike HMOs and PPOs, major medical insurance covers only large medical expenses, such as hospitalization and surgery. Because of the limited coverage, premiums for major medical insurance are less expensive than the premiums for other types of health insurance. This type of insurance is good for those who can afford to pay for doctor's office visits and prescriptions but may need help if serious health issues arise.
  
  

Survey Employees

• One way employers can help to reduce the cost of group health insurance is to talk to their employees. Sometimes employees need or are willing to accept less coverage than the employer is providing. If employees express dissatisfaction at any changes in coverage it may still be possible to pair less-expensive insurance with health savings accounts. Talking to employees about their insurance needs and options can help business owners and managers shop for health insurance with more specific needs in mind.