Worried about the cost of medical care? You're not alone. A recent poll of 3,000 women found that nearly half of them are extremely concerned about rising healthcare costs. The more costly medical care becomes, the less likely people may be to carry health insurance or seek care when they need it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during the first three months of 2008, just over 6 percent of the U.S. population was unable to get needed medical care due to cost at some point during the previous 12 months.

What You Can Do
There are numerous things you can do to ease the burden on your wallet:

• Adopt healthy habits. Help avoid the need for medical care by exercising at least 30 minutes on most days; eating lowfat foods and a variety of fruits and vegetables; not using tobacco and drinking alcohol in moderation, or not at all. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds to help prevent colds and flu.
• Seek preventive care. Annual exams, blood pressure checks, mammography, flu shots and other measures can help prevent disease or lead to early detection. Talk with your doctor about your risk for heart disease, cancer and other conditions. Then follow his or her advice for preventive screenings.
• Ask for less expensive medications. Share your drug formulary (a list of medications your insurance company will help pay for) with your doctor. Ask your doctor to prescribe generic drugs, which are less expensive than brand name drugs, when possible.

How VHS Can Help
The Valley Health System (VHS) offers a number of programs to help you save money on healthcare.

Senior Advantage. This isn't an insurance program, but if you're a member prior to being admitted for an inpatient stay, VHS will waive your Medicare Part A deductible. This equates to a $1,068 savings in 2009. As a member, you'll also have access to a discount club with vendors who offer reduced prices. For more details, please call 702-853-3008.

Babies Are Beautiful/Precious Steps. VHS coordinators help mothers-to-be without maternity health insurance find a physician, file Medicaid paperwork, access reduced-cost ultrasounds and lab work and register for free childbirth education classes at VHS hospitals. For more information, call Valley Hospital at 702-671-8501 or Centennial Hills Hospital at 702-835-9797.

Prescription Assistance Program. This hospital-based savings program makes prescription medications more affordable once you leave the hospital. VHS registration staff will enroll you in a prescription medication savings program without enrollment charges or monthly fees. There are no income qualifications or limitations for participation.

Your personalized prescription benefit card is valid at more than 33,000 retail pharmacies across the country for name brand and generic drugs. To learn more, talk with a patient services representative in the Admitting Department of any VHS hospital.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106