Health care costs rising, but there are ways to control your expenses

USA TODAY, October, 2008 by Sandra Block

Let's see a show of hands. Who got a 9% raise this year?

Once you stop laughing, consider this: The average employee's health care costs, including premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, will increase 8.9% in 2009, according to Hewitt Associates. That's well above the rate of inflation and average salary increases.

For that reason, it's more important than ever to scrutinize your employer's health care options during open enrollment season. Don't assume the plan you used last year is still the best choice, because the terms may have changed, says Randall Abbott, senior health care consultant at Watson Wyatt, an employee benefits consulting firm. When comparing plan options, Abbott says, "I can't emphasize enough the need to really look under the hood."

Unfortunately, some health insurance plans have more parts than a car engine, so this is not a task you ...