Unfortunately, health plans come with widely varying price tags. Your monthly insurance bill a/k/a/ a "premium" will depend on a variety of factors, including your age, your medical history, your lifestyle, and your general health.

There is good news though. There things you can start doing now that will lower your health insurance costs in the long term.

Make Smart Health Choices. When insurance companies decide what to charge you for a policy, they look your medical history, your lifestyle, and even where you live. However, the one factor that you usually have the most control over is your personal health.

There are a few things you can do to live healthier – and, consequently, save money on your monthly insurance bill.

Eat right. Everyone loves sausage and cheeseburgers, fried seafood (especially here in New Orleans), French fries, and chocolate. Tailgating here is a way of life!!! However, eating a balanced diet lowers your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and even some kinds of cancers. Limit junk food. Eat fruits and vegetables as often as you can. Try to make them at least half of your plate. Enjoy red meat in moderation. Learn to love chicken and fish!

Exercise. Get up and get moving. Walk if you don't want to run! Park at the furthest spot in the parking lot instead of the closest! Take the stairs instead of the elevator! Being physically active will improve your general health. As an added incentive, a number of health insurance plans include discounts on health club memberships.

Don't Smoke. If you've never smoked, don't start! If you do smoke, quit! Many insurance plans will cut you a break on premiums if you are tobacco-free for 12 months,

Compare Plans. Find the right health plan for you and your family. There are so many plans on the market and each has different coverage. Every plan will not be a good fit for you. You need to compare both cost and coverage before choosing. An experienced agent can help.

Explore your options. Look around. Get free quotes and compare plans online. If you fill out our short questionnaire, you will get a side-by-side comparison of a number of the leading health plans.