Q: Do you know your health coverage needs? If you or family members have chronic illnesses that depend on access to certain doctors, hospitals or medications, it can require extra effort to make sure the plan you pick provides access to the services you want.

Q: Do you know what you spent on health services last year? Some people who are relatively healthy may find they are buying more health coverage than they need. Paying extra every paycheck to keep a $10 co-payment for a doctor office visit isn't a bargain if you don't go to the doctor very much.

Q: Do you live paycheck to paycheck? Some health plans offer much lower paycheck deductions, but expect people who get sick to pay up to $2,000 or $3,000 for services before more complete coverage kicks in. People who cannot pay high deductibles should be cautious about these.

Q: Do you use the Internet to research health matters? Even moderately computer-savvy people will find that large health insurers are offering increasingly sophisticated information on their Web sites. Basic information includes which doctors, hospitals and medications are covered by your plan, plus access to your own health bills. Some sites advise users about lower-cost alternatives to the pills they are taking. Some sites offer limited information for comparing the quality of hospitals and doctors.

Ways to control health expenses:

• Shop around for prescription drugs. Prices can vary widely from drugstore to drugstore, even within the same chain. Consider generic drugs and check out mail-order services for chronic needs.

• Get second opinions: Sometimes one of several drugs, some much cheaper than others, can treat a problem. Ask your doctor or pharmacist. • Consider pre-tax savings plans: There are different types of plans and not all employers offer them. But for those willing to deal with the paperwork - and who can afford to set aside the money in advance - these plans can save money.

• Double-check government programs: Some people can qualify for safety net programs even though they earn more than federal poverty level. Work with hospitals, doctors and dentists: Hospitals take on varying amounts of charity care and many offer help connecting patients to assistance programs when they can't pay bills. Some doctors and dentists will negotiate fees.

Sources: Ohio Department of Insurance, Consumers Union, Humana Inc., insure.com, the Maryland Attorney General's office, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.