Every year around this time we try to remind all of you with cafeteria health plans to be sure to use all your benefits up. Since 83% of employers currently offer these types of plans, it's always a good reminder to "use it or lose it."

In fact, our daughter, who has a cafeteria plan and is blessed with good health, has already decided that she will buy an expensive pair of designer eyeglasses next month to use up her cash.

It's a smart move. She gets a pair of eyeglasses she would never buy for herself if she had to pay for them out of pocket. So, a word to the wise...

But we always seem to neglect the rest of you who have more traditional insurance.

More and more health plans are tying themselves to a 12-month cycle like cafeteria plans. So in January we all start from zero and have to meet our deductibles before our insurers start paying. We are on this type of plan.

Here's what got me thinking today. I went for my annual exam in October and was told I should get a bone scan done. (I don't have to mention that this is Daria writing, do I?)

Not being one for tests, I put the paperwork in my "in" box and figured I'd put this off until next October's appointment is staring me in the face!

Then I realized, I've already met my deductible for this year, due to a minor surgery. But I may not meet my deductible before I finally get the test done next year. Then I'll have to bear more of the cost of the bone scan.

That's not smart money management!

So I will definitely make the appointment for this as soon as I finish this warning to you.

If you are putting off a physical, a test or some blood work until next year, take a look at your medical bills for 2009 and make a doctor's appointment today.

Deductibles seem to go up every year. Why have a bigger hurdle to jump in 2010 money-wise when you may be able to have someone else pick up the cost.

I know, you'll pay anything to have good health. But if you don't have to pay, why not get it for free?

While you're at it, here are 12 more ways to save money on health care costs.

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