Once you've picked the plan that best meets your needs, it's a good idea to dig into the details to make sure you get the most out of your health care dollars. For example, your plan may offer added benefits like newsletters, health evaluations and prescription discounts.

Consider these tips for maximizing your benefits:

Estimate costs
Predict how much you'll need for health care costs, including premiums, copays and prescriptions, during the year and put money away to pay for them. Check into health account options to get the most out of your savings.

Call ahead
Many health plans offer a nurse line you can call with non-urgent health issues. Using this service may save you a trip to the doctor's office. Or, you can call the doctor's office, describe your symptoms or situation, and ask if they recommend that you make an appointment.

Practice prevention
Take advantage of preventive care — especially because many plans cover all or most of these services. Self-exams for common problems can also help keep your health on track. Discovering a potential problem early is good for your health and your finances.

Stay inside your network
Not only do most health plans pay more when you use a network provider, many plans negotiate discount rates for their members. The amount you pay can be up to 30 percent less when you stay in-network.

Buy generic
Ask your doctor about generic drugs or lower-cost alternatives that do the same thing. And make sure medications are covered by your plan when prescriptions are written. Generic versions are also available for many popular prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

Check the mail
For medications you take regularly, look into your plan's mail order option. Ordering a 90-day supply by mail can reduce your drug costs by up to 15 percent. And it's convenient — eliminating trips to the pharmacy can save you time and money.

Make health a habit
Exercising, eating well and avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking, not only help keep you healthy, but can also save you money.

Negotiate
Some doctors, clinics and hospitals will discount services if you are paying for them out of your own pocket. There are also services that will work for you to negotiate lower bills. In turn, they'll charge you a fee or a portion of the savings.