Each year, Americans vow to stay the course with health-related New Year’s resolutions – yet one in three resolutions won't make it past the first month. But what if people knew they could save money by keeping some of the common health-related resolutions, like losing weight or quitting smoking? And what if women knew it could really make a difference for them?

According to a new study from eHealthInsurance.com, the Smoking Status and BMI report:

• On average, smokers pay 14 percent higher health insurance premiums than non-smokers – and women pay even more, with 22 percent higher premiums than non–smoking women. 
• Obese adults also pay 22 percent more in premiums than those with a body mass index (BMI) in the normal range – in this case obese men are paying the most, with 29 percent higher premiums than men who are "normal" weight (obese women's premiums, on average, are still about 24 percent higher than women who are "normal" weight). [Last week’s JAMA report may have conveyed that "slightly" overweight individuals actually live longer. Carrying too much weight can still be dangerous to your health; and a higher BMI could cost you more on your health insurance premiums.]

With most Americans now anticipating higher payroll taxes, many consumers are looking for ways to balance their own budgets and reduce spending. Keeping a New Year's resolution to stop smoking or lose weight could help put some of those dollars back in the bank. 

New Year's Resolutions That Could Save You Money on Health Care and Health Insurance

Quit Smoking – When filling out an application for individually-purchased health insurance, you’re typically required to say whether or not you’ve used tobacco in the past twelve months. Your smoking status could translate into radically different health insurance costs. According to a report from eHealthInsurance, women smokers pay 22% more on average for their monthly health insurance premiums than non-smoking women. Men who smoke pay 13% more on average than men who don’t. Some employers reward workers for joining smoking cessation programs. If you want to be healthier and save money on your future health insurance costs, it’s time to kick the habit.

Lose Weight – Did you know that people with a healthier height/weight ratio (known as ‘Body Mass Index’ or BMI) typically pay less for individually-purchased health insurance than people with higher BMIs? According to a survey of individual plans purchased through eHealthInsurance.com, adults age 20 and over with a BMI of 30.0 or higher (‘Obese’ according to the Centers for Disease Control) pay an average of 22% more in monthly individual health insurance premiums compared to people with a BMI in the normal range. In an attempt to meet group health goals and keep insurance costs in check, more and more employers will be using rewards and the threat of fees or other penalties to encourage healthier habits in 2013. Losing pounds could save you dollars.

Drink Less – Another question you may be asked when applying for your own health insurance plan is how much alcohol you drink, and how often. Your answer could make a difference when it comes to your final monthly premiums. Though moderate drinking may have a positive effect on your health, excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk for several different diseases, including colorectal, stomach, breast and ovarian cancer. By cutting back on alcohol, you’re not only saving money today, you could be saving on future health care costs too.

Get a Better Job – Whether you’re interviewing for a new job or starting your own business, now is the time to think strategically about medical care and insurance costs. When considering a new position, take a hard look at the company’s insurance offerings. Does its health plan cover the benefits you value most? How much will be taken from your salary to go toward your monthly premium? How much for your dependents? Check how the company’s plan stacks up to national averages for employer coverage – and compare it to your options in the individually-purchased market too. If you plan to decline the employer-based plan in favor of your own individual plan, mention that when negotiating your compensation. And if you’re starting your own business, remember that you may be able to deduct your health insurance expenses even without itemizing – talk to your accountant.

Get to Know Health Reform – Health reform is here to stay. If you’ve put off learning about Obamacare and what it means for you, now is the time to get up to speed. Some of the big changes coming in 2014 will be felt in the market by open enrollment season in late 2013 – and not knowing about your responsibilities and opportunities could cost you. You may be required to purchase coverage in 2014, but do you know if you’ll qualify for subsidies? If your employer drops group coverage in 2014, do you know about your other coverage options? Would-be entrepreneurs who are afraid they don’t qualify for health insurance on their own will no longer have to worry their pre-existing medical conditions in 2014 – so maybe it’s time to start exploring your new business idea. To learn more about health reform, visit healthcare.gov or search Get Smart – Get Covered.