The impact of increasing medical insurance costs can be as detrimental to a small business as it is to a struggling family. And it's not news that insurance premiums are continuing to rise. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation reported small businesses paid an average of $12,696 in premiums for family coverage in 2009, compared to $5,683 in 1999.

But there are ways small businesses can cut healthcare costs, and still provide their employees with quality healthcare. Try these three simple tips from OfficeArrow.com:

1. Take a look at Health Savings Accounts. Health Savings Accounts or HSAs have proven to be an effective way to cut healthcare costs for many small businesses.

A Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust study found that HSAs decreased an employer's annual average contribution to employee benefits by $3,986 in 2009.

2. Be proactive. Keep your employees healthy. Wellness initiatives can help employees prevent illness and costly medical expenses that keep rates high.

Providing flu shots, cancer screenings, weight loss incentives, smoking cessation programs and gym membership discounts are all great ways to help employees stay healthy.

3. See if your trade association or chamber of commerce has a group policy. Some small businesses can participate in the group insurance policies of trade associations or chambers of commerce. Being part of a large pool of customers gives you greater negotiating power and access to better rates.

For more information on low insurance rates, call USI Affinity @ 800-265-2876 or visit usiaffinty.com