CHARLOTTE – With health care costs rising, experts say it's important to read through your company's benefit open enrollment plans. Though it may not always be an easy read, it could save you hundreds of dollars.

The Henry Kaiser Family Foundation estimates health insurance costs more than $13,000 a year for a family of four. More of these costs are being shifted to the employee.

"When you look at the cost of things and how insurance is paid in comparison to what it would cost you if you didn't have insurance, it's amazing," Courtney Miller, a payroll specialist with a construction company, said. "It's very important for employees to look at what they're given, because they do have choices."

Cathy Graham, with the Employers Association, says a close look at your benefits shows some areas where you can save some money.

"A flexible spending account is an account that an employer sets up for its employees that allows them to set aside money on a pretax basis," Graham said. "They avoid paying federal, state and FICO, which is about 30 cents on the dollar."

Most companies offer a health care flex spending account.

"Insurance plans are great, but they don't pay for everything," Graham said. "You're going to have your co-pays, your prescription drugs, even over-the-counter medication can be paid for using flexible spending account dollars."

Others offer a flex account for child care. Maxed out at $5,000 a piece at a 30 percent tax rate, you can save $3,000.

But time is running out for most employees. The open enrollment period is closing, and that could close your opportunity to save money.