Basically, most of these programs contact providers to provide discounts to program member card holders. Some have many questions about validity of these programs. I had doubts myself. However it is really how I look at healthcare in general that raised my doubts. Most of us have a “Health Insurance” mindset and we expect all of our providers to be available and only pay $30 for care we need. The approach is different with medical discount cards.

The best way to look at such a program is to evaluate where you stand with your current health care coverage: If you do not have insurance for Dental Care or Vision Care, then you have to work at making best as to what you have. Medical Discount Card programs provide a good alternative and they do save you money. However, I learned it takes persistence and a little work. The benefit you get with persistence and little bit of work is you have control over your costs and care you receive.

Another immediate concern I had was my provider was not listed with plan I had. However, I researched Dentist’s available with my plan and found someone suitable for care I needed. So extra time spent on finding a dentist gave me two benefits: (1) Control over my care and (2) Savings on services itself.

So even though health costs and coverage for those costs are sky rocketing. The middle class American family can still save money with a little research and persistence. As we have access to less and less services, there are alternatives that we can take advantage of to help our families.

Topher John is a specialist at building internet small businesses. His has an interest in the business world and the healthcare industry, specifically how it relates to the family and over all individual health.

5. Habits Although habits seem minor, prices add up. Buying a $1 coffee each day cost you $365 every year. Imagine how much more money you spend by eating out regularly. If you smoke, cost of cigarettes along could drive you to quit.

6. Running up credit card balances If you carry unpaid balances on credit cards, you are already losing money in interest payments alone. Credit card companies have high interest charges that accumulate with unpaid balances.

7. Be under-insured You need to protect yourself and your family from unforeseen emergencies, sickness, accidents and possible death. The goal is to make sure that you have proper financial coverage incase anything should happen.

8. Investing in things you don’t understand If I had a dollar for every sure fire stock tip… I’d be rich. Then I’d lose that money by investing in those tips. Make sure you know what you are investing in, by asking a lot of questions, don’t hesitate to get another financial opinion.