From CBS Healthwatch:

Medical discount programs offer a unique alternative to the high cost of health care. These programs reduce the cost of medical services through pre-negotiated rates with various medical service and equipment providers. These providers include pharmacies, optical and hearing service providers, dentists, chiropractors, podiatrists and durable equipment providers.

People who may benefit from using a medical discount program to reduce out-of-pocket expenses include:

• Individuals with insurance plans that do not provide coverage for certain items or services
• Individuals with high-deductible health plans and/or medical savings accounts
• Medicare recipients
• Individuals with no insurance coverage

Each medical discount organization offers a unique mix of medical services, discounted rates and pricing. Discounts range from 5 percent to 60 percent, depending on the type of service purchased, with an average range of 15 percent to 20 percent off standard medical prices.

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