Comparison Shopping for Medical Procedures? New Ways to Save on Health Care

Aug. 4, 2010 — -- An estimated 46 million Americans don't have health insurance, and with the troubled economy those who are covered worry constantly about what could happen if they lose their jobs and company health care coverage.

Last year American families spent an average of $6,000 out of pocket for health insurance and other medical costs, and that number is expected to rise to $9,000 by 2012, according to figures from the National Coalition of Health Care.

Mellody Hobson, "Good Morning America" personal finance contributor and president of Ariel Investments, appeared on "GMA" today to talk about how you can cut health care costs.

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For a monthly fee ranging from $12 to $30 per person, members can have access to doctors, dentists and more affordable drugs, among other benefits, Hobson said.

The clubs can be tremendously helpful for those people who don't have health insurance, or who lack dental, vision or chiropractic coverage.

Depending on the medical procedure required, members may have to pay cash at the time of their appointment.

This isn't health insurance, therefore members don't have to worry about ever being denied coverage, and the savings can be significant, she said. Many of these plans can be used when individuals have maxed out their insurance coverage for the year, resulting in reduced out-of-pocket expenses.

For example, with AmeriPlan USA, members can save up to 65 percent of the cost of fillings, crowns and other dental work, and up to 80 percent on preventative medical care, Hobson said.

Another club, Careington, offers up to 80 percent off of lab costs and 45 percent off of doctor's visits. Hobson advised interested people to check to make sure the club cover covers their area before they sign up.

These are perks that many people forget about, she said.

For example, the AARP has a vision discount plan that saves members 30 percent on eyeglasses and 30 percent on contact lenses at select retailers. Some unions, including the AFL-CIO, have built into their memberships discounts for prescription drugs, vision and dental needs.