With the cost of health insurance increasing and so many consumers going without, a product you'll see pitched these days is a health care discount plan.

For this plan, you might pay a monthly fee that supposedly gets you discounts on doctors, dentists, medicine, etc. Just remember a few things:

1. Work with reputable companies, as always. Check for complaints using our KnowMo online feature.
2. Check to see if your care provider or pharmacy participates. Confirm with them - don't just take the discount plan company's word for it.
3. Remember this is not insurance. So if it's legitimate and if your providers participate, you will still have to pay part of your bill. Find out beforehand exactly what your discount is. No surprises.

Consumer Affairs recently had an article with more on these plans. If you have a problem with one of these companies, you can file a consumer complaint with our office.