Taking care of your family's health is one of the hardest and most expensive parts of managing a household. With the cost of doctor's visits skyrocketing and fewer employers offering health care benefits, how can a family have their health care needs met? It can happen! Many of your family's health care expenses can be decreased using the same cost saving techniques that you use for daily household budgeting. Here are a few money saving strategies for getting a more positive outlook for your family's health care expenses:

Taking advantage of referral bonuses! Many practitioners offer referral bonuses or reduced pricing on health care services when their clients bring in new business. It makes sense for everyone involved. You get a discount, the doctor gets the business, and the person that you are referring gets to have peace of mind knowing that their health care professional has been proven to be good.

Generic drugs work! Studies show that you don't always need those high priced designer drugs. In fact, filling your prescriptions with the generic version of the drug may not only reduce your co-pay, it may eliminate it all together. Many insurance companies will not charge patients additional fees for using generic drugs when they are available. Even if the copay is only reduced for using the generic drug as opposed to the high end version, just think of all of the things that you can do with the money that you saved! Plus, isn't it better to pay $1 or $2 for a 30-day supply than $200 for a designer original? Truth is, the drugs are manufactured to do the exact same thing and they go through rigorous testing before they end up on the shelves of your local pharmacy. So, there is nothing to fear. Get the off-brand and save your cash for more exciting things.

Keep an eye out for those eyeglass sales! Every year, at the start of the back to school season, many eyeglass stores and superstores such as Walmart have incredible sales on eyeglasses. Some will offer discounts of 50-75% off or buy one, get one free sales. This is not only a great time to get glasses for your children to use for going back to school, it is also a perfect time to pick up a spare pair for each member of your family. In addition to the discounts at the popular stores, some may actually participate in eye care programs for those with low to moderate incomes. With these programs, which are usually in partnership with a local hospital or health care company, children can get their eyeglasses completely free!

Grab those gift cards! Many drug stores offer actual money or store gift cards when you transfer your prescription to them. Unless you are in a deep relationship with the pharmacist, you could get lots of cash and gifts just by switching stores! For many people, this is a no-brainer and they do it every time they get a new prescription.

Clipping those coupons! Check the local circulars, the in-store flyers, and the Sunday newspaper for coupons for different health care services and products. You may be surprised at what you can actually get for free. From exams to drug samples, these coupons may end up being a lifesaver for you or someone in your family.

Healthcare is a part of life, but it doesn't have to be a financial burden for your family. Look for deals and opportunities for saving. Cost comparisons and coupons will help you to know when the best time is to make certain health care decisions. But, always remember to do what will work best for your family and their health even when the world is experiencing an economy crisis!