Medical MMJ recommendation

So I was talking with someone from a collective about getting a MMJ license and he was telling me that most of the doctors will only give you around 6 months before you have to renew it. I was wondering this because I don't really have 150$ to spend every 6 months. Is this how it works? You have to pay again like this or what? Please let me know on this guys thanks.

150 for the first year then 95 for a renewal after that.

Alright is there places I should stay away from. Someone I know just got theirs from GAME collective in west Seattle which was 185 for the year but is really close. Should I be careful where I go or do most recommendations not have any problems? Thanks gastanker.