1/14/18
So one thing people don't often like to speak about is their financial situation. It just makes everyone in the room uncomfortable. It's time to talk about how expensive healthcare is in America. I've mentioned once or twice before that some surgeries can cost up to $60,000 easily. I've calculated the yearly cost of having my period before. This time I'm just going to go over December 2017s medical bills. I did have surgery back in late October, so I've had a couple necessary visits to the doctor and physical therapy.
First, I my dentist requires me to pay all in full at each visit. Since I've had the disc removed from my jaws, I can not have all my dental work done at one time. After 4 visits in 1 month, all requiring antibiotics (one must have antibiotics for any dental work inculuding cleanings after ligament grafts) I have spent a total of $950 for the month.
Second my ankle, on top of paying a $35 co-pay each time I walk, or limp, into the door several times a week for a month, I receive two different bills in the mail totaling to be $1200. Both due in full within 30 days of receiving the bill. I have already paid them $420 in co-pays.
Third pharmacy- I've had to get several new medications for an infection in my ankle and the doctor can never write an old-school generic one (the cream was $130 after a discount coupon.) I also have my normal monthly medications. I get up to the counter, and the pharmacy tech asks "are you aware of the price of your medication for IBS?" She's new, and I'm aware that's it's a ridiculous price. "After a coupon it's $337. And your total for the day is $492." I just laugh a bit because at this point, I'm on first name basis with the pharmacist so I can't cry. She goes on to ask "would you like to put any of it back?" Lord help me and her. It's one IBS medication and the rest is for epilepsy. It's not like I got cookies I can't afford so I can just put them back on the shelf. It's me either spending nearly $500 to not have a seizure and have my license revoked and to not be in agonizing stomach pain. So I'll just pay for it and figure it out later.
Fourth- Insurance. It seems like I paying the non-insured person price. But I do in-fact have medical insurance. I believe $160 is taken out of my check monthly (possibly more.) If y'all saw the price on the bills before insurance adjustments or the price on the pharmacy paper where it says your insurance saves you....you would be in awe. It saves me nearly $10,000 each month. So we are thinking "great so you should have almost met your deductible and out of pocket." Sadly, that was all for December and my new deductible and out of pocket started over Jan 1.
For anyone keeping track that total is $3352 for my health with insurance and I'm still waiting on one more bill from a doctor I saw several weeks ago. On top of these bills I have a mortgage to pay, utilities, and I like to eat at least one meal a day. Everything else money wise is just non-essential right now, which fits well into my minamalist lifestyle.
