insurance.

Insurance is a pretty great thing. No, real insurance is a pretty great thing.

We’ve had Blue Cross Blue Shield for individuals until August, when Stephen got full-time at Banana. It was completely not helpful, actually costing us more money to go to the doctor than if we didn’t have insurance at all. Yes, that’s right–the labs and tests at the doctor actually cost more if you have insurance.  They post on the wall that if you don’t have insurance, labs cost between $30 and $100 each test. But ours, with our lovely BCBS plan, were about $200 or more each.  So we paid a monthly premium so we could then pay more at the doctor. A rotten deal.

Then we decided that while we’re on this insurance with Stephen’s work, we’re going to go all out. We got the best, with hopes of it covering our costs for shots, meds, and exams before we leave for Thailand.

We love it!  Stephen got to go to the dentist yesterday for free, where they offered him free coffee and water while he waited.  Then he enjoyed a nice cleaning while sitting in a massage chair.  Wow.

When it comes to universal healthcare, insurance, the debates, the benefits, the costs–it all gets very fuzzy. But I do know that we’re going to go to the doctor, we’re not going to spend much, and we’re going to love it for just a few weeks. I’m already looking forward to my dentist appointment next Tuesday!