A few days ago I received an “Information Update” from the Hospital where I went to have a stone removed from a duct. They wanted me to know that the total charges for my three day visit amounted to $17,455.40! I must admit my heart skipped a beat when I read that. Under the “Amount You Now Owe” it said pending insurance.
I know that I grumble about insurance, like everyone else. But this year, with all our medical bills, I am so glad to have insurance. I am expecting that I will only have to pay the $750 deductible: our actual deductible is $1500 per individual, $3000 for family, but my employer picks up half the tab – Thank You! Since my wife already met her deductible, and I think we had already had some expenses toward the family deductible, my part may even be a little less.
This has been a crazy medical year for us. My wife had surgery in June, I had this three day hospital stay, my daughter had braces, plus we have all been to the family doctor for several illnesses that swept through the family (strep throat, etc.). The good news is that we have been able to pay every bill without going into debt! The bad news is that we are currently living paycheck to paycheck until I can get the emergency fund built back up (which got depleted because of all the household emergencies – well pump, water heater, leaking windows, used car purchase, etc.).
More than ever I am a believer in both health insurance and in having a well funded emergency account!
