If there is one aspect of my life that is kind of stressing me out right now, it would be my health insurance.
Long story short, I kept using this one provider because it had qualified me to see this particular Endocrine/Diabetes specialist that I like. However, while he was covered last year, apparently he is no longer covered this year. More specifically, I was told by the doctor's office that my insurance plan was "On pause, awaiting approval". This was back in March. I had to re-schedule my appt. for June.
Now, I have no idea why I woke up today thinking I need to check on my status online, but I did, and somehow, I can't find this Dr. on the website anymore. Why, I have no idea. Maybe he's no longer supported by this insurance provider, or maybe I just didn't search correctly on their website.
Whatever the case is, if I can't get in with him by June, I will need to find someone else. I've seen a few other doctors before settling on him, as all the others before seem a bit surly somehow, or they just seemed rushed and stressed-out themselves. I can understand though, as their offices seem to be packed all the time, so chances are good that these doctors are over-worked and probably not getting enough rest either.
Still, the problem remains that I am currently paying for a higher health insurance premium this year, for something that I was able to use last year, but currently can not this year. It's kind of frustrating.
April 29th, 2026 at 07:33 pm 1777491229
April 30th, 2026 at 12:56 pm 1777553785
April 30th, 2026 at 08:07 pm 1777579638
Do you need a once a year office visit or something that could turn into a huge expense?
My understanding (based on your posts) is that you are frugal by choice and have some financial means.
What would be your out of pocket costs to see the physician of your choice?
What would you have to sacrifice to make that happen?
A few years ago I fell and ended up needing an extensive orthopedic procedure. The hospital was prepared to send me home the next day. I live alone and knew it would be dangerous so asked to go to a rehab facility even if I had to self pay. Fortunately for me, by the time they found a facility and had payment declined I was ready to go home with services.
But I would have paid because I have the money and I am worth it.
If all things are equal of course you want to make good use of your insurance, but money on its own has no value - it is how we can use it to better our lives that gives it value.
May 1st, 2026 at 10:20 pm 1777674003
Dido: Interesting! I didn't know they could change practices. Hopefully that's not what happened. However, yeah, he is fairly old, though he seems to talk and move just fine.
LOI: Unfortunately, this is something that they would like to see me at least twice a year, or ideally four times. Hence the March appt for this year. I don't recall the exact amount, but while I could technically cover it, it still would not be cheap, especially if we are talking about paying for it 4 times for this year. But who knows, if I have no choice, then I guess I just have no choice, but chances are good, I would just go to another doctor that is within the network.
The very idea of having to pay out of pocket, while still paying for an insurance I can use really... burns my bacon haha! However, you do have a point. No expense is still so bad that I should risk dying for it though.