Stomach problems finally clear?

I think I am finally back to normal after that parasite from South America did a number to me. Many unpleasant days and bland meals later I am feeling normal again. I am still not sure what the source was but that is always the mystery with these types of things. It could have been much worse (and has been worse in the past!).

The part that bothers me the most is the food we could not eat that went bad as a result. I went grocery shopping when we got home for our usual stuff and half had to be thrown out. I absolutely despise wasting food. Food is expensive. Such is life.

The good news is that we are both doing better.

Eating well on the road

Eating well on the road is tough. I am getting better at it but when I am tired after a 12 hour day and not familiar with the area I go for what is close, fast, and easy. Usually means mediocre food that may or may not be healthy. I am trying to change that.

Tools I use:

• Yelp. I look for a place that has at least 20 reviews with 4+ star rating average. I find great local places this way that I can go back too.
• Ask my customers. They live here! I have gotten some good suggestions over the years.
• Ask hotel front desk staff. They also live here and work where I am staying so they can suggest healthier options. 

The results are like the Lebanese meal I had last night:

Affordable Health Insurance from Aetna

As part of my 101 goals in 1001 days list I vowed to get dental insurance so I can get some much needed dental maintenance. In my search I came across some low cost, high deductible health insurance than includes dental covered. It is a combined plan that cost me (a 27 year old male) $50 per month!

Basics of the Coverage (Medical):

• Annual Deductible: $10,000 (ouch!)
• 5 doctor visits per year (only $40 copay, deductible waived)
• 5 specialist visits per year (only $50 copay, deductible waived)
• Generic Prescription ($20 copay, deductible waived, $5,000 per year max)

Basics of Coverage (Dental):

• Annual Deductible: $25
• Annual Maximum: Unlimited
• Exams, X-rays, cleanings: 100% Covered
• Fluoride and Amalgam Fillings: 100% Covered
• All other items: "Discount"

I am the first to admit this plan is far from ideal. It is good for routine medical and dental items but anything major will still cost you. If I were to go to the hospital I can safely say I am out $10,000. For $50/month I am willing to take that risk for now just so I can get caught up on my preventative health and dental care. I plan to change to a better plan once I get my debts paid down and can afford it.

Health Care Flexible Speding Account Explained

Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts, created by the federal government, are a great tool if used correctly. You can deposit money pretax to cover medical costs that come up during the year. The rules on what exactly you can use it for are a little fuzzy so I will do my best to explain it.

What can the money be used for?

• Co-pays and deductibles for doctor/hospital visits
• Prescriptions
• Over-the-counter medicines (Pain reliever, cold medicine, etc)
• Uncovered dental expenses
• Chiropractic services
• Uncovered eye surgery and eye glasses/contacts
• Hearing aids + batteries
• Infertility treatment
• Expenses deemed medically necessary (with official Letter of Medical Necessity)
  

Special Notes:

• Vitamins and supplements are NOT eligible
• Insurance premiums are NOT eligible
  
• If you don't use all of the money it is forfeited to the government (you lose it all!)
  
• Usually offered as part of a benefit package
• Elect to have amounts deposited to the account pre-tax form payroll
  

The Health Care Flexible Spending Account is a great tool to save some money on health care expenses via tax savings. You do not have to meet the 7.5% income threshold to deduct them. There is a yearly maximum of $5,000 and minimum if $250 to keep in mind. The best bet is to figure out your average yearly spending on health care that is eligible and use that as your target. If you have money left near the end of the year use it up if you can.

The Health Care Flexible Spending Account is a widely underused tool. I think it is in part due to it being slightly complicated and fuzzy rules. I also think that it has not caught on in the mainstream benefits package offering yet. If you have one available to you I suggest getting on board. Why pay tax when you don't have too?

Medical Alternatives for those without health insurance

If you are like me and millions of other Americans you know that health insurance is expensive and out of reach (cost wise) for most of us. I personally do not have health insurance and haven't had it for years. My employer currently offers no plan so I just made do without it. At this point I simply cannot afford it on my own.

For those of us without insurance going to a typical doctor's office is not an option most of the time. I personally rarely get sick so this is normally not an issue for me. I have done some research for ways to get healthcare at a reasonable cost without having insurance. Here are a few options:

• Drug store / Grocery Store Clinics: These are usually set up during the fall/winter to give flu shots. What most people don't know is that they are staffed by a nurse practitioner and you pay set rates for getting other treatments. You pay $59 for flu treatment & prescription of any needed drugs, for example. For someone without insurance this is very reasonable!
• Generic Drugs: This is a big way to save on costs. Most prescription drugs have a generic version which is always cheaper. If the pharmacy does not offer it then ask for it!
• County Health Departments: A lot of counties across the US run a county sponsored health clinic. This is a great place to get shots for school or travel, treatment of minor illnesses, and advice on preventative care. They are also very reasonable cost wise since they are supported by taxes.
• Immediate Care Clinics: This is probably your most expensive option but is still cheaper than a hospital in a bind. These are run for non-emergency care and you can negotiate the price a little if you pay cash. They do accept most insurance providers if you have it. The advantage here is that you can walk in without an appointment and usually be seen right away.
  
• Free Clinics: You may have to wait a long time but you cannot complain for free! These are not everywhere but major cities tend to have at least one. You might wait all day and not get seen but if you need the care and cannot afford any of the above options this is your only choice!

Even if you have no health insurance at all we have some reasonable options out there. It is also good to call a doctor's office and tell them what you need and how much you can pay. Some are flexible and like getting cash today instead of waiting for weeks from an insurance company. It never hurts to bargain and the worst thing they can do is say no!

Eat Healtheir and Cheaper: Farmer's Markets

This is a fairly well known fact but some may not know so I decided to post it here. Your local Farmer's Market has very fresh and also very cheap food. Often times a lot cheaper and better than your grocery store.

I go to one here in Atlanta and the cost of the produce is well under half of Kroger or Publix. The added bonus is that it is also a lot better quality too! Doing this also helps to force you to eat fresh foods instead of processed and you end up eating healthier. I find that I enjoy salads more when they are made from fresher ingredients.

Another bonus is they have foods from all over the world that you may not find or cost a fortune at the grocery store. My local one has great wines I cannot find anywhere else and specialty meats that are either hard to find, not as good, or even a lot more expensive elsewhere.

Bottom line is that you should at least go for some of your food and compare receipts. I am sure that you will be pleased with the cost AND quality of the food you eat.