This time of year is "Open Enrollment" at Duke, which indicates the time of year you have to make decisions on health care insurance stuff for 2011. It always seems to sneak up on me, but today, since little E is taking a good nap and big E is content to watch a movie, I am taking a stab at it.
For the past few years, we have invested in a healthcare reimbursement account, which takes pre-tax dollars out of my check and allows us to "save" for our healthcare costs. I LOVE the system and though it requires a lot of time each year, it works so well for us. Through the system, I was able to reduce our monthly plan to something more basic and therefore reduce our monthly premiums. Yeah!
As I began to crunch numbers, I was astounded by how much money we spent this last year on healthcare! And we have insurance! I wanted to share and was hoping to hear from you all on whether or not your costs are similar...
Co-pays for myself and both boys this year: $222
For the past few years, we have invested in a healthcare reimbursement account, which takes pre-tax dollars out of my check and allows us to "save" for our healthcare costs. I LOVE the system and though it requires a lot of time each year, it works so well for us. Through the system, I was able to reduce our monthly plan to something more basic and therefore reduce our monthly premiums. Yeah!
As I began to crunch numbers, I was astounded by how much money we spent this last year on healthcare! And we have insurance! I wanted to share and was hoping to hear from you all on whether or not your costs are similar...
Co-pays for myself and both boys this year: $222
Over-the-counter meds/contact solutions: $134
Dental co-pays: $408.78
Ethan's birth hospital costs (we paid 20% with the lower benefit plan): $1493.00
And then, of course, monthly, we pay $225 for all 4 of us.
Anybody else feel like sharing and comparing? Of course, every dollar I spend is soooo worth it. Just look at this family who was healthy enough to get out and vote early today!
Dental co-pays: $408.78
Ethan's birth hospital costs (we paid 20% with the lower benefit plan): $1493.00
And then, of course, monthly, we pay $225 for all 4 of us.
Anybody else feel like sharing and comparing? Of course, every dollar I spend is soooo worth it. Just look at this family who was healthy enough to get out and vote early today!
