without insurance

In some ways, I lead a dual life: grown-up and childlike. Grown-up: I run a department, have six employees, manage my income, invest in the stock market. I even set up my own Roth IRA recently–how much more grown-up does it get than planning for retirement?  But I’m also a kid: I live with my parents and eat Mom’s cooking four nights a week. They won’t let me pay for my car insurance, and they’re happy to include me on the family cell phone plan. I suppose these things will change soon, too.

As I get older, I find more and more little steps leading me to the “grown-up” world. It hasn’t all come at once, which is good, I think. I wasn’t forced to fly away at 18, fending for myself; if I had been, I suppose that would’ve been good also, but in a different way.

Tonight I went to Wal-mart (my beloved) to pick up my monthly prescription. I have a mild medical condition that is in no way life-threatening or really life-altering, but if untreated it could be. I take regular medication and see a doctor yearly. Up until this month, I’ve been classified as under 25, a student, fully covered on my dad’s health insurance policy. We’ve been stalling as much as we can to keep me covered until my company policy kicks in (October 1), but these next two weeks, I’m completely uncovered. My usual monthly payment is just $30. Today? Without insurance? $438.

Ouch.

I was about to pay, thinking what else could I do, when I had an inspiration. The pharmacist let me buy just half the prescription for $219. When my new policy kicks in, I’ll get the rest. Let me just say I am so thankful for company insurance. I’ll be paying $100-something a month and a $20 or $30 co-pay for my meds. What a savings!

One more step toward adulthood. I wonder when it kicks in fully.

Filed under 9-5, shopping |