Today marked the first time about 14 years that I could finally go see someone other than a Doctor and not have to pay out of my pocket. FYI, we have a great medical coverage system in Canada, so I can go see a Dr as well as a Specialist (though you’re placed on huge waiting lists) for free. So to any hospital visit we may require. But when that Dr writes a prescription, or if you have to go to a Dentist or Optometrist you’d better have room on that Master Card or be prepared to swipe that debit card.

The ONLY part about working from home for myself I can honestly say I dislike, is not having the convenience of having a benefit package. Maybe when it’s time to retire I’ll be bitching about not having a pension plan as well.

The good!

Last week marked the 3 month anniversary that Caron’s been employed full-time at her new job, so her benefit package officially kicked-in. She’d been working part time before, so there was never any benefits, except for the extra couple dollars an hr that was supposed to compensate her for the lack of benefits.

The Bad!

With this new benefits package I can now finally go and get my feet checked. Over the last 2 years I’ve been suffering with severe heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, to the point where it prevented me from doing much walking or favorite warm-weather activity, hiking. If you recall in another post, this year I joined a hiking group and had all these plans.. soon! Today I had a consult with a foot specialist to let me know exactly what’s wrong with my feet, what action I/we can take and how long before I can be back to my old self.

Here is where the bad comes in. Though I have coverage now through Caron’s package, I still have to find out if the entire treatment is covered. Most insurance plans only cover a certain amount per year. So I may still have to dig deep to make up the rest of the costs. Mind-you , I’m not complaining. After having to pay full price out of our pockets for orthodontics for both Kieana and Tehya (about 5k each) I’m happy for whatever help this plan will cover. Maybe I’m no spring chicken, but at least soon enough I’ll have a partial spring in my steps

The Ugly!

At this point we’re covered for just about everything, except dental. That kicks in after 6 months, so there’s still a bit of a wait. Mr. dentist you’ve some work cut-out for you the next time we meet. It’s an ugly situation in my mouth and you’ll have to clean things up. Including those years of tea and coffee stains!

Yes, working from home for yourself usually means you don’t have the convenience of a full benefit package as you would if you worked for a progressive company. So you have 2 options. Buy into a private plan or take a % of every cheque you make and put it aside for when you need to dig deep to see the dentist etc.

Almost forgot. This plan also covers massages.. too freaking bad I can’t stand strangers touching me or I’d be on that massage bed before I hit publish on this entry. I know Caron and the girls will be chilling at some spa pretty soon.

Be sure to leave me your comments.

p.s. Look for a neat contest I’m hoping to launch on Wednesday! One of you will be the winner of a great little prize. stay tuned.

Further to my post yesterday about how expensive dental care can be if you don’t have dental insurance, I just wanted to point out a very important consideration. If you need to have major dental work done and you get that free consult they give you at the dentist office, when they give you the quote ask them for it in writing. Be sure to have them point out the following on that written quote:

- all fees

- exactly what the procedure is and a breakdown of the item cost for each step

- who’s doing the work and if it’s all done onsite

- if there is lab work involved, is  that cost included in the quote

- how long does the entire process take

- have them verify that this is the final cost and there are no hidden fees.

BTW if you can’t afford the full price, be sure to ask them if there is a payment plan option. Basically if they can spread out the payments into 6 months or something like that.

One of the things people who work from home, freelance, run their own business etc have to deal with is the lack of dental insurance. If you worked that 9-5 at the office you’re probably covered by the company’s group insurance program. Well sad to say I’m not, so every dental visit means cash or our good friends Mr. Visa or Ms Master Card.

I think I was about 13 at the time when I had to have a double root-canal on my upper front teeth. Since then I’ve had one of them broken (capped) and the other one severely discolored. I had plans to go in sooner or later to get them replaced with a couple crowns so i could once again have a good smile. But when you don’t have coverage and you have 3 children who needed braces, you know which came first.

I’M MARRIED TO BILLY BOB! (if I offended any rednecks, I’m sorry)

That was what Caron mentioned when I showed her my little accident yesterday. Yep, I broke one of my front uppers and now I’m faced with having to finally get the much needed dental work I need. BTW, I was told to say that I got hit in the face with a football during a game of tackle - That’s the story!

I just came back from the consult at the dentist to get a quote on how much all this is going to cost. When it’s all said and done I would have paid over $2000 to get 2 freaking teeth outfitted with crowns. The good news is that until Wednesday I’ve been given some temporary relief when I look into the mirror. A temp tooth was built where the one is broken. BUT GET THIS - The freaking dentist just called and told me that the temp fix was not included in the quote they gave me. So I now how to shell out another $300 to cover that!

I do hope he’s prepared to explain to me why I have to pay SOOO fucking friggin much!

Kids, get into dentistry. There’s tons of money in other people’s pockets!