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.