Like many middle-age men, I don’t have a close relationship with my medical doctor. Quite frankly, I don’t even know his or her name. I did several years ago but that doctor retired to enter a more noble profession of being a full-time mom. I was assigned a new doctor whom I’ve yet to meet or visit for an exam.
Since turning age 50, I continue to be blessed with good health with only an occasional cold and fitness-related minor aches and pains. But after constant reminders that I’m past due for a colonoscopy exam, and because of planned changes to my health insurance coverage, I’ve scheduled a doctor’s appointment for next Monday.
As a self-employed person, I pay for my own health insurance that now costs a whopping $858 per month for my wife and me. This plan will probably cost over $1,000 per month next year. That’s unacceptable to me so I’m changing plan coverage by converting to a Health Savings Account (HSA) high-deductible plan. This type of plan will save me over $400 a month. In exchange for the lower premium, I’ll be responsible for up to $10,500 per year of medical costs for my wife and me. That’s a lot of financial risk but one I’m prepared to assume.
First, however, I’ll have a medical exam and get my past-due middle-age man colonoscopy exam, just to confirm that my “all-is-fine” health self-assessment is correct. So after years of procrastination, next Monday it’s time to see my doctor.
Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum
Since turning age 50, I continue to be blessed with good health with only an occasional cold and fitness-related minor aches and pains. But after constant reminders that I’m past due for a colonoscopy exam, and because of planned changes to my health insurance coverage, I’ve scheduled a doctor’s appointment for next Monday.
As a self-employed person, I pay for my own health insurance that now costs a whopping $858 per month for my wife and me. This plan will probably cost over $1,000 per month next year. That’s unacceptable to me so I’m changing plan coverage by converting to a Health Savings Account (HSA) high-deductible plan. This type of plan will save me over $400 a month. In exchange for the lower premium, I’ll be responsible for up to $10,500 per year of medical costs for my wife and me. That’s a lot of financial risk but one I’m prepared to assume.
First, however, I’ll have a medical exam and get my past-due middle-age man colonoscopy exam, just to confirm that my “all-is-fine” health self-assessment is correct. So after years of procrastination, next Monday it’s time to see my doctor.
Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum
3 comments:
Don't forget your PSA also.
Isn't it crazy how much health insurance costs these days? We've been thinking of doing the HSA, but I'm scared to "take the plunge". I don't know why though. So far, my family's been very healthy. Just the uncertainty of the future I guess.
I haven't been to the doctor in years either. Somthing I should probably do soon.
Good luck,
Donna
That's a very difficult choice you made and one that I hope works out well for you.
Having turned 55, I had to schedule my 5 year colonoscopy re-examination for two weeks from now. Given that my dad had colon cancer (and some how survived for another thirty years), its something I have to have done.
Continue to stay healthy and strong!
I very rarely go to the doctor. Last time was 3 years ago for a physical. Before that was when I injured my shoulder at work and had to go. I hate getting physicals because the doc wants to put a glove on and stick his hand up my rear to look for my prostate. It's humiliating and painful. My company insurance pays for a yearly physical so I suppose I should do it more often.
I hope it goes well for you, Ed.
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