Putting a Cap on My Dental Costs

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Dental costs can create big dents in the wallets of Americans who are not covered by dental insurance. Unfortunately, even those who have coverage often have to foot a large bill, as most dental insurance covers only the most basic of services.

Here are 10 ways I save money on my dental expenses.

How I Save on Prescription and OTC Medications



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 Americans incur out-of-pocket medical costs averaging nearly $4,400 per year. Even for those without chronic conditions, cost of medications for even minor ailments such as cough, cold, heartburn and allergies can add up. Here are some ways I save 10-33% on  prescription and OTC medication costs. Read more HERE...

Budgeting for Pregnancy Related Medical Costs

I believe it is important to be financially ready before having a baby. While the cost of some baby essentials can be managed by parents, pregnancy related medical costs can vary wildly depending upon the type of delivery, hospital and insurance policy. My total billed costs (without insurance) for two pregnancies? Over $87,000. Read more here...

Rising Health Insurance Premium Costs Are Outpacing Income Growth

The cost of health insurance grew five times the rate of income growth from 2003-2010. Health insurance expenses are more than 20% of income on average. Will ObamaCare slow down the increase in healthcare costs? Read more here.

Open Enrollment -- Two Articles

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Two articles discussing new laws affecting benefits elections. The first focuses on 2012, while the second is a two year plan.



My Open Enrollment Action Plan
Like many other employees, my husband's benefit elections enter the annual open enrollment period in November. Here are some changes I am making to 401(k) contributions, medical, dental and vision insurance, FSA withholding, and commuter expenses for 2012 because of new laws and a new family member.


Maximizing My FSA Benefit and Lowering Taxes
President Obama's health care reform has made two significant changes to FSA. Since 2011, OTC medications require a doctor's prescription for reimbursement. In addition, for 2013, the maximum FSA contribution is reduced to $2,500. Health care expenses are tough to budget, more so if you are budgeting two years out. However, by front loading some of the known spending in 2012 and getting a master prescription list, I plan to partially offset the negative impact of FSA reform. 

Where to Get a Flu Shot for Cheap (or Free)!

Flu Shot--Free or Cheap Flu Shots in Your Neighborhood


The 2012 winter flu season is being called the worst in many years. The CDC is expected to provide an update on the epidemic on Friday. Shortages are periodically being reported across the country.

 Every year in the fall, I call around my local pharmacies to see if the flu shot is in stock. I also ask about prices and if they accept insurance (in which case they would be free). Last year, I found a local family pharmacy to be the cheapest, at $25 and an urgent care facility, to be the most expensive, at $40.

Most chain store pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade etc., supermarket pharmacies like Shop Rite, A&P and big box retailers like Wal Mart and Target offer flu shots. The price range for flu shots at most appear stores to be $28-40.
Many local hospitals and senior centers also offer free flu shots starting in October. Such information is usually available on the City Hall website. Large employers often offer flu shots as well, although it is typically offered on only one day.

You can always go to your general physician and get a flu shot. Your charge will most likely be your co-pay ($5-30), unless you time it with your free annual well-visit. As long as you do not ask the doctor questions regarding other illnesses (which may cause they to bill as an office visit versus a well visit), most pediatric patients do not have to pay a co-pay for well-visits, like a flu shot.

If you have insurance or Medicare Part B, your flu shot may actually be free! Wal Mart has a list of approved insurances. For example, if you have Blue Cross, your out of pocket expense will be zero. Walgreens also accepts several insurance plans, including Cigna. However, many CVS locations use a third party provider (Minute Clinic), which is usually considered out of network by insurances, and therefore you will be charged.

Remember, if the provider hands you a reimbursement form, chances are that the amount to be reimbursed will be lower than your out of network deductible, in which case you will be responsible for the entire amount.

Information on the seasonal flu vaccine and mist is available at the CDC website.