Health Plans

I know my way around a 401(k). ROTH IRAs are a piece of cake to me. Thanks to several good books, NPR, and Vanguard, investing is not something even remotely threatening to me. But health insurance is something I know absolutely nothing about. It's made unnecessarily complicated for a variety of reasons. And when it's needed most for catastrophic problems, us middle class are screwed.

Tomorrow I have a simple eye exam. It probably won't take more than 30 minutes. But I spent at least that much time trying to figure out what exactly my vision plan covers and if my selected doctor is in the network. It turns out my coverage offers a whopping $5 for eye exams. The benefits for prescription lenses and frames are a little more generous. Luckily it turns out I was able to use Bonnie's plan (a rarity now that most working spouses must use their own coverage exclusively). So I'm pretty sure, thanks to VSP, my exam should be covered.

But 4 phone calls and 30 minutes of my time for a silly eye exam is ridiculous. Thankfully we're in good health as I sympathize with those who have more complex medical questions.

Supposedly, this country has the best health care available in the world. But it's only available if you have the cash and or time to battle the system. Hopefully Hillary's plan will point us in the right direction.