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The Cost of Healthcare

October 5th, 2006 at 08:22 pm

Yesterday, I went to the dentist and had the usual check up with 4 x-rays and a cleanning. Lucky for me there weren't any problems noted. Doctor said I had beautiful teeth and to keep up with whatever I was doing because it was working. For not having any problems my bill came to $150.00 and that is with a professional discount. Needless to say I was shocked. I don't remember it being so expensive the last time I was in. Now here's the kicker, although I have nice teeth, my gums aren't as good. I have to see a periodentist 3 times a year for cleannings and exams. Her fee isn't too bad, she usually charges about 85.00 per visit and that is with x-rays. Now your probably wondering why don't I have dental insurance...I had dental insurance several years ago and found it to be worthless. I had to go to someone on the plan and then I still had to pay out of pocket. It really wasn't saving me anything because money was taken out of my pay check for the insurance and then I had to pay almost the full price at the office. Some procedures weren't even covered by the insurance. So, for dental I just pay out of pocket and it sure is getting expensive. Thank goodness I don't require major work at this point.

On another note. I have a gripe with my medical insurance carrier. The year isn't even up and they sent me a letter increasing my payment every month by $75.00. I didn't think that it was legal since we signed our contract in the beginning of the year. That means this January the price of our medical insurance is going to sky rocket (this years increased rate and the new rate for next year). I'm am going to have to investigate other alternatives. We already had to change doctors once this year because our regular physician no longer accepted our insurance. I would hate to switch again. Why does this have to be so complicated? Or maybe it's just me?

Posted in Spending, Bills | 5 Comments »

5 Responses to “The Cost of Healthcare”

  1. Carolina Bound Says:
    October 5th, 2006 at 10:14 pm 1160086472
    1160086472

    I think the dental insurance available to me is worthless, too.

    Are you flossing? It really makes a difference with my gums.

  2. moneycents Says:
    October 5th, 2006 at 10:30 pm 1160087417
    1160087417

    I do preventative maintenance...I have the Oral B Triton(it's suppose to reduce the amount of plaque) that's why I got it, otherwise I just couldn't justify the price. I floss every night and I use a proxy brush. With all that, I still have to have cleanings 4 x a year.

  3. yummy64 Says:
    October 6th, 2006 at 03:24 am 1160105040
    1160105040

    I almost hate to mention it but if you smoke, quitting will do lots to help your gums. Flossing religiously makes a difference too, and I'd upgrade to a good tartar control toothpaste.

  4. moneycents Says:
    October 6th, 2006 at 11:56 am 1160135773
    1160135773

    Thanks Yummy, I have never smoked and I do use a tartar control toothpaste. I use Colgate Complete. I think my problem might be genetic, on my Dad's side because he and my grandmother lost their teeth very early in life. That is why I'm very religious about taking care of them.

  5. Champion Cheapskate Says:
    October 7th, 2006 at 02:15 pm 1160230524
    1160230524

    Glad to hear you take care of your teeth. Diet may be another problem, too much sugar and acid, not enough vitamins and minerals? In addition to flossing, I have started using a variety of dental instrument thingiesSmile to get in between teeth and under the gumline. You'd be surprised that even after brushing and flossing, stuff still pops out.

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