insurance

*NOTE: This article was originally published in 2017 and describes the 2017 ACA open enrollment process. It continues to be a valid resource for ACA open enrollment. Please refer to www.healthcare.gov or your state’s marketplace website for 2018 open enrollment information. The open enrollment dates for 2018 (2019 coverage) are 11/1/18-12/15/18.   My family and

In two weeks, I am leaving my job and leaping into the world of entrepreneurship! There are many things about this career move that have caused me anxiety, but my biggest worry has been health and dental insurance for my family. Because my husband is self-employed, we have always had coverage through my employer. We

A couple of years ago I saw a rheumatologist for a problem that developed in my fingers. After obtaining my history and performing a thorough physical examination, the specialist ordered 32 blood tests in an attempt to determine the cause of my problem. A month later I received a bill from the lab for $985.

I’ve always been the kind of doctor who enjoys engaging in dialogue with patients and families. I encourage them to ask questions about their health and about the recommendations I provide. A thoughtful question will occasionally prompt me to do additional reading or to “curbside” a colleague for input. Doctors are skilled and knowledgeable, but

I had surgery in May 2016. Within 60 days I received and paid bills for the services provided by the four physicians involved in my care– the Emergency Room physician, the radiologist, the anesthesiologist, and the surgeon. 8 months after the surgery, I received my first bill from the hospital. The charges totaled $8400. According

My father had two nursing home stays. I remember sitting with my sisters as we met with the first facility’s director. She discussed what would happen if our dad required an extended stay and how he would be personally responsible for the costs. As she reviewed the daily cost of his stay, I was completely

I dread open enrollment season. Every year I feel a little anxious about choosing health insurance for my family. Thankfully, we’re fairly healthy and we don’t visit the doctor often, but the future is unpredictable and it’s important to have adequate coverage. The decision is a binding one and can’t be changed until either the