We are fat, stupid & will die – Healthcare Insurers are BANKING on it!

Looking for ways to cut your healthcare costs even though you are insured through your employer?  We sure are!  Our costs have sky rocketed but, we can cut those costs by enrolling in a work/out health app.  This week we did.  The app told me that I am actually OLDER than I thought and I would DIE someday! (If they asked me for a photo they would say I was ugly too and need to dye my hair again!)  So to get discounted insurance I took a bunch of online classes, completed blood work, and had my Body Mass Index calculated (BMI which rhymes with TMI – too much information). 

For those of you who haven’t had a BMI calculated, they say they will measure your waist.  I don’t know about you but my waist is a good 1.5 inches above my belly button and 3-4 inches smaller than my belly.  But they measured my belly anyway.  At least 3 inches should be deducted if you gave birth multiple times and had twins.  (None of that information was asked on their lengthy survey).  You also get points for completing their psychological profile and if you are in good mental health you are awarded more points.  I suggest you answer those questions before they tell you you’re fat and old.  Good news, we qualified for discounted insurance by the skin of our belly buttons!

But what does that insurance get us?  It certainly doesn’t help much with prescription drug costs.  And our insurance costs have gone through the roof, Last year my son’s medication was about $30 per month.  But this year it skyrocketed to $238 dollars.  That’s a tough pill to swallow.  My other son is going through some of the same issues.  The physician who takes his college  insurance will no longer prescribe  a med that the same doctor says my son needs and has been on for years.  So he pays out of pocket to see his old physician who will prescribe the medication.  

We were able to cut the drug prices by getting a GoodRx card.  Go on their app and look for the medication you need.  You may see a significant savings from participating pharmacies.  You will also note that the exact same medication varies in price from pharmacy to pharmacy.  And if GoodRx (which is free) isn’t saving you the money, search for another free prescription discount service. If that doesn’t work, call the drug company and you may be able to negotiate a better price directly with them.

Elaine M. Eustis, MD – Board Certified in OB/GYN and Menopause

Dr. Elaine M. Eustis

Dr. Elaine Eustis of Roper St. Francis Healthcare saved my sanity.  For over 10 years I suffered from hot-flashes, mood swings, and lack of sleep  But the worst problem was not being able to think straight. Because my mother had breast cancer twice, I thought hormone replacement was not an option.  Dr. Eustis came up with a solution.

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Dr. Lanier Summerall – Mt. Pleasant Psychiatry

Dr. Lanier Summerall

Finding excellent Mental Health providers is difficult, especially one who will take your insurance. Dr. Lanier Summerall is a phenomenal psychiatrist who validates your concerns in a personal manner.  She is a great listener and you never feel like your are being rushed through a session just to get a prescription for medication. Dr. Summerall, you rock! Mt. Pleasant Psychiatry is located at t 1127 Queensborough Blvd, Suite 102, Mt. Pleasant, SC 296464. 843-400-4089. 

Roper St. Francis ER

Roper St. Francis ER

One of the first things I needed once arriving was a good ER to treat my son who injured his elbow riding his mobility scooter.  I’ve worked in healthcare for many years and was pleased by the friendly and efficient care he received at Roper Hospital.  We were in and out within 90 minutes on a Friday evening. X-rays were done, ice applied, and follow-up instructions were provided.

The nurses and physicians were warm and friendly and no unnecessary tests were performed.  The ER was absolutely spotless.  A month later, my daughter needed evaluation for ongoing belly pain.  The same level of service was provided.  Thank you Roper for your excellent care.