Normal

on October 6, 2009
in All Posts

Reminders:

 

The scariest thing about life is how quickly it can go from ho-hum to worst-case.

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Luckily, this time everything went back to normal.  :)  James is rocking a band aid on his arm from the IV, but he seems fine.  I’m so grateful.

 

I didn’t go to sleep last night until 2 AM, and we woke up at 6 to get James from the vet. I took some OJ with me:

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I thought we would have to transfer him to our regular vet for continued treatments, but the ER vet said he was free to go home!  :)  When James came out of the back room, he dashed over to the Husband and I and licked our faces.  And when we got into the house, he practically attacked Maggie and smothered her with kisses.   It was sweet.  🙂

 

Guess what the vet sent me home with?

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Organic yogurt contains 5 – 7 live active cultures, while regular yogurt only has 1 on average.   Since the antibiotics wiped out the good and the bad bacteria in James’ tummy, he’ll be eating a teaspoon of Stonyfield yogurt every day to help build up the good bacteria.  The vet actually recommended Stonyfield by name, which made me smile!  :) 

 

We came home and gave James a bath – he smelled pretty bad.  And then we all took a nap together. 

 

I woke up and made a delicious breakfast:

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My oatmeal contained:

 

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 sliced banana
  • Toppings: flax, strawberries, and coconut.

 

Yum!

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I’m off to look into getting Pet Insurance!  After the $1000+ hit we took last night, I think it’s time to get the dogs on a plan.  We can’t afford emergencies like this anymore, especially since I don’t have a steady income! 

 

Speaking of insurance, a few of you have asked how I’m handling health insurance now that I’m self-employed.  I have coverage under my old company until November 1, and then I’m going to get an “major emergencies only” plan.  It will cost us about $250 a month (its was the Husband has right now).  And regarding a 401(K), I was highly irresponsible and never signed up.  However, in light of how all my friends had their 401(K)’s wiped clean last year, this might have been a good thing.  

 

Do you have health insurance?  Is it through your job, your parents, or do you have an independent plan?

{ 94 comments }

 

  • jen trinque October 6, 2009, 9:39 am

    I’m self employed. I have the old catastrophic plan where I have a huge deductible but don’t pay much of a monthly fee. I just expect to stay healthy 🙂

    Again, so glad the little man is back to normal!

  • Katy October 6, 2009, 9:41 am

    I have a temp post-grad one until January, so hopefully I find a job soon!

  • Katy October 6, 2009, 9:41 am

    PS- I’m glad James is ok. 🙂

  • Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life October 6, 2009, 9:43 am

    we actually got pet insurance for my dog after his surgery and then when we got hurt again it was MUCH cheeper.. we pay $45 a month… I am not sure how FL works but in NJ you can get health insurance through the state.. and usually it is a lot cheaper than insurance you pay for.. My brother has it and he pays $140 a month and has $20 co-pays.. I am really happy James is feeling better.. I know how scary it is.. I rem crying when my doggie got hurt!

  • Aubrey October 6, 2009, 9:45 am

    Glad your little man is doing well.

    I have an individual plan, but since I work for an insurance brokerage I have the knowledge to purchase an appropriate plan. When the Mister and I get married next, I’ll be going on his group.

    Since I do sell health insurance for a living, I wondered about your coverage when I read your post yesterday. If you do make the move to Columbia, we’d be happy to help you choose your new plan. I’m very excited that you might be going to my alma mater!

  • Courtney October 6, 2009, 9:47 am

    Yay James!!!!!!

    Although I’m currently unemployed, I’m lucky that my husband works for UPS. Since they are such a huge corporation, we have very good, and very cheap insurance. I am thankful for that every day!

    Courtney
    Adventures in Tri-ing

  • Dori October 6, 2009, 9:49 am

    So happy James is fine! I buy my own health insurance and it costs every cent I have.. My company (a global bank) counts me as a consultant even though I work there full time so they can screw me out of benefits.Trying to find abother job, it’s been 2 years..

  • Matt October 6, 2009, 9:50 am

    Aww I’m so glad to hear James is ok!

  • Ally October 6, 2009, 9:50 am

    So glad he’s OK! And I highly recommend pet insurance–it has saved us tons over the years.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is October 6, 2009, 9:51 am

    I’m so glad he is ok. I actually paid for my own insurance as a personal trainer until I got married and it was only $120 a month. Can you get insurance through your hub?

    • caitlin October 6, 2009, 9:59 am

      not really because he has an independent plan, too. 🙁

      • Stephanie October 6, 2009, 12:18 pm

        A lot of plans let you add some one if a “major life event” happens, and you not working may qualify. Or, during the annual open enrollment, maybe he could add you? Even schools do this…

        • Aubrey F October 6, 2009, 7:22 pm

          Not likely if he has an individual plan, you’d probably have to go through health underwriting to be added to his plan, which you’re likely going to have to do even if you purchase your own separate plan. However, there may be benefits to doing this. With some companies, premium for the family coverage is slightly lower than purchasing separate individual (identical plans).

          Also, if you have a High Deductible Health Plan (HSA-qualified plan) then you definitely want to look into going on a plan together because you will both be working toward one aggregate family deductible. If the deductible is met, it’s met for the family for the rest of the year.

  • Evan Thomas October 6, 2009, 9:51 am

    Thank God that you’re all alright. I think it’s adorable that yogurt is part of his recovery plan; and now I don’t feel so silly for making it a point to eat 2 probiotic sources a day

  • Rachel October 6, 2009, 9:52 am

    Awww I’m so glad to hear James is ok! His little band aid is cute 🙂 That’s got to be the worst feeling when your (fur) baby is sick. Good thing they have amazing owners that care so much for them. Have a good day 🙂

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels October 6, 2009, 9:53 am

    Obviously Canadian health care is quite different. I am insured through my own plan and my bf’s but somehow we never understand any of it. All we know is we go have some health work or visits, then we get some money back, we should really try to figure out all the small print.

  • caronae October 6, 2009, 9:54 am

    Thank goodness I still get covered under my mom’s very good (but expensive) insurance plan. I also have a plan through my school for local care.

  • MelissaNibbles October 6, 2009, 9:55 am

    I live in MA where we’re required by law to have health insurance. I’m lucky to have great insurance through my employer.

    So glad James is okay!

  • Elizabeth October 6, 2009, 9:55 am

    I’m so glad James is ok! I even had my boyfriend stressing about it last night…not that we “know you” in real life 🙂 We had a scare recently when our cat ate a mystery plant, so I know what the late nights are like.

    I’m going to be a teeny bit of a financial nag and say that the next 5 years are really important for the power of compound interest, so I reeeeally you open a Roth IRA (easy) so you can have some dedicated retirement funds brewing. Even if you don’t contribute more than a thousand or two each year, you will still reap serious benefits that will be pretty much impossible to catch up to later on. [end soapbox]

    • caitlin October 6, 2009, 10:00 am

      hahah i know, i know!!! 🙂 i need to get on that. i dont really understand the whole IRA thing, but my BFF is a finances person so maybe i’ll chat with her.

  • audrey w. October 6, 2009, 9:57 am

    so happy for your pup..i live in Mass and its required by law that all residents have health insurance (if you dont you cant file your state taxes). my company offers a really great plan for free, including dental! i’m very lucky i know.

  • Weekly Bite October 6, 2009, 9:58 am

    Glad to hear James is on the mend!

  • Matt October 6, 2009, 9:58 am

    I am still covered under my parents plan. I think I am covered until I graduate or something. I better check into that!

  • brandi October 6, 2009, 9:59 am

    i’m so glad James is okay!!!

  • caitlin October 6, 2009, 10:06 am

    testing… why the heck am i not getting comment notifications???? grrr, technology.

  • Haleigh October 6, 2009, 10:08 am

    I am so happy to hear that Mr. James is okay!! I have had health insurance since July because I am covered under my husband, when I lived in Sweden I didnt have to worry about it since every one has access to very cheap health care but I didn’t have health insurance for about 6 months before my husband found a job and I was always nervous about it.

    I hope James enjoys being back home with his parents and Maggie today!

  • Liesl October 6, 2009, 10:14 am

    I grew up with an emergencies only type of insurance plan and it is all I have ever had and thank God I’ve stayed healthy and not had to use it. I think it should definitely be a viable option for you.
    Also, I hope the little guy gets better soon. Sounds strange but I actually had similar to the same thing happen to me just a month ago. An antibiotic I was given for preventing an infection from oral surgery gave me Colitis, which is another infection in my intestines, because the antibiotic had wiped out all the good and bad bacteria. It’s a long slow road to feeling back to normal, I think I’m finally getting there.
    Your a good Mommy though and I know you’ll take care of him. Hope you are enjoying your new freedom in working at home!

    • caitlin October 6, 2009, 10:18 am

      omg that is horrible. if you felt the way james looked, i feel really, really bad for you. the hus and i were talking last night about how scary it would be if we felt sick to our stomach and then threw up blood (or shat blood). i’m really glad you’re OK.

  • christie, honoring health October 6, 2009, 10:18 am

    I am glad James is OK!

    I have health and dental through my job and it is fully paid for by them, I know I am lucky in that regard. If I ever get to a point in my career that I can leave my job, I believe I will just go on my husbands plan.

  • Diana October 6, 2009, 10:19 am

    I’m so glad he’s ok. I unfortunately know what it’s like to lose a pet and I do not wish that on anybody. But I’m just happy for you! 🙂

    I have health insurance because of my dad, until I’m 25 I think. But things are a little different here in Portugal and we have pretty decent public health services.

  • Alaina October 6, 2009, 10:21 am

    Pet insurance- do you have a Pet Smart retail store in your area? If it has a Banfield pet hospital in it, they offer really reasonable pet insurance. I pay $20/dog/mo, but it ranges from $15 to $40something and can include dental and a whole range of other issues. The only thing I don’t like is the 3 year contract. We had to keep paying the insurance through the end of the term, even though we lost our pugs 2 years into it. You’d think there’d be special stipulations in cases like that.

    • caitlin October 6, 2009, 10:27 am

      the fact that they would make you continue to pay insurance on deceased dogs is ridiculous and enough for me to not to get it — that seems like stealing. im sorry to hear about your puppies… you should write petsmart and complain. i would. 🙁

  • Naomi (onefitfoodie) October 6, 2009, 10:22 am

    omg your dog is SUCH a cutie! i cant get enough!

    those oats with the coconut on top look delicious!! and what a great idea!!

  • Jessie October 6, 2009, 10:22 am

    Glad James is back!
    I have an independent plan through Aetna that’s pretty decent. It costs around $250 a month (ouch) but it’s better than not being covered, I guess. I am looking in to get pet insurance too.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) October 6, 2009, 10:23 am

    In Canada, we all have free health care – surgeries, checkups, casts, anything a person may need. The only thing we have to get a plan for is prescription medicine, extras like massages, chiropractor, homeopathic doctors, dentist, and eye doctor. I am fully covered with my own work plan, and my husbands.

  • Lindsay October 6, 2009, 10:24 am

    I’m so glad James is okay! I love his prescription for Stonyfield!

    I have insurance through my job. I haven’t used it a ton but was very thankful to have it when I needed it. My husband has a major emergency plan right now. It’s not as good as what he used to have but certainly better than nothing!

  • Melissa October 6, 2009, 10:24 am

    I’m really glad James is ok. I’ve had a few scares with my dog, and it’s one of the worst feelings in the world. Pets are family members too!

    He seems happy to be home. So cute that everyone got doggy kisses!

  • Mellissa October 6, 2009, 10:24 am

    How many credits are you taking- you might be able to get a student plan through your local community college. That is what I did during undergrad.

    I have insurance through my corporate job now and while it isn’t the best it makes sure I am covered.

  • Danielle C. October 6, 2009, 10:25 am

    I just realized this morning that I was missing the feeds from your blog. I’m so glad to hear that James is back home, sooo worried for a few minutes while I was catching up on posts. I get so attached to every animal it seems…what can I say, I’m a bleeding heart.

    I have insurance through my company (I have the husband on mine because it is cheaper than the insurance his company offers). I would look into student plans like others have said.

  • Emily October 6, 2009, 10:25 am

    I have health insurance through my work, and it costs me a bit. (140 a month)
    My boyfriend doesn’t have any insurance and I feel for him, as he’s had to go without treatment several times and has been hurt on the job.
    Get on the 401K! The sooner the better!

  • amanda @ fake ginger October 6, 2009, 10:28 am

    Thank goodness James is okay! I know he must’ve been even more scared than you guys. Poor little guy.

  • Amisha October 6, 2009, 10:30 am

    I did the whole Roth IRA thing before I had a great job that set me up with a 401K for many years. This IRA does not work in the same way as a 401K so you wont have all the gains based on how the market is doing and what funds you’re investing in. However, it works exactly like opening a CD at the bank. There is a set term and a set interest percentage you’ll earn. The benefits for you right now will probably just be that you can deduct a lot of money from your taxes each year for this. You probably want to talk to a personal banker wherever you bank. They will give you lots and lots of info. Good luck!

    • Ari October 6, 2009, 3:22 pm

      No! I’m sorry, this is wrong. I think you’re confused. A Roth IRA is actually very similar to a 401(k), but contributions are made with after-tax dollars so your money grows tax-free (instead of tax-deferred). You can invest your money as you see fit, just like in a 401(k), so you absolutely have the opportunity for gains based on market growth. You can’t take a tax deduction for contributions to a Roth, but the benefit of tax free growth is better than a deduction, anyway.
      Basically, a Roth is the best investment tool you can use, second only to a 401(k) that provides an employer match. But you have to be within the income limits to qualify – and I’d guess you are. It’s really easy, you can set one up online, and if you invest through target-date fund, which automatically rebalances each year based on how close you are to retirement, you don’t have to do any of the investing yourself. Roths also allow withdraws in certain circumstances without penalty – for instance, education (!) You should really look into it Caitlin.

      Also, one more thing and then I’m done – your friends may have lost money in their 401(k)s, but they’ll be glad they contributed in the long run. The market always comes back and if they’re still contributing, they’re getting a deal on their investments.

      • Amanda @ Cakes and Ale October 6, 2009, 8:02 pm

        Ari is right… not sure what kind of investment Amisha is describing!
        She’s also right on with the 401k stuff… even though your friends “lost” their money, they still own the shares (the money you put in a 401k buys shares, you always own the shares you buy, their value just increases or decreases overtime). The reason why retirement funds are so great for people our age is that we have time on our side! You can just set a little aside now and it will grow exponentially over time. Recessions and growth periods are normal for an economy – long term, your money will increase!

        A Roth IRA, which is a fantastic way to save if you don’t have a 401k through a job, is so easy to set up. I set up mine through Fidelity.com… you can do it in a manner of minutes online.

        • Caitlin October 6, 2009, 8:05 pm

          oh man – thank you for this!!! i’m going to look into a Roth IRA then.

  • Meg C. October 6, 2009, 10:35 am

    i have great insurance through my company but will have to pay about 400 a month after I quit. Hoping to get a new job right away but I’m not sure I will.

    You should really get a 401k Caitlin!!! well now that you’re self employed you’ll probably get a Roth IRA or some such. but it’s an investment in your future! God, I sound like my dad. haha.

  • Erica October 6, 2009, 10:35 am

    I seriously am soooo happy that James is ok. VERY cute that he came home and gave Maggie tons of kisses. True Love <3

  • Emily @ My Chubby Confessions October 6, 2009, 10:36 am

    I’m so glad your baby is OK!

    I will be on my mom’s policy until I am 25! However I will hopefully start my career and will be on my own or through the company!

    Have you gotten insurance quotes from an independant agency? I currently work at an independent agency, and have been here for 4+ years, in Louisiana and while rates are different from state to state it wouldn’t hurt to check them out. It’s just a thought.

  • Leah @ L4L October 6, 2009, 10:36 am

    My job doesn’t give me health insurance so I pay out of pocket. I have a catastrophic plan with Group Health and I only pay $59 p/mo. $30 co pay, doesn’t include prescriptions, free lab work/radiology, etc. I highly recommend shopping around, maybe meeting with an agent that can give you a better idea of what will be a good fit. You can find stuff for a decent prie that will give you great coverage.

    So you don’t have a 401k, no big deal, but I highly recommend opening up a RothIRA and at least deposit like $50 a month into it. (I work in a financial planning office! This is recommended to EVERYONE as the bare minimum that should be done!) Best of luck transitioning through all this!

  • skinnyrunner October 6, 2009, 10:40 am

    im self-employed so my personal insurance used to be super expensive and cover nothing. they didn’t pay unless you were 95% dead. then i got married and my hubby works for a worldwide corporation so now we have awesome, cheap insurance. i almost want to get sick, just to use it! ok, just kidding.

    • Caitlin October 6, 2009, 10:54 am

      hahah thats like when i was a student, i went to student health for EVERYTHING because i could.

  • Stephanie October 6, 2009, 10:41 am

    I am soooo glad your pup is okay, what a scary experience 🙁 As for health insurance, glad to hear you will be covered, I can’t even imagine having to pay for my own since we get an incredibly awesome plan at our company for such a low cost. And the 401(k) is something you should definitely look into (I’m a nerdy CPA, sorry!) – even though my investments have tanked in the short term, over the long run they are only going to increase and earn more over time as the economy improves. Plus none of that money is being taxed right now, so I am earning on it tax free (essentially 1/3 additional in the account that earns interest). The decrease in 401k values really hit near-retirees hard, not those that are young have a long while until retirement. However that’s just my perspective 🙂 The Roth IRA mentioned by Amisha is also a great idea, any tax deferred saving method is a highly beneficial way to manage your earnings!

    • Caitlin October 6, 2009, 10:54 am

      im confused. if you lost all your money in your 401(k), does it come back? isn’t it gone forever?

      • Laura W October 6, 2009, 11:39 am

        You “lose” money based on market fluctuations, but that money isn’t gone forever. For example, say you have mutual fund XYZ in your account, and the share price of mutual fund XYZ has dropped. Your account value will drop, but the number of shares that you own will not. Does that make sense? People may say that they have “lost” money over the last year, but young people have time on their side so it doesn’t really matter! I would love to chat sometime about this stuff or just answer any questions that you may have… I love this stuff! Sorry this is so long! 🙂

  • Abby October 6, 2009, 10:53 am

    Luckily as a teacher, I do have health insurance and a 401 K (which I wont lie totally had no idea what it was until recently). The hub works part time and goes to school full time and he has insurance through UNC WHICH WE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET for.. lovely. Every time he coughs, I’m like GO to student health.. we pay for it!!

  • Nicole October 6, 2009, 10:59 am

    Hey–So glad to hear James is OK. I didn’t get to read about everything until this morning..it’s so scary when something happens to your animals. I’d love to learn more about getting pet insurance. My cat has a weird patch on his paw where his hair was ripped out completely to the skin and we don’t know where it came from.
    As far as regular insurance, I’m on Dennis’ plan through his job.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat October 6, 2009, 11:00 am

    So glad James is doing well! I have really thought about getting pet insurance for our dog just incase something like that were to happen. She’s only been sick one time but that visit was a couple hundred dollars that we really didn’t have at the time.

    I have insurance through my work, which I am very thankful for as it is affordable. But I am interested in knowing what others do on their own if I ever get a different job (which I hope to someday).

  • Anne Marie@ New Weigh of Life October 6, 2009, 11:10 am

    Aww poor puppy! Glad to hear James is okay!

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance October 6, 2009, 11:11 am

    Luckily, I have a decent Insurance (medical, dental & vision) Plan through my employer that covers myself and my husband……my daughter is covered by her father who is a cop and has excellent insurance!

    Being that I come from an INSURANCE FAMILY I have coverage for everything practically…….medical, dental, vision, life insurance (got right after my daughter was born), renter’s insurance (covers all my belongs, even if stolen) and auto insurance of course!

    However, I am not so great with the “retirement” thing…..no 401K for me right now, but as you said……it would of been wiped clean last year so I am not to upset about it. I plan to start one as soon as my company starts matching again, they stopped when the economy tanked last year.

    =) Laura @ Finding A Healthy Balance

  • Kat (kats daily plate) October 6, 2009, 11:25 am

    I am soooo glad to hear that James is OK- she looks great! I prayed for her last night and was really worried… so good to see she’s doing well! You have one strong pup!

  • Liz October 6, 2009, 11:28 am

    I’ll be interested to hear whether to decide pet insurance is worthwhile for you’re family.

    I’m another Canadian echoing the benefits of public health care. I have additional insurance (for prescriptions, eye care, dentist) through work.

    I’ve found that reading some user-friendly personal finance books (personal finance for dummies, etc) is very helpful in terms of figuring out the jargon of the personal finance world and choosing the best course for you own money.

  • angieinatlanta October 6, 2009, 11:38 am

    Glad to hear James is all good!

    I have insurance through my job; thankfully, it’s a pretty good deal too!

  • Stacey October 6, 2009, 11:42 am

    I have NO health insurance, and I hate it! I’m a nanny and they don’t offer any health insurance. My mom kicked me off her plan when I turned 18 haha. That’s the one thing I’m looking forward to at my next job!!! This girl needs some glasses!

  • Paula October 6, 2009, 11:44 am

    Thank goodness James is OK. I know how scary that was. Poor kiddo!

    I give my three dogs a spoonful of Stoneyfield plain yogurt every morning. I’ve done this for years, and I think it helps to keep their tummies and bacteria all happy. 🙂

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans October 6, 2009, 11:46 am

    I’m so glad to hear that your dog is okay! When I got kicked off my parents insurance when I turned 23 I got on a “healthy young person” insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield because I didn’t have insurance with the job I was working. I don’t remember exactly what the plan was called, but I do remember that it gave me pretty decent coverage without costing an arm and a leg.

  • Ashley October 6, 2009, 11:48 am

    NJ lets you be covered under your parents until you are 30. If you are married or have a child then you can’t be covered under your parents. I don’t fall into ether of those categories so I’m a lucky lucky girl!

    Glad James is feeling better!!

  • KatieC October 6, 2009, 11:49 am

    So glad James is okay! How scary. Did the vet say what caused it? Is it something that can happen again? I hope not!

    • Caitlin October 6, 2009, 11:55 am

      a bacterial outgrowth, but they had no idea how he caught it – couldve been anything!

      • MegaNerd October 6, 2009, 2:08 pm

        Hopefully not at the dog park last week!! 🙁

  • Dana (www.eatsleepgetfit.com) October 6, 2009, 11:50 am

    Glad James is all better and home now!

    Just wanted to let you know I love your site and on my most recent blog post I gave you some link love!!

    http://www.eatsleepgetfit.com/2009/10/you-can-be-runner.html

  • Paige October 6, 2009, 11:53 am

    So glad James is OK

    I’m insured through my husband’s company. We work at the same place, but his insurance is better than mine, so he took me in 🙂

  • Patrice October 6, 2009, 11:59 am

    I have insurance coverage through my husbands job.

    So glad James is OK!! We have three dogs and and have them oovered under the VPI pet insurance plan. It is pretty reasonable and has helped us several times with no problem. They pay 90% after $50 deductible.

  • Julie October 6, 2009, 12:03 pm

    I’m glad James is much better!!

    I have insurance through work. It’s pretty damn good, actually. I work for the commonwealth of MA so while the pay (for me, at least) sucks, the bennies are worth it.

  • L October 6, 2009, 12:05 pm

    Having moved back to the US with my Australian husband to go to grad school let’s just say I really miss universal healthcare. I am on crappy student insurance. I only work PT so I’m not eligible for insurance through my employer. My husband is uninsured b/c he hasn’t found a FT job yet. He has some health issues and it’s actually cheaper for him to fly back to Australia once a year to stock up on his medications. The cost of the flight and medications would still save us over $3000 a year. I’ve been looking in to insurance for my husband for a while, but it’s all so expensive – even for basic coverage. I’m just worried that something will happen and he’ll need a doctor/hospital and we’ll be screwed.

    All my retirement savings from my career (pre-grad school) are in Australia. It’s similar to a 401k. I haven’t checked it in a while because I figure it’s dropped so much. I’ll just let it sit and give the market time to recover before trying to transfer it to a US retirement account.

    • Caitlin October 6, 2009, 12:33 pm

      That is crazy about flying back to Australia.

  • Lauren October 6, 2009, 12:05 pm

    So glad your little guy is doing okay! That whole situation must have been so nerve-wracking for you and your husband. I’m still at the point where I get the slightest bit concerned when my puppy sneezes! I’m happy to read that James is on the mend.

    I have a very good health insurance plan, thanks to my job. As much as I love the idea of one day being entirely self-employed, I do like the security of having a sound health insurance plan on account of my work. However, when I did exclusively freelance work, I got health insurance through a freelancers’ union–it was actually pretty good.

    Speaking of health insurance and pets, my boyfriend and I just took out pet insurance for our dog. I’ve heard a lot of conflicting reports on the usefulness of pet insurance, but we decided to try it. We’ll see…

  • Lauren October 6, 2009, 12:14 pm

    Also…if you don’t decide to go ahead with pet insurance and you should encounter a medical emegency with one of your dogs, many vets are willing to discuss a reasonable payment plan with you. Our old dog had to have major surgery amounting to more than $4,000. Obviously, few people (myself included) are in the position where they can pay this all up front. Our vet was more than happy to work out a monthly plan with us–she even initiated the conversation.

  • Mari October 6, 2009, 12:19 pm

    So glad James is doing better! His story broke my heart! I randomly saw this article on the New York Times and thought it might be useful to you: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/garden/05puppy.html?em

    Good luck!

  • Tay October 6, 2009, 12:20 pm

    I am so so so glad that it all turned out okay. Stonyfield to the rescue!!

  • jenna October 6, 2009, 12:21 pm

    wow what a stressful night/day!! I’m glad he is better..but ouch to the 1000 price tag!

    good luck with your finances! thats all such a headache to me!! I completely understand how you feel!

  • Stephanie October 6, 2009, 12:29 pm

    Thought you might find this interesting– it was posted on the NYT yesterday– “Insurance, When the Patient is a Pet” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/garden/05puppy.html?hpw

  • Annamarina (Running Tails) October 6, 2009, 12:34 pm

    I’m glad to hear your pup is feeling better! It’s so scary when things happen to our babies.

    I recently got my own insurance plan and I would highly suggest looking into it. It is called an HSA plan and it is through Anthem. I pay $124 a month and all routine preventive care is 100% covered (physicals, etc.) I have a $5,000 yearly deductible for any other medical visits and a $0 office copay. So far, it is really a great plan in my opinion because of the low monthly premium. The $5,000 yearly deductible may seem high, but on most other plans you pay a much higher monthly premium.

    I hope that helps! Good luck with figuring it all out!

  • FirednFabulous October 6, 2009, 12:50 pm

    Thank goodness James is OK! He does look pretty darn cute with that bandage on his arm though.

    Health insurance..ahhh..no, I don’t have it at the moment and my mom and boyfriend are starting to freak out. I lost my job about five months ago and have been freelancing since. I LOVE freelancing, but honestly, right now I can’t afford to get it. If my financial situation doesn’t become more secure in the next couple months or so, sadly, I think I will have to give up my dreams of being a FT freelance writer/reporter and get a FT job again 🙁

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Whit October 6, 2009, 12:52 pm

    So glad James is ok!

    I have health insurance through my job, but my dad is self employed and my mom and younger sibs are on a plan through SAM’S CLUB of all places. Apparently it’s a really good + affordable plan. Perhaps you could check into it.

  • Sheri October 6, 2009, 12:58 pm

    Living in Canada most hospital stays and doctor related stuff is covered under my provincial plan but I also have full coverage at work that is paid for by my company.

    So glad to see that James is now home with you and doing better! 🙂

  • Megan October 6, 2009, 1:16 pm

    Aww…sending good thoughts to your pup!

  • Ali October 6, 2009, 1:16 pm

    I have insurance through my work, but will be on Adam’s once we get married in July. Oscar HAS pet insurance too. He got lead poisoning at 6 months old and cost us 4,000 dollars…lesson learned! Good Luck with the pet insurance. E-mail me if you have questions as I have been through it!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) October 6, 2009, 1:39 pm

    So glad your boy is back. After your post yesterday about how much the emergency costs Hunni and I are looking into pet insurance. Our boy Leo is a sensitive guy and sometimes needs the vet and it can get expensive.

  • Jenna October 6, 2009, 2:06 pm

    yummy oats!
    jenna

  • Suzanne October 6, 2009, 2:22 pm

    That bowl of oats looks lovely and delicious! In fact, I may recreate it in the near future…

  • Marie October 6, 2009, 3:36 pm

    Medicare for all! I live in Massachusetts and residents, despite income, can get affordable (somewhat) comprehensive health insurance. As much as I want to move out of Mass, for a recent college graduate with student loans, state sponsored health care is the way to go!

    • Aubrey F October 6, 2009, 7:38 pm

      Medicare is only for seniors or people who are disabled…and considering the system is not paying for itself, I don’t think we want to go that route.

  • Erin October 6, 2009, 3:44 pm

    Glad that James is back to snuggling! It’s so scary when they’re sick. Glad this had a good outcome.

    I’ve had health insurance through my jobs since I graduated undergrad. One of the reasons I didn’t quit my job when I was in grad school was because I didn’t want to go without health insurance. My husband tends to work jobs where they either don’t provide health insurance or the insurance he does get is really expensive to add a spouse.

  • Kate October 7, 2009, 12:17 am

    Thankfully I’m covered under my parents’ insurance until I turn 25. There are certain perks to a verrrrrry long grad program 🙂 I’m going through some significant health concerns right now and can’t imagine having to worry much more about how to pay for it all.

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