The Numbers

Nine days into 2013 and I found out that I had already met my health insurance deductible for the year. NINE! I initially freaked out for a little bit as I held a VERY large medical bill in my hand but as my optimistic husband pointed out, at least the rest of the year in medical bills won't be so bad ... I see the silver lining here, but still, to only take nine days to meet a yearly deductible for out of pocket expenses is pretty impressive, I have to admit.

So, as I was starring at the breakdown of medical expenses billed, what my insurance covered, and how much I owed the other day, it really got me thinking about exactly how much I spent in 2012 in medical costs. And the even bigger number: How much did my doctors charge me in 2012? So here's the breakdown:

Explanation of Benefits (calculated by: Me)

• Total amount billed in 2012 (including but not limited to: doctor visits, emergency services, blood work, medical device equipment) = $13,127.34
• What I paid for medical expenses (after health insurance discounts and coverage) = $2,763.15
• What I paid for Health Insurance Premiums = $3,840
• Approximately how much I paid for insulin = $250

• GRAND TOTAL for Out of Pocket expenses in 2012 = $6,853.15

I had never broken down my medical expenses in such detail before, although I had been guessing and budgeting to spend approximately $500 per month last year. The grand total above, divided between 12 months means I actually averaged about $571 per month in medical expenses in 2012.

After I did these calculations on my living room floor about an hour ago I have been going back and forth with two main thoughts:

1. I could afford another car payment with that! Or continue to put away even more money in savings ... OR think of all the shoes a woman could buy with that money! The options are seeming endless right now. And for a young couple like us, $500 can make a difference on a monthly basis and I hate having this disease even more for the financial burden it seems to put on me.
2. On the other hand, it also seems like a small price to pay for my overall health and well being. There really isn't a price one can put on happiness and health, and if this is my price to pay for being able to live the best and most healthy life possible, then I have absolutely no problem with it. It is what it is, and that $571 per month is keeping me alive and kicking 365 days a year. And ultimately I am thankful for that.