This year I opted to change medical providers and one of my main concerns was that he be on board with me getting my labs done in Mexico as I do not have medical insurance and are what they call "self-pay".
Once upon a time before the current occupant of the White House took office the local hospital would offer $40.00 tests for uninsured individuals. When he was elected the hospital reversed its policy fearing that he would do away with Obama Care and raised their prices to a ridiculous level. For four tests...I paid $160.00. Those same four tests then cost $1150.00 but if you paid with a credit card it would cost you $575.00 or thereabouts.
I marched right on over to my former medical provider to see if she would be open to me getting those same tests done in Ciudad Acuña which she was. It was a good thing because if she had not been I would have had to say good-bye and gone to my Mexican doctor. In Mexico, I was able to get all four tests done with a free urinalysis thrown in for less than $100.00 USD.
So where am I going with this? On my telephone appointment with my new doctor, he wanted me to get some new labs done but knew of my predicament. Not just because of the steep price the hospital charges but the fact that I was afraid to go to Ciudad Acuña whose Coronavirus numbers which used to be below Del Rio's for a long time have now skyrocketed along with the death toll.
Monday I got a phone call from his nurse to let me know that their labs were now offering a more reasonable price to uninsured patients which would be capped at $300.00 I was beside myself with joy!
Wednesday I went to have them done and I must say that they had a well-executed plan. You were met at the door by a nurse in full PPE you filled out some questions, they reviewed them took your temperature before you were allowed inside and placed a hot pink wristband on you to signify that you had been properly vetted.
There were very few people and they had marked places where you could and could not sit. There were four individuals ahead of me so it took a while but at least I was not as freaked out as I thought I might be.
The doctor wanted me to purchase some vitamins which I had been putting off so much to my chagrin headed to Walmart. Upon entering the parking lot I did not see that many cars on the south side where I usually park but as I walked to the entrance saw that the door was closed and there was only one entrance and one exit which was not the case the last time I was here.
I had read in other blogs where they were having problems finding vitamins and I ran into the same problem here. When did vitamins become "Gummy" everything? As you can tell it has been a while since I have purchased some.
Bought some sunscreen lotion and my favorite Sweet Freedom Ice Cream which I thought was sold out. Since all, I saw at eye level was Butter Pecan and I hate anything pecan...yuk!!!
JudithK...I swear I am not trolling you but this was the first thing I saw when I walked into the now one entrance Walmart...
I think they must have lowered their price to be competitive with HEB.
I have previously mentioned that anytime they change or add a medication it makes me sleepy. This week I have not even been able to stay up to watch my Late Night shows and with everything that has been happening in our nation, I could really use a laugh.
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Aunty Acid Saying of the Day
Not having medical ins. is tough since price gouging in the medical proffesion seems to be on the rise again. I have ins. and it comes right out of my SSI so I don't really feel it. I could never afford to see a Dr. with out it.I don't pay anything for labs or the Dr. and very little towards a specialist.
ReplyDeleteReally whats up with this gummy junk what are we children. I hate those things and never liked any of that nasty chewy stuff.
Stay well
As the saying goes one does not know they have a good thing until it is gone. All my adult life I have had excellent insurance covering health, dental, and vision. I seldom used it.
DeleteThe cheapest insurance I found in the market place under the Affordable Care Act was $1200.00 per MONTH that does not include your deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses. I do not even spend that in ONE YEAR!
Two of the good things about living in Del Rio beside San Felipe Springs are its proximity to Mexico where I go for medical and dental care and also to purchase groceries. Well, at least that was the case before COVID-19 came along.
Be safe.
I hope things can get back to normal soon, so you can cross the border safely.
DeleteThank you Gypsy, I sincerely hope that too.
DeleteThe present administration is trying to completely do away with Obama Care and the USPS because he is invested in HMOs and Delivery Services that will make him a bundle off your needs.
ReplyDeleteBy defunding the USPS he is also trying to suppress your ability to Vote.
Be Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
That is the one reason he still holds a grudge against Senator McCain even though he is now deceased because he did that now "historic thumbs down" and voted with Democrats to keep the Affordable Health Act.
DeleteI thought it was the recently appointed Postmaster General who has no experience in this field that has not divested himself of his holdings and has a clear conflict of interest.
Like Stephen Colbert (late-night comedian) said "If I have to wear a hazmat suit I will wear one but I am going to vote". I second that sentiment and plan to early vote in person as I have always done.
Great to see a post Ms. Belinda - Your fans were becoming restless...
ReplyDeleteMr. Souze, I do not have fans I have readers.
Delete