Doctor, Doctor - Flex Me

Well I have to start by saying Thank Goodness for Health Insurance!

As was 2008, February 2009 is the month of plague in our house. And I'm a big fan of Lysol spray and Clorox wipes, so it has to come from somewhere else - plus they rarely get the same things... Lily had flu "b" ~ then Maggie had strep ~ and now Lily has a GI bug that supposedly lasts 24 - 48 hours. Since I've spent so much on copays and drugs lately, I tried a tip from a good friend and it WORKED! To counter the cost of the copay for the visit, I asked for a sample of one of the meds the pediatrician suggested. So next time you go to your doctor, consider asking for a sample, too.

Also along this vein is the flexible spending account that many employers offer. Don't worry you won't use it -or lose it because many programs offer a calculator to help you add up your out of pocket costs over a calendar year. And every year we use it, we run out well in advance. We save on taxes as well as with the employer contribution. Also, at places like Walgreen's, they bill our Flexible Spending Account directly so I don't even see the cost of prescriptions, which helps with cash flow... that you could use to buy your kids a movie or two or three since they are stuck on the couch or in bed!

Thanks for the great tip, Ness! It helped me and I hope it helps you too!