$211.22

So, it finally happened. The last of 6-7 doctors bills came through...hopefully.

Of course, there continue to be surprises after I think I'm long past owing anything. In fact, I'm so sure that they are wrong in sending these bills that I've been waiting until it actually turns into a collection agency request before acting on it. And, it always does end up doing so.

One of my friends said this wouldn't happen - that is, medical bills going to collection agencies. However, that is now not the case.

A few months ago I had two collection agencies after me for two different bills that were both something like $226.01. What are the odds that I would have two bills at that amount? Statistically, that would not be very likely. I'm not sure where on the chi square it would occur, but it would be the part of "least likely." Can you tell my statistical skills have dwindled from the measly to almost non-existent?

Anyway, I will pay this bill tomorrow because I, of course, am not independently wealthy and need to maintain a credit score for future cars, homes, and electronics.

Not to be too personal, but I've added up the numbers and I've spent about $4,000 on health care over the last year! This is $4,000 that I didn't have (i.e. 401k tanking, stock market crash, depression, er, recession).

"You must have a bad healthcare plan," they say.

Alas, I supposedly am a civil servant with a great medical plan. The surprise is that I had better coverage when I worked for a small contracting company a few years ago. At least back then I could have money taken out of the pay check, and make a $10 co-pay and it would be done.

Not in 2009. Now I get bills for weeks after and they are in the amounts of $10, $100, $200 and $211.22. This isn't counting the $500 I had to shell out at the front desk while preparing to get multiple MRIs.

All of this makes me incredibly grateful that I have any coverage at all, but makes me incredibly sad that people that have lived with their finances in order can be completely set back for life from one bad medical experience without proper coverage.

Guess I shouldn't complain. Some of you have rehearsed your financial woes on your blogs as well. These little things make it seem like one can never get ahead no matter what kind of best laid plans are made, but at the same time maybe it forces us (us being me really) to focus on the important stuff and not on the rat race stuff (money, power, prestige, getting ahead, etc.).

Either way, the check is in the mail and perhaps I should do something more meaningful than working 50-60 hour weeks and writing blog entries about money I owe.