My health insurance dropped me last year after my husband switched to Medicare. The company continued to cash my premiums however, so I had no idea that my coverage had expired. It wasn’t until I logged in and found that my account had been suspended that I realized what had happened. After weeks of emails, numerous meetings and a host of managers I was finally reinstated with a new account and number, losing all of the year’s deductible fulfillment in the process.
The powers that be called my situation a “glitch” in the system and in no way apologized for the lack of communication not to mention coverage. In the worst case scenario, customer service assured me, I would have been reimbursed for any charges after I was reinstated.
Oh, sure they would have.
This “glitch” plus the fact that the insurance company couldn’t update my correct address in four years of trying to get it changed has not inspired my confidence in this system or any other. After years of paying thousands for private health insurance, I have no more satisfaction in my quality of medical care than I did as a poor grad student with a meager healthcare program provided through the university. In fact, my student health coverage forty years ago was far better than what I have now.
So after this recent debacle I’ve decided to take my health into my own hands, leading me to my stomach — or rather my diet. I feel that the best insurance comes from investing in good quality food, preferably sourced close to home. This year I’m dedicated to growing my own health security by providing a continuous supply of greens. Salads make up a big part of my daily lunches and the organic ingredients I crave cost a small fortune in the stores.
Timing is everything, of course, so I will have to keep sowing a new crop every month and be vigilant about harvesting before the cool weather crops bolt. Protection from hungry varmints is ongoing since we have a new groundhog in town with a taste for leafy greens. But all this time and effort will be worth it if I can keep the doctor (and the sickness) away. Investing in my own food gives me better health and a little sense of security in this increasingly insecure world.
At least I know my correct address.