Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 15, 2017

Health insurance is a touchy subject. Instead I’m writing about my family’s experience with traditional health insurance and how it has affected OUR finances. Let’s start at the beginning: Health insurance wasn’t always so stressful for me and my husband and to begin our story I need to go back a few years. When I resigned from my corporate job, my boss asked me what my husband and I were going to do about health insurance.

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Health Insurance Insurance 2017 Health 100

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 17, 2017

Health insurance is a touchy subject and everyone has a different point of view depending on their own life experience. For us, health insurance became a thorn in our side many years ago when I left a corporate job with benefits for a life of self-employment. When we were on the group health plan through my job, health insurance was fairly straight forward and affordable. We were basically buying catastrophic insurance.

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Health Insurance Insurance 2017 Health 142

The Frugal Girl

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Apparently Sonia’s October wisdom teeth removal went through our health insurance, not our dental insurance. And since we’d met our in-network health insurance deductible, they refunded the payment we’d made to the oral surgeon. New here?

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Thankful Health Insurance Insurance 2016 153

The Frugal Girl

DECEMBER 10, 2020

that health insurance costs stayed the same this year. Sometimes I think about how when we first got married in 1997, our health insurance cost something like $15/week. Higher insurance, yes, but much higher income than in our newlywed days as well. New here?

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Thankful 2020 Health Insurance Insurance 178

Saving In Akron

OCTOBER 11, 2011

CVS health clinics and community health centers are offering FREE flu shot vouchers at selected locations to their existing patients who lack health insurance. Vouchers are redeemable at any CVS/pharmacy or Minute Clinic location for a FREE flu shot. You can see a list of participating locations here. CVS Freebies

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Health Insurance Insurance Health 2011 109

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 11, 2019

I won’t rehash our entire health insurance story here, because I have written extensively about it and INCLUDED OUR NUMBERS, so to start from the beginning, read: Why We Left Traditional Health Insurance. Why We Chose Medi-Share, an affordable solution to traditional health insurance. Prior to Medi-Share, we always had high-deductible health insurance plans and we made it a priority to have the amount of our deductible in a separate savings account.

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Financial Goals 2019 Goals 2018 100

Family Balance Sheet

SEPTEMBER 13, 2017

As open enrollment nears for many health insurance plans, I thought this would be a great time to give you an update on Medi-Share, the health sharing ministry that we are using in place of traditional health insurance. Health insurance has been a long winding road for us over the last few years. I laid everything out for you regarding our health insurance dilemma, including the numbers, in this post: Why We Left Traditional Health Insurance .

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2017 September Health Insurance Insurance 100

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Health insurance is a struggle for many people, and for us it became a big source of anxiety at the end of 2015 when our insurance company went out of business. We scrambled to research new plans, but after 11 years with the same company we were out of the loop regarding the insurance landscape at that time. Once there, we found many options, but the costs were more than we were paying with the private insurer. This is NOT a sponsored post.

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2018 Insurance 2017 Health Insurance 109

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 28, 2016

We received a letter from our health insurance company, Aetna, a few weeks ago that they are leaving the Affordable Care Act exchange at the end of this year. So we are now in the market for new health insurance. Being self employed, we are not involved with any group plan, so we have to do a lot of research ourselves to find “affordable to us” health insurance.

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Frugal Green And Frugal 2016 Fridays 116

Family Balance Sheet

JUNE 22, 2020

We have thought about moving to a larger home with more space, but a smaller home means lower utility bills, homeowners’ insurance premiums, maintenance, and property taxes. Health Sharing Ministry. We weren’t in the market to leave our traditional health insurance plan until the monthly premiums became more than our home mortgage back in November 2016. Why We Chose Medi-Share, an affordable solution to traditional health insurance.

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Debt 2020 Health Insurance Insurance 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

AUGUST 10, 2014

Even though many of us grumble about paying insurance premiums, the reality is that insurance is necessary for many of us. Insurance is designed to help us cover the costs associated with replacing expensive assets. Whether or not you need insurance depends on your particular situation. “Consumers should have auto, home, and renters insurance if they own any of those items,” says Liran Hirschkorn, founder of BestLifeQuote.com.

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Insurance Life Insurance 2014 Health Insurance 162

Saving Everyday

APRIL 8, 2013

How to handle maternity leave, health insurance and your career. Get a grasp on life insurance, tax breaks and college savings. Sign up for Learnvest Baby on Board Boot Camp and receive tips, information, and strategies to financially prepare for your baby! Free up money for your baby, and find where to get deals. Sign Up Here (it’s free). Freebies

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Insurance Life Insurance Health Insurance College 53

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 17, 2018

I won’t rehash our health insurance story here, because I have written extensively about it and INCLUDED OUR NUMBERS. We blew through our health savings account, and now need to save another $10k so we’re not caught off guard if another emergency were to happen. Read our Health Insurance Story: . What We Left Traditional Health Insurance. Why We Chose Medi-Share, an affordable solution to traditional health insurance.

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Financial Goals 2018 Goals Emergency Fund 109

Couponing 101

APRIL 1, 2019

Even with decent health insurance, it’s been hard on my wallet to pay for many of my prescriptions. Health & Beauty coupon card Coupons Pharmacy pharmacy coupons pharmacy deals PrescriptionsNo matter what medications you take, it seems that all prescriptions have become more and more expensive over the last few years. Luckily, I recently discovered MyCouponRx and it has saved me SO much money already.

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2019 Health and Beauty Health Insurance Insurance 64

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

FEBRUARY 22, 2011

Guest Author Bio: Kalen Smith writes about health insurance and related topics for [link]. Take advantage of health insurance discounts. My health insurance company used to pay for my gym membership if I attended eight or more times a month. However, most insurers will still provide discounts to members who visit regularly. Many people would love to lose weight but come up with every excuse possible not to work out.

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Saving Money Money Health Insurance Insurance 116

Saving In Akron

JANUARY 14, 2011

It's been a busy week trying to avoid a health insurance catastrophe, which I hope to write about more later. So glad it's Friday. I hope you're all not buried under snow. Have a great weekend and enjoy your freebies. Get a FREE recipe book from Betty Crocker. Get a FREE vegetarian starter kit. Be one of the first 1000 and get a FREE sample of Valspar Paint and a $5 coupon. Get a FREE wildflower reference guide and seed catalog.

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Freebie Friday Freebies Fridays Arbys 116

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MARCH 8, 2012

Readers: Aside from health insurance, what benefits to you take advantage of? In my last article we talked about getting the most out of your primary employer. The majority of us are working jobs we’d rather not be working for a company we’d rather not be working for. I actually love my job and my company. But I would say the average worker doesn’t feel a strong bond with their employer.

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Advantage 2012 Health Insurance Insurance 159

Saving Everyday

JUNE 25, 2012

Excellent opportunities exclusive to Avon – Enjoy product discounts, participate in the exclusive Avon Independent Sales Representative Savings Plan, access to preferred suppliers of health insurance, training, rewards and incentives, scholarships and more. If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, Avon is a proven path to success for millions of representatives around the world, from all ages, cultures and walks of life.

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Health Insurance Making Insurance Money 64

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

DECEMBER 14, 2014

It was the email that arrives each November informing me that the information regarding our health care coverage options for the next calendar year was available for review, and the enrollment period would be opening soon. Comparing the 2015 prices with what we pay now, I discovered that if we kept the same health, dental, and vision plans our health care costs would increase about $115 a month. How do you handle an increase in monthly expenses like health care?

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2014 Gasoline Budgeting Budget 158

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MAY 28, 2013

There is no denying that there are health benefits from regular exercise, and health insurance companies don’t hide the fact that they offer lower rates to healthy individuals. How To Burn More Calories At The Gym Save Money Exercising The Pros and Cons of Choosing Home Exercise Over a Gym… Improve Your Health With The Help Of A Better Schedule How To Lose Weight After The Holidays.

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2013 Video Games Health Insurance Insurance 180

Coupons Do Work

SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

Health Insurance. Even if you are attending school and financially independent from your parents, as long as you are younger than 26 years old , you can be kept on your parent’s health insurance policy. International Travel Insurance. then you already have basic travel insurance that covers you while abroad.(this This is helpful to meet the travel insurance requirement from some universities and consulates.

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College Student 2016 Freebies 116

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 22, 2013

Do I Have Health Care Insurance? . Although there is an overwhelming amount of people in America who live without health care, there’s simply no way around the fact that a child is going to need to see their pediatrician on a regular basis and that there are going to be times when they’ll be under the weather (and may even need something like Family Cord services). Children.

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Kids and Family 2013 Kids College Tuition 181

Saving Everyday

SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Excellent opportunities exclusive to Avon – Enjoy product discounts, participate in the exclusive Avon Independent Sales Representative Savings Plan, access to preferred suppliers of health insurance, training, rewards and incentives, scholarships and more. If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, Avon is a proven path to success for millions of representatives around the world, from all ages, cultures and walks of life.

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Health Insurance Making Insurance Money 52

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JULY 15, 2012

Cheap fast food isn’t really food at all, but rather it’s just a commodity we use to satisfy hunger while hurting our own health. All of this leads to increased trips to the doctor, soaring rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer, learning disorders and heart disease, and higher health insurance costs for everyone. Well, there is in terms of initial outlay of cash from your wallet, but if food is cheap it’s not for good reason.

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Cheap 2012 Food Health Insurance 180

Family Balance Sheet

OCTOBER 16, 2017

Back in October 2003, I left a corporate career as a department store buyer with a nice reliable paycheck and benefits– including health insurance –to join my husband in the land of self-employment. October is a big month for me. I met my husband in October. We married in October. Family Balance Sheet , the website, turns 9 in October 2017, but Family Balance Sheet, the spreadsheet, turns 14.

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2017 Debt Financial Goals Family 100

Family Balance Sheet

AUGUST 11, 2014

If I can make it as a single mom who was laid off, dumped, told my daughter might need surgery as I was losing health insurance and my dog had cancer, I promise God will provide you the strength and focus to get through it too. Welcome to Debt Free Stories. Today, I am pleased to introduce you to Tracy. She paid off $41,587 in debt in 14 months! She blogs at Happy Healthy Mommy. Tell us about you and your family. Where are you from? What do you do for a living?

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Debt Debt Free 2014 Mom 190

Saving Everyday

AUGUST 12, 2012

Excellent opportunities exclusive to Avon – Enjoy product discounts, participate in the exclusive Avon Independent Sales Representative Savings Plan, access to preferred suppliers of health insurance, training, rewards and incentives, scholarships and more. If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, Avon is a proven path to success for millions of representatives around the world, from all ages, cultures and walks of life.

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Health Insurance Insurance Making Money 43

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

APRIL 9, 2013

You probably won’t have health insurance, life insurance or special perks (like savings on certain items or free tickets to different things or business travel on the company’s dime) after you retire. Research health, life, long term care, dental and vision policies available and compare costs and benefits. I was lucky on the health, dental and vision insurance, as my spouse’s plan covers me as well.

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2013 Insurance Recession Eyeglasses 175

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MAY 7, 2013

Health concerns were not heralded on evey pack or on every billboard and TV/Radio station. The gum was expensive, and our health insurance didn’t help with the cost. Remind yourself how much money you will end up saving – due to not buying cigarettes and avoiding health concerns. Quitting while you are younger will reduce your health risks more, but quitting at any age can give back years of life that would be lost by continuing to smoke.

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2013 Health Insurance College Insurance 158

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

OCTOBER 31, 2012

Discontinue Insurance. Since she could no longer afford to pay it, she stopped the home insurance and stopped using the cars she inherited (also free and clear). Her health care is via the Veteran’s Administration as she has no health insurance. Do you ever wonder how someone can sink to the point where they can no longer keep a roof over their head? Here is the story of someone I personally know who is nearing that point.

2012 159

2012 Friends And Family Sale Insurance Real Estate 159

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

OCTOBER 11, 2011

Hubby is one of those lucky few that actually has a pretty safe pension – one that also comes with health plans (which cover me as well) – so calculating his was easy. Health insurance is a bit more pricy than when employed, but less than a lot of other people pay. This post was written by Marie. . Do you dream of retiring some day? Maybe you are ready to retire financially but have other concerns.

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2011 Real Estate Recession 401K 171

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 12, 2011

Your health is important. Without good health other things become insignificant. Protecting your physical health is vital in maintaining a happy lifestyle. You could lock yourself away so you don’t come into contact with anyone, but that may not guarantee your health, and your quality of life would certainly suffer. Being wary and avoiding germs won’t guarantee good health, but it could help. That is an indisputable fact.

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2011 Baileys Health Insurance Couch 135

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 12, 2011

Your health is important. Without good health other things become insignificant. Protecting your physical health is vital in maintaining a happy lifestyle. You could lock yourself away so you don’t come into contact with anyone, but that may not guarantee your health, and your quality of life would certainly suffer. Being wary and avoiding germs won’t guarantee good health, but it could help. That is an indisputable fact.

2011 122

2011 Baileys Health Insurance Couch 122

Saving In Akron

MARCH 9, 2011

My husband spent 8 months of those two years unemployed and looking for a job because we could no longer afford our health insurance. After being run ragged for 5 days running everyone around, I finally got my new car. I am so excited. I decided to go with the Kia because both my husband and I liked its sportier look, and you just can't beat the warranty. So my day went something like this – hubby woke me at 6:00 am to tell me there's water in the family room.

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Emergency Fund 2011 Daughter Debt 100

Saving Cents With Sense

JANUARY 4, 2014

For those planning a wedding, with all the organizing, the first thing on your mind may not be insurance, but that is why the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) created the Insurance Survival Guide for Newlyweds. NAIC recommends couples have a pre-wedding sit-down to address important topics: Auto: Finding out you’re in love with a speed demon after saying “I do” can be a shock to your psyche, and your auto insurance premiums.

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Home Depot Insurance Gift Cards Wedding 67

Saving Cents With Sense

JANUARY 18, 2013

Saving money can substantially improve your health and it’s scientifically proven to do so. Saving money at the grocery store , gas station , car insurance, or even college tuition are all examples of things that should be something you strive for and are eager to achieve. While saving money can improve your peace of mind and lead to good health as a result, it can also help you afford medical treatment when it’s needed. Guest post by Stevie Clapton.

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College Tuition Insurance Gasoline Health 67

Nicoles Nickels

DECEMBER 27, 2012

I lost a job, lost health insurance, lost a house, lost what I thought was my identity and had to start from scratch. But when I hear others talk down about people on food stamps or health care aid or other such programs, now I speak up. Christmas came and went regardless of my being “ready” We had plenty of food, plenty of presents, plenty of fun and love and not enough sleep. Just like every other Christmas that has come before this one.

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Christmas Health Insurance Unemployment Insurance 55

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JUNE 14, 2012

Insurance and Risk Mac Hildebrand presents What is catastrophic health insurance coverage? posted at Insurance Providers , saying, “From routine trips to the doctor to extended hospital stays, the average health care bill is $8,000 per year. Without insurance, this could literally break the bank for many people. Health insurance helps keep your health care costs lower by offering you various benefits in exchange for a premium.

2012 116

2012 June Money Debt 116

Nicoles Nickels

OCTOBER 20, 2014

Certain people are at greater risk for complications with the flu, including seniors, young children, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions like asthma or diabetes. Will it be covered by insurance? Health insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, typically cover the full cost of a flu shot, and MinuteClinic accepts most insurance! CVS MinuteClinic is here to help your family stay healthy this flu season.

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Insurance Family Health Insurance 2014 58

Nicoles Nickels

OCTOBER 4, 2015

Certain people are at greater risk for complications with the flu, including seniors, young children, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions like asthma or diabetes. Intradermal shot for those who might be squeamish about needles (approved for adults 18-64; may not be covered by all insurance providers) We are not offering the intradermal shot this year. Will it be covered by insurance? Pennie’s take: Having the flu is miserable.

2015 70

2015 Insurance Grandchildren Health Insurance 70

Saving Cents With Sense

FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Health Insurance Concerns. If you both have employers that offer health benefits, and you both intend to remain at your positions, then you’ll need to compare the benefits programs and determine which are better for your individual medical requirements. Marriage is an amazing life milestone , but it also brings a variety of changes, both positive and negative.

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Taxes Debt Finance Wedding 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 8, 2010

And health insurance! (A picture we took before that I never blogged, because some people don’t like to read so much and I get a little TL/DR below…) This past week, my husband got a job. He was laid off in December of 2008 and has been doing consultant work off and on, but nothing compares to the wonderful feeling of stability you get from full time steady work. He started work today and when he walked out the door (45 minutes before my alarm even goes off!)

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2010 2008 Health Insurance Insurance 40

Stratus

JANUARY 2, 2018

This means persons will no longer be required to “secure health insurance or pay a penalty.” If healthy individuals will choose not to have coverage with the elimination of the individual mandate, the balance of those who are insured will tip towards those who are sick, which will increase the cost of healthcare overall.) Employers with 50+ employees still have to provide ACA- compliant health coverage and reporting requirements will remain intact.

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Taxes 2018 Insurance Health Insurance 59