Cervical arthritis

[indysteel]

Generally speaking, a deductible is what you have to pay--usually annually--before any insurance will kick in. After you've met your deductible, you may still be responsible for "co-insurance." That's usually stated in the form of a percentage, e.g., insurance covers 80%, while you cover 20%. Co-pays are similar, but are often stated in the form of an actual dollar figure and apply to routine procedures. For instance, you might pay $20 for every doctor's office visit.

If you've already met this year's deductible, I would squeeze in as much as you can (without rushing your decision-making) in terms of sorting out your cervical spine issues. I'm not going to encourage you to rush surgery, but if it is inevitable and multiple doctors agree, then you might try your best to get treated before the end of the year. Otherwise, you'll have to meet your deductible next year before any insurance kicks in.

Please know that I'll be thinking of you throughout this. Let me know if I can help in some way.

[Catrin]

IndySteel, thank you. I've been trying to figure that out since our insurance changed. We do have a "maximum" for co-insurance. I do think I've met my deductible for this year...thanks to the dog bite

I will mull all of this over before I see my doctor Wednesday. Of course I can't use any of my 2012 medical flexible spending allowance on things from December 2011, so that is also worth considering. I wish things didn't have to be so complicated. Of course, when I figured my flexible spending for next year I was thinking new glasses, not surgery...

[indysteel]

When is your open season for your medical spending account If it hasn't passed, perhaps you can increase it. Our open season is currently running.

[Catrin]

When is your open season for your medical spending account If it hasn't passed, perhaps you can increase it. Our open season is currently running.

Sadly it ended in early November...

[indysteel]

Sadly it ended in early November...

Well, pewp.