What Insurance is For

Many of you may know that, until very recently, I was one of New York City's uninsured masses. My 18 months of COBRA from my last job had terminated, and I couldn't find the right insurance plan that would enable me to keep my doctors and not pay a jillion dollars a month in fees. So I kept looking. My parents--worrying about their daughter's life in the big city surrounded by evil subway staircases, slicks of black ice and airborne influenza molecules--were insistent, and kept bugging me to get insurance of some sort, any sort, that would help out in case of (God forbid it should happen at all) emergency.

I told them I'd be careful, and I was. I crossed only in cross-walks (unless I was really late), didn't go out in the snow (unless I needed or wanted to), and used Purell every day before and after the subway (unless I forgot). I took precautions against illness (Halls Vitamin C drops) and never put myself in strenuous situtations (except my 4-5 times a week at the gym).

It's a year later, now. And I buckled, giving up the doctors I'd been seeing for the past decade for a plan I could afford. It's not the perfect plan, but it will protect me in case I develop mono again or get strep, or some other thing that makes my life uncomfortable. Prescription plan too. Cause I'm fancy that way.

And then, I read this post, wherein Smitten tells us about her one month of "uncoverage," and then about her  uninsured friend who broke her leg while skiing. Now, Amanda (the friend) needs surgery to fix her leg. And it's going to be expensive.

I know what it's like to be uninsured. So I helped out a little.

Chai ($18) is a good number to give if you're so inclined (because it's symbolic of "life"); although Smitten's campaign is to get everyone to give one dollar.

If you'd like to help out a little, click through to Smitten's post, and click on the Amazon payment button. If your credit card's on file with Amazon, you can just authorize the transaction, or there are other alternatives.

Comments

[writersbloc gal]

i'm a total moron. i gave $8 and thought it was Chai - don't ask me why. and I work in finance. i'm beginning to worry. i'm an idiot. will go an bury head in sand now.

[Teri]

I wouldn't worry too much. Its still a mitzvah to give regardless of the amount. If you want to give more you can give chai $18, or in multiples of, $36, etc.

-weepopstar