Live Frugally or Die Broke

Wrong Place, Wrong Time



I’ve written about this once before, when I was ranting about health insurance. I do realize that the health care debate is raging up and down, even weeks later, which is why this is such a timely post. Oddly enough I just recently applied for health insurance, I was actually quite surprised at how affordable it is, through work. I was able to get a great plan that covers most of my visits for about $80 a month. My employer assured me this was pre-taxable income that I was putting towards it, so I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the plan. Unfortunately, it hasn’t kicked in yet. For the last two years it hasn’t mattered, but sure enough I learned how close one can be to danger.

Remember Boy Scouts, Be Prepared

I had the “do-it-myself” plan in the past. That consisted of an emergency kit, some prescription pills I’ve hoarded, and a fully stocked Tylenol bottle. I keep hydrogen peroxide and other medicinal bottles, just in case. Well today it came in handy, because I was bit pretty good by a neighbor’s German Shepherd. Although the guy is nice, what his dog did shouldn’t have happened. I’m not one to cry lawsuit, as I am dead set against hand outs.

After the dog let go of my arm and the shock wore off, I began fearing I was going to need a doctor. I went home afterward and explained my plight to the internet. With this great resource, I was able to learn a lot about what I could do, from doctors, lawyers, and internet tough guys (who told me to suck it up). I found out about the dangers to look out for with dog bites and how to treat the wound. I consulted the medical forums and one of the “doctors” (it’s the internet so I will use quotes) told me I could be in need of antibiotics. It’s the only real advice I can get, because I’m not draining emergency savings for an ER visit. Luckily I had access to antibiotics through a website I had purchased acne medications from, I purchased Augmentin just in case of this exact scenario. Since I had them on hand, I decided to go ahead and take the recommended dosages, just to be safe.

Recovery and My Lesson

It’s actually a little bit painful to type on my keyboard but with a little ice and some ibuprofen, I am better. Had the wound been infected, I would have no recourse but to get medical assistance. While that option is still on the table, I have a faith that my preparedness can combat this.

Just as I advocate living frugally, I also beseech individuals to be prepared for the unexpected. Part of creating wealth comes, from reducing expenses through prevention. I’ve had friends go in for stitches on wounds that looked exactly like mine. The medical bills they’ve shown me have been upwards of $1,000. While there is no question in my mind, I would visit a doctor with health insurance, I think it’s vital to have a plan if you don’t have access for some reason.

Full Disclosure
I am like many Americans, in the fact I can’t afford health insurance. I have officially been off of medical insurance for about three years. I certainly don’t advocate that anybody goes without medical insurance, ever. If you can afford it, you should have it. Since I cannot, I have developed a system that I have used which serves me quite well. This is as much about survival advice as it is about frugality. Hopefully this advice can aid you in some way in the future.

There have been times throughout my life where I have needed medical intervention in order to survive some particularly nasty injuries. I was very lucky I had insurance. I once had a sore throat so bad I could no longer swallow food. I went on like that for a couple of days before seeing a doctor. I had my appendix removed after it became swollen and painful. I even had decompression sickness, when I was in the Air Force. Thankfully the medical bill in that case was paid by the taxpayers.

During all three instances, the cost of the care given was astronomical. I was under my parent’s insurance plan for the first two ailments. I am certain the military spent close to six figures on the care that was given to me during a training accident. In each case I learned a lot about our health care fiasco. All told, I am more privy to taking care of myself, rather than depend too much on our health care system.

My Very Own HMO
I have had basic first aid classes and spent years working as an EMT. Since I’ve held that job, I have kept a giant first aid kit in my house. It hasn’t seen much use, besides a few scrapes and bruises. As medical horror stories erupt from others I know, I slowly add new medicine and supplies. I mentioned in my article Health Insurance, about my source 4 corners pharmacy, which has helped me obtain prescription medication. I added antibiotics in case I am in severe need of care. I would like to learn to treat myself for most everything and use a medical facility as a last resort. Without too much trouble, I could even find pain killers if I talked to the right people. My brother was a paramedic for a while and is also without insurance. He keeps a suture kit handy in case he needs to give himself stitches. I can only hope he is nearby if I need him. The point is, when caring for yourself, do not go frugal on personal first aid.

Formulate Your Own Plan
I have also learned to take far less risks than I have in the past. This has meant I often go without skiing and snowboarding. Instead I play these daring activities on my gaming platform. I’ve learned to appreciate hiking rather than running or biking. Still there are numerous risks I cannot avoid. I slipped off a rock last year and was deathly afraid I had broken a rib. After a few days of taking it easy, my wounds eventually healed and the pain went away. I try to take each medical problem as it comes. I’ve been lucky enough so far to not need any treatment.

If something were to come up, I hope that I am well prepared for it. Try to be as ready for as many conditions as you can. If worse comes to worse and you absolutely need to seek medical attention, you will still be treated. If our world were to crumble apart and there wasn’t a doctor nearby, you would be wise to prepare as well. This is why I believe having a personal health care plan is not a foolish decision.