This possibility of losing money has caused me to be very nervous about the whole thing.  The primary reason we chose to use a HSA this year was because our daughter was having braces put on her teeth.  This is a huge expense, but, as I’ve since learned, we don’t pay it all up front.  We paid a percentage down and the rest is paid in monthly payments.  Our dental insurance picks up a portion as well, so we had to calculate what our portion was going to be.

I did all the calculations and had the exact amount.  We had planned on paying the full amount of our portion up front. Then after submitting the paperwork and meeting the deadline, I discovered that orthodontic expenses are REQUIRED to be payment on a monthly payment basis in order to qualify for the HSA.  WTH?!  So, we lost out on the 10% discount the orthodontist offered for full payment, in order to use pre-tax dollars to pay for our daughter’s braces.

I spent a good part of today calculating how our account is balancing out.  Because we’re paying the orthodontist monthly, we wouldn’t be using the entire amount of money we put into the account this year.  In order to not lose the money, I’ve also used it to pay for my new prescription sunglasses as well as several prescriptions and doctor visit copays.  I feel confident now that at the end of the year, we will have used our pre-tax money and used it wisely.

Soon, I will need to be calculating how much will need to go in to next year’s Health Savings Account.

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Health Savings Account

Sometimes I think builders of rental properties and hotels need to look to places like JourneyLiteSM for design plans. All of these places need to be designed with comfort in mind, comfort for everyone, no matter what shape or size. Wider hallways and bathrooms would be a great start. I had to haul my luggage up and down a flight of very skinny, steep stares and it was a bit scary. Our bedroom was very soothing, although, it was a tight squeeze to walk around the bed.

We really did enjoy our visit, even with the tiny shower!

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Cabin in Pigeon Forge Tennessee

We set up our HSA as a means of paying for our daughter’s orthodontic treatment with pre-tax money.  I’m also using it for co-payments to doctors and for some vision expenses.  Now I find out I could have used it for all the sunscreen I bought!  Too bad I no longer have the receipt, that’ll teach me!

Post from: It's My Imagination

Federal Health Savings Accounts

Orthodontia is so expensive, I spent months planning how we were going to pay for it. Thankfully, we’re able to put money aside in a pre-tax health savings account and our dental insurance is covering a small portion of the cost. It does mean that I have to maintain very good records of the expenses, but at least I’m not having to take out a Payday Loan to cover the cost. It’s nice knowing that I’m not having to put this expense on credit. After all, we are trying to reduce our debt, not increase it. I never want to be someone that has to worry about getting loans for bad credit. I do my very best to keep our credit rating in excellent shape.

So, we’ll be back at the orthodontist in a few days for my daughter to have spacers put in her lower teeth. Then, the following week she’ll have the actual braces put in. I just can’t get over the progress we’ve all ready seen!

Post from: It's My Imagination

Paying For Orthodontia Without a Payday Loan

Punctal plugs are used to treat moderate to severe dry eye, which, in my case, is severe.  These plugs are inserted into the tear duct, in my case, in my lower eyelid.   The goal is to block the drainage of natural tears and, hopefully, help retain moisture on the eye.

Personally, I’m hoping that by this time next week, I will no longer be constantly rubbing my eyes.  In the long run, perhaps I’ll be able to go back to wearing contact lenses!

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I Received My Punctal Plugs From The Optometrist

One man in particular, who has been given only 4 months to live, has agreed to test the theory that the drug Resveratrol can fight cancer. In fact, members of the forum at imminst.com have come together to provide this man with large quantities of Resveratrol so that he can attempt to “mega-dose”. The forum members are looking for anyone who might be interested in contributing to consider reading the full article at the resveratrol forum.

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Can Resveratrol Help a Human Cancer Victim?

I was happy to see some news coverage on this very subject though and found it to be quite interesting. If you’re as interested in this as I am, take a look at Zenni on Fox news. It’s a “Deal or Dud” story with some very good information.

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The Cost of Prescription Eyewear

I currently wear glasses that have transitions lenses in them, they get darker when I go outside. They’re okay, but they don’t get really dark and so I find myself squinting when I’m out in the sun. When I was wearing contact lenses, I had regular sunglasses that I wore when I was outside. Now that I’m no longer wearing my contacts, I need darker eyewear for outdoors. When I checked on them this past Monday, the prescription eyeglasses were being tinted. I was told that they’d probably be in on Wednesday, but that has now come and gone. I’m very disappointed.

In the mean time, I’m also still looking for new non tinted prescription eyewear. I’ve found a few frames I’m interested in at zennioptical.com and can save money because they manufacture the frames themselves and sell them direct, so there is no middle man. ZenniOptical.com is also able to work with different types of prescription lenses, including bifocals, which is what I wear. I’m really liking this rectangular shape, it would be something new for me.

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Sunglasses - Still Waiting

I was in the optometrist’s office yesterday to have the plugs placed into the eye ducts. While I was in the waiting area, I found a beautiful, stylish pair of frames that I would love to have as a replacement for the glasses I currently wear. I will have to wait a while as I used my insurance to pay for the prescription sunglasses and they only pay for one frame per year.

In the mean time, I hope my sunglasses are here by the end of the week.  I’m leaving on Sunday for vacation!

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Stylish New Shades

I have scheduled to have the temporary plugs put in on Monday.  The temporary plugs last about 5 days and then dissolve.  The doctor does these first so that we know if the plugs will help or not.  If I feel that my eyes are retaining moisture and are not so dry with the plugs in, then she will put in permanent plugs.

I am both anxious, I don’t like having medical procedures done, and excited, I am hoping my eyes will no longer be in a state of constant itchiness.

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Eye Plug Update