Last night I rolled into my local CVS pharmacy and got my annual flu shot….for “free”. And it didn’t even hurt.
Even if you’ve never read this blog, it should be no surprise that I have a high deductible health plan. I am also one of the thriftiest people I know. My HDHP provides annual physicals for my family so the bulk of our well care is covered. Pretty much all our other health expenses, I cover at 100%. But remember, the 100% I cover is paid at the Humana negotiated rate.
Anyway, about the “free” flu shot, last year, on a whim I asked the pharmacy if my insurance plan would cover my shot. After what appeared to be a 10 minute love affair with the computer, my pharmacist advised me that it was covered at 100%. I rolled up my sleeve, then wandered down to the cosmetic aisle, and advised my wife of our good fortune, and she rolled up her sleeve. We then proceeded to go pick up my son from his job, and shared the good news with him, although he did not see it as good news at all and was pretty much pissed at us for the rest of the day. We called our daughter and told her about her special plans for the afternoon and to saddle on over to the drug store and share in the fun. She whined and complained and then complied.
At $25 a shot, we saved $100 and avoided the flu. I haven’t gotten the rest of the family to get their shots yet, but how can they resist? It’s a total friggin’ no brainer.
So there are a few points to be made here. First, if you don’t have health insurance, even a modest plan like my HDHP will enable you to purchase medical services at a discount. Basically you get the negotiated purchasing power of your insurance company, if you shop right you can, through an HDHP get coverage for your well-care (annual physical), and as an added bonus, you might even get your annual flu shots for free!
I haven’t had a tetanus shot in about 15 years….wonder if my plan would cover that. Hmmmmmm.