Funny story (read: not funny in any way):
I have a Canadian and American bank account and transfer money between the two to pay bills and such. Yesterday I tried to take money out of my Canadian account using my bank card and found out that it didn't work. Turns out some asshole had stolen my card number and PIN so my bank card was deactivated (they used a card reader at an ATM). Fortunately, they didn't get any of my money (not that I had any to begin with - jokes on you crooks!). Unfortunately, this also means I have no debit card or access to my Canadian account (where all my wealth is currently located). My bank told me I'd have to fly home to Canada to get a new card, which is not feasible on multiple levels. Good thing I don't have to pay rent on May 1st - whoops!
I am very opposed to the death penalty but in this case, I am willing to make an exception. Please learn from my mistake - never use debit cards and/or travel/live in other countries. Instead, stay inside your homes under a pile of coats and be very afraid.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Access to Birth Control in Illinois Pt II
I knew this would go badly. And it did. So I went to that asian health clinic for my appointment today and was asked to fill out paperwork. The whole experience was very stressful for the following reasons:
1. They ask you to declare whether or not you have health coverage with a disclaimer that says lying is an offence. However, my deductible is $50 so I was afraid that if I admitted I had health insurance they would force me to use it rather than get a discounted fee for uninsured people. But I didn't want to get in trouble for lying so I ended up writing down my health insurance information.
2. Also, I wasn't given an opportunity to discuss the fee after I gave them my information. I had to receive the service first (talking to the doctor) and THEN discuss the fee. My anxiety kept mounting because I was afraid the proposed fee would be more than I could afford but I would be forced to pay because I had already spoken to the doctor.
Fortunately, I was only charged $15 for the visit which is far less than my other options. I specified to the doctor that I wanted a cheap pill because I couldn't afford much. She appeared to understand what I was saying and gave me my presription for three months worth of pills. I left feeling relieved. Big mistake.
When I got to the pharmacy I asked how much my prescription would be for one month. Apparently they have a deal with the clinic and all patients get 40% off their prescriptions! However, the particular pill I was given was a popular new brand and costs...wait for it...wait for it...
$69.99 PER MONTH.
In what UNIVERSE does birth control cost $70 a month (PLUS TAX)? Granted, I got a 40% discount which brought the price down considerably ($30-something dollars) but that is also outrageously expensive. So, I handed over my medical insurance card and asked what the price would be. First, I wasn't allowed to use the 40% discount in addition to my medical insurance. Second...
My prescription coverage won't pay for contraceptives.
Oh, it covers prescription medication alright. But not prescription contraception. I guess Jesus frowns on that so the insurance companies figured they better not piss him off. So apparently the doctor was either deaf when I said 'cheap' or she thinks that $70/month for the pill is reasonable.
From this little exercise in futility I have learned that if you live in Illinois and are a US citizen, getting access to birth control pills is very easy by using the pink card. However, if you are not a US citizen, access to the pill is extremely difficult and virtually unaffordable.
1. They ask you to declare whether or not you have health coverage with a disclaimer that says lying is an offence. However, my deductible is $50 so I was afraid that if I admitted I had health insurance they would force me to use it rather than get a discounted fee for uninsured people. But I didn't want to get in trouble for lying so I ended up writing down my health insurance information.
2. Also, I wasn't given an opportunity to discuss the fee after I gave them my information. I had to receive the service first (talking to the doctor) and THEN discuss the fee. My anxiety kept mounting because I was afraid the proposed fee would be more than I could afford but I would be forced to pay because I had already spoken to the doctor.
Fortunately, I was only charged $15 for the visit which is far less than my other options. I specified to the doctor that I wanted a cheap pill because I couldn't afford much. She appeared to understand what I was saying and gave me my presription for three months worth of pills. I left feeling relieved. Big mistake.
When I got to the pharmacy I asked how much my prescription would be for one month. Apparently they have a deal with the clinic and all patients get 40% off their prescriptions! However, the particular pill I was given was a popular new brand and costs...wait for it...wait for it...
$69.99 PER MONTH.
In what UNIVERSE does birth control cost $70 a month (PLUS TAX)? Granted, I got a 40% discount which brought the price down considerably ($30-something dollars) but that is also outrageously expensive. So, I handed over my medical insurance card and asked what the price would be. First, I wasn't allowed to use the 40% discount in addition to my medical insurance. Second...
My prescription coverage won't pay for contraceptives.
Oh, it covers prescription medication alright. But not prescription contraception. I guess Jesus frowns on that so the insurance companies figured they better not piss him off. So apparently the doctor was either deaf when I said 'cheap' or she thinks that $70/month for the pill is reasonable.
From this little exercise in futility I have learned that if you live in Illinois and are a US citizen, getting access to birth control pills is very easy by using the pink card. However, if you are not a US citizen, access to the pill is extremely difficult and virtually unaffordable.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Access to Birth Control in Illinois
Recently I tried to refill my prescription for the pill. However, I don't go back to Canada until August so I started enquiring about my options in the US. Needless to say, my hatred for this health care system has reached levels I didn't know existed. Here is how I spent my morning:
1. HMOs: To find out where my health insurance was eligible, I had to dig up my paperwork and find the url for a website which lists all the service providers in my area. The website was somewhat difficult to navigate. When I got the list, I called one close to me and asked about fees. To see the doctor it cost $65 and the price of one pack of birth control is $25. My deductible is $50 and then my insurance provider pays 80% of the remaining cost. To put this into perspective, in Toronto I can go to a clinic and get a pack for $5-10 and not pay to see the doctor. This option blows chunks.
2. Planned Parenthood: I called Planned Parenthood which is an allegedly cheap alternative for people who don't have insurance. They have multiple sites throughout the city. However, they charge $58 for a visit plus $30 for a pack of pills! Also, their wait times are considerable and inconvenient if you are in a pinch. Eff this noise.
3. The Pink Card: Illinois offers free birth control for women who reside in this state. Recipients get free birth control pills, condoms, and two 'plan B' pills per month. However, I am not eligible because I'm not a US citizen. Who cares about immigrants and students anyway?
4. Student health: Most universities have a student health centre that provides reasonably priced services.
5. Community clinic: My friend finally recommended her clinic which provides cheap health care services (had she not told me about it, I never would have known this option existed). It's specifically for asian immigrants but guess who has an appointment tomorrow? This girl! However, they *still* gave me a hassle. They wouldn't tell me how much an appointment costs until I arrive at my appointment. Before setting a price they need to review my most recent pay stub and photo ID. But wait - my pay stubs are from Canada and are mailed to my mom's house. The operator told me they only recognize pay stubs from the US anyway but told me to show up and 'see what the doctor says.' So there will be a part two of this story.
So what I have learned is unless you are a US citizen and/or have kickass medical insurance, birth control is virtually unaffordable and exceedingly difficult to obtain due to wait times, administrative hoops, and high prices. I'm surprised that more women aren't pregnant because honestly, it's probably less of a hassle and will cost about the same.
1. HMOs: To find out where my health insurance was eligible, I had to dig up my paperwork and find the url for a website which lists all the service providers in my area. The website was somewhat difficult to navigate. When I got the list, I called one close to me and asked about fees. To see the doctor it cost $65 and the price of one pack of birth control is $25. My deductible is $50 and then my insurance provider pays 80% of the remaining cost. To put this into perspective, in Toronto I can go to a clinic and get a pack for $5-10 and not pay to see the doctor. This option blows chunks.
2. Planned Parenthood: I called Planned Parenthood which is an allegedly cheap alternative for people who don't have insurance. They have multiple sites throughout the city. However, they charge $58 for a visit plus $30 for a pack of pills! Also, their wait times are considerable and inconvenient if you are in a pinch. Eff this noise.
3. The Pink Card: Illinois offers free birth control for women who reside in this state. Recipients get free birth control pills, condoms, and two 'plan B' pills per month. However, I am not eligible because I'm not a US citizen. Who cares about immigrants and students anyway?
4. Student health: Most universities have a student health centre that provides reasonably priced services.
5. Community clinic: My friend finally recommended her clinic which provides cheap health care services (had she not told me about it, I never would have known this option existed). It's specifically for asian immigrants but guess who has an appointment tomorrow? This girl! However, they *still* gave me a hassle. They wouldn't tell me how much an appointment costs until I arrive at my appointment. Before setting a price they need to review my most recent pay stub and photo ID. But wait - my pay stubs are from Canada and are mailed to my mom's house. The operator told me they only recognize pay stubs from the US anyway but told me to show up and 'see what the doctor says.' So there will be a part two of this story.
So what I have learned is unless you are a US citizen and/or have kickass medical insurance, birth control is virtually unaffordable and exceedingly difficult to obtain due to wait times, administrative hoops, and high prices. I'm surprised that more women aren't pregnant because honestly, it's probably less of a hassle and will cost about the same.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Success!
Hello faithful readers! I am writing to you from my newly reformatted laptop! Somehow, in an ecstacy of fumbling, I managed to back-up all my files, restore my laptop to factory settings, reconnect my wireless internet, and put my files back onto my hard drive. The only casualty that I have identified thus far is my collection of emoticons. Although I am saddened by the loss of my animated thrusting storm trooper, cartoon erect penis, and violently shaking purple yelling angry face, I am sure I will be able to collect them all again.
I would like to thank a few people for making this achievement possible. First and foremost, g was there to give me the file for my anti-virus program so I wouldn't have to pay for it. Thank you also goes to JTL for moral support and for not being a total d-bag about his fancy-pants virus-free iBook and Linux-run desktop. Finally, thanks to Eric for suggesting anti-spyware programs and I think telling me it was time to reformat. I was truly standing on the shoulders of giants. Thanks, boys.
I would like to thank a few people for making this achievement possible. First and foremost, g was there to give me the file for my anti-virus program so I wouldn't have to pay for it. Thank you also goes to JTL for moral support and for not being a total d-bag about his fancy-pants virus-free iBook and Linux-run desktop. Finally, thanks to Eric for suggesting anti-spyware programs and I think telling me it was time to reformat. I was truly standing on the shoulders of giants. Thanks, boys.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Technology and Me: The Battle Continues
My laptop is filled with spyware. No matter what I tried, no program could get rid of it. As a result, my laptop has been circling the drain for the past few weeks (similar to Ol' Scrappy, may he rest) and it is currently almost unusable. So here I sit, alone in my apartment, about to reformat my hard drive.
I think I speak for everyone when I say it is highly likely that I have forgotten to back-up some important files that I will need in the near future and that I will probably do irreparable damage to this computer by inadvertently melting the hard drive. Further, and I don't think I'm alone here, it is abundantly obvious that I will never be able to set up my wireless internet again.
Regardless I have to take the plunge because the alternative is not having a computer at all. My big girl panties are locked in and secured. Here we go...
I think I speak for everyone when I say it is highly likely that I have forgotten to back-up some important files that I will need in the near future and that I will probably do irreparable damage to this computer by inadvertently melting the hard drive. Further, and I don't think I'm alone here, it is abundantly obvious that I will never be able to set up my wireless internet again.
Regardless I have to take the plunge because the alternative is not having a computer at all. My big girl panties are locked in and secured. Here we go...
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Day of Free Stuff!
The ingredients for a great day for cheapskates such as myself is to get free stuff. Today was that day.
It began at school when I was given a free lunch by my school as a boost toward the finish line of the semester. Needless to say, I gorged and pocketed as many pre-packaged goods as my bag would hold.
Then, I presented my video tape of an intake session I did for one of my classes. You may recall I did this taping last year and I'm pleased to say I improved in a few areas. I corrected my Mr. Burns posture and excessively head nodding/eye blinking. However, boredom face remains. To compensate, I ended up gesturing wildly with my hands throughout the interview and looked like I had lost proprioception (the ability to know where your limbs are in space).
Anyway, after my presentation, my professor gave me a book - Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science by Charles Wheelan. I highly recommend this book (read a good chunk of it already). It describes how economics impacts our daily lives. For example, the book explains why airlines charge different prices for tickets, why Alan Greenspan is so powerful, and how deregulation lead to the savings and loan disaster in the 80s and 90s (mentioned on last night's Daily Show). Written in lay language, it's an easy but informative read.
After I scored my free book I went to Macy's to treat my face to Clinique's line of skin care line. As a promotional deal, the face wash came with a free gift bag filled with blush, lipstick, moisturizer, mascara, and more. I could have gotten 20% off my purchase if I got a Macy's card but I can't get one because I don't have a social security number (tomorrow I will submit an application for a SSN so the days of discrimination are coming to an end). The lady felt so bad for me she gave me free eye make-up remover! Bam!!
Must away now - going to test out my new/free Youth Surge age decelerating moisturizer...
It began at school when I was given a free lunch by my school as a boost toward the finish line of the semester. Needless to say, I gorged and pocketed as many pre-packaged goods as my bag would hold.
Then, I presented my video tape of an intake session I did for one of my classes. You may recall I did this taping last year and I'm pleased to say I improved in a few areas. I corrected my Mr. Burns posture and excessively head nodding/eye blinking. However, boredom face remains. To compensate, I ended up gesturing wildly with my hands throughout the interview and looked like I had lost proprioception (the ability to know where your limbs are in space).
Anyway, after my presentation, my professor gave me a book - Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science by Charles Wheelan. I highly recommend this book (read a good chunk of it already). It describes how economics impacts our daily lives. For example, the book explains why airlines charge different prices for tickets, why Alan Greenspan is so powerful, and how deregulation lead to the savings and loan disaster in the 80s and 90s (mentioned on last night's Daily Show). Written in lay language, it's an easy but informative read.
After I scored my free book I went to Macy's to treat my face to Clinique's line of skin care line. As a promotional deal, the face wash came with a free gift bag filled with blush, lipstick, moisturizer, mascara, and more. I could have gotten 20% off my purchase if I got a Macy's card but I can't get one because I don't have a social security number (tomorrow I will submit an application for a SSN so the days of discrimination are coming to an end). The lady felt so bad for me she gave me free eye make-up remover! Bam!!
Must away now - going to test out my new/free Youth Surge age decelerating moisturizer...
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