squint at the details (a throwback)

ah, billy-boy trial flashbacks were with me on tuesday…

…depending on how you define, “were”. remember that bullshit?

well, the eye doctors of austin, texas, do.

“do you take visa?” – it’s a simple question we’ve all asked in various stores, bars, and restaurants around the world. seems pretty cut and dry.

try that with insurance.

i’ve never really used my insurance no matter where i’ve worked. hell, even with my current employer this is only the fourth time and i’ve been there for two years with medical, dental, AND vision – once for medical (ultra-rare for me), twice for prescriptions (one of which was attached to the medical one) and this time for vision. this time being the major pain in the ass since i was needing contacts.

it all seemed so simple…TOO simple.

i started to call around with a simple question…

“do you take vsp?”

(i just realized that might be good for a google hit or two here)

most people said, “no”, or “yes, and we can see you in about two weeks”, due to the whole back-to-school rush. i finally got one with a place in san marcos (which this just reminded me i need to cancel) for september 8th.

but last weekend i decided to keep hunting…

so, i called the wal-mart near work –

“do you take vsp?”

“no, not technically – see we’re an out of network provider…”

next.

that means you don’t, okay? if i can’t use the full benefits of my…well…benefits, then you don’t. it’s that simple. so, i call a wal-mart up the road (i had always gone to the one in san marcos, but they didn’t take it, but said the one in new braunfels did, so i figured one around work might…) and the one up the road said, “yes” – and could see me on tuesday.

how cool is that?

so, i take the time off of work, cruise down the highway an exit or seven, get in a bit early to do the paperwork that comes with having a new anything doctor, and then in just chatting with the front desk person find out that yes, they do take dsp, but the contacts will REALLY cost me since they’re an OUT OF NETWORK PROVIDER…

…what the fuck?

so, i figured i could cheat the system and get a free trial pair with just my $20 “co-pay” and make it worth my time, right? nope…

…so out the door i went.

that’s when a wal-mart semi almost squashed my car. but never mind that one…

…so, i called a co-worker, completely frustrated, and he went on the insurance website and found me one that was actually right across the street from the office. i could have walked there. and when i called, they could get me in right then. $10 co-pay, free trial pair, and a $105 contact allowance, $40 of which is eaten up by a contact “fitting” (which i don’t get, since i put the damn things in myself and judge whether or not they fit – shouldn’t i be the one getting paid $40 if this is the job?) and all is crystal clear again. but the whole experience is making me think three large for lasik ain’t bad.