It's Official!

I've been priced out!
I've always wondered why so many women are not taking care of their reproductive issues. Turns out that although some can hack it up to sheer laziness and/or ignorance, others are just tired of all the incredible hoops they must jump through to get anything done.

Now that Stella is here and we don't intend to have another baby for some years, I was considering an IUD. We figured it would be less hassle, just as effective, and more "cost" effective than the pill (or the minipill in my case since I'm breast feeding). Oh yeah, and I wouldn't have to worry about forgetting. It's a pretty routine procedure and I was all for it. Well, thanks to my doctor who warned me about health insurance coverage, I went on a hunt for information before we scheduled the visit. I seriously spoke to more than ten people in different departments and at first I got no straight answers. Today I got the harsh reality. The facts are that the actual implant is covered partly by my prescription plan (a copay of about $150, not bad) but the procedure is not covered by my health insurance plan. Why? Because: 1) the prescription plan would have to be via the health insurance company and I guess to cut cost my employer decided to go elsewhere, and 2) my employer decided not to cover contraception under the women's health clause for what I can only guess is a cost issue. Why be redundant?
How much would the procedure cost anyway? I called my doctor's office and it's but a mere $875.
Not so cost effective in the end. I know that there are other ways and really I won't be irresponsible but I feel a bit underwhelmed by this whole medical coverage system. Especially one set up by what one would think is a progressive academic institution. If it wouldn't have been for my physician I would have just gone ahead full steam. I guess he sees a lot of cases like mine. That was pretty honest of him. I wouldn't be surprised if some doctors just play dumb.

More hormones for me please. Oh well, lets just stare at this gratuitous picture of Stella with big eyes: