Wise Bread (Amy B. Scher)

I'm Fleeing The Country For Healthcare!

Amy B. Scher — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:08:53 +0000

It’s all the buzz lately as healthcare costs rise, and especially after Michael Moore’s SICKO caught the attention of the masses. Those of us not living in places where everyone seems to get a free ride on the healthcare wagon are up in arms. Yet, we don’t seem to hear enough from those who take the leap and leave their home country in search of less expensive (and often higher quality) care. So, how can we know if it’s worth the trip? I’m going to India to find out. There are a million questions spinning around about this subject and I want to hear from WB readers. Maybe together we can bring light to this important issue. Please post questions on this thread and let me see if I can dig up some answers for all of us.

The term “medical tourism” equals big business. It was originally connected to boob jobs and face lifts in faraway lands. Now, it’s not so. People are leaving the country for major medical procedures such as cardiac surgery and organ transplants, which are depending on the country, often 5 to 10 times lower than the cost in the states. A bone marrow transplant that could cost approximately $250,000 in the U.S. is about $26,000 in India. Some countries are offended by the coined term of “medical tourism” because of its negative connotation. It’s regularly associated with people setting off to vacation-type destinations for cosmetic surgery at upscale spa-like facilities. These countries want credit for being just as technologically advanced in medicine as we are – and in many cases, even more so.

After navigating the medical maze all across the United States for years, I’m getting on a plane and going to New Delhi, India Dec. 9th for treatment that’s not legal here – embryonic stem cell therapy. After developing severe neuropathy (nerve damage in my limbs) at the age of 25, I began a journey that I could have never imagined would lead me nearly 8,000 miles from home. Earlier this year, I discovered that the neuropathy, along with a host of other serious health problems, was due to an undiagnosed case of Lyme Disease and other infections transferred from the tick that bit me. I do believe long-term antibiotic therapy is helping to control the Lyme bacteria. Unfortunately, my immune system, nerves and tissue have all been compromised over this time period. This is an ongoing battle for me - one that has amazing financial consequences as my health insurance denies claims and prescriptions left and right. I believe embryonic stem cells will help to restore my body. To me, it’s priceless to be able to receive this type of treatment because it’s a chance at a healthy life I don’t have the opportunity for here. In addition, maybe it will put an end to or at least curb future medical costs by helping my body heal instead of masking its problems. Even if the treatment was available in the U.S., I’m confident the cost would be astronomical and not covered by insurance.

Some are adamant there is high risk associated with leaving the country for medical care, but I’m not worried. I’ve suffered long enough, researched and utilized western medicine (which I’m thankful to have) - but now it’s time to step outside of the box. The average cost for procedures and care in India are about 1/5 what they are in the west; it’s one of the biggest pharmaceutical distributors to over 180 countries; and clinical outcomes for surgeries and treatment are par with the world’s best centers. To me, not following this road would pose the biggest risk of all – possibly at the cost of my future health.

If you want to follow my India trip, you can do so at www.HealthcareHacks.com over the next two months. But, I'll be back on WB to report what the quality, cost and attitude of healthcare is in a country that’s third-world by most standards, but ironically can offer more than available in many flourishing countries.

Written by Amy B. Scher and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Smell Good, Organic Skin Care At a Discount (WB Special)!

Amy B. Scher — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:44:08 +0000

Nature's Baby Products (great for big people too!) was created by Adena, founder of Nature's Baby, after her own children hd a reaction to the harsh chemicals found in most body care products. While suffering from health problems myself, I realized the importance of not using chemicals that can be absorbed through my skin into my body.

The company is offering WB readers a 15% discount at check-out. I'm totally addicted to these products and they are very reasonably priced (even though some big celebs are using them) - my favorite being the vanilla tangerine hair and body wash. It has a reminiscent scent of an orange creamscicle without leaving you smelling like you are one all day. It is 100% vegan, Paraben, SLS, Propylene Glycol free and hypoallergenic so it treats the environment as delicately as it treats your skin.

Check out the product line (including diaper cream, powder, detangler, and more) at www.naturesbabyproducts.com and enter coupon code "wisebread" for your discount.

Written by Amy B. Scher and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Nausea Be Gone (For Less)!!

Amy B. Scher — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:25:47 +0000

Even the thought of nausea can make your stomach turn. And frankly, the cost of trying to soothe it can be frightening! 24 tablets can cost you close to $10 at the drug store. If they don't work, or you get the sleepies from them, it's back for another remedy. Until I found Psi (pronounced "sigh") bands, I had a drawer full of nausea meds which I spent enough money on to equal the value of a nice dinner out!

These 100% drug-free bands are the perfect solution for those of us unable or unwilling to utilize prescription anti-nausea medications and the cost that comes with them. The two moms behind Psi Bands blow away their competition by having teamed with a designer to create stylish acupressure bracelets that are adjustable, waterproof and effective. They are worn at the same time on both wrists and the "buttons" on the inside gently press upon the Nei-kuan point, the area that provides nausea relief. Thought to be most effective for motion sickness, anesthesia, chemotherapy or morning sickness (those adorable little bundles don't come without their price); however, I've personally found they work wonders for my nausea, which I experience as a side effect from medication.

I also like that they are reusable so not only do you save on price (a one time purchase of $14.99 for the set), you do a little bit to save the planet too. Packaging has just been revamped to be more compact too.

Instead of filling your bathroom drawer with a bunch of pharmaceuticals that don't work (or just put you to sleep), go straight to this affordable and oh-so-cute (and there's an oh-so-manly version for the guy in your life) solution. There are four styles in all.

Psi Bands have partnered with Fertile Hope , so for a limited time, $1 from each Cherry Blossom band will go to help this nonprofit continue to support those whose medical treatments have caused infertility.

Purchase Psi bands at Drugstore.com or find other retailers here .

Written by Amy B. Scher and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Woo-hoo for Wufoo!

Amy B. Scher — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:29:11 +0000

How many guys does it take to make the hassles of technology A LOT easier? Apparently only three really innovative ones.

I recently felt the pressure by both peers and professionals to “get a website.” Well, as I discovered, it’s not that easy to just “get one.” Not to mention that if you are going to have it, it might as well be useful. A simple homepage just sitting around isn’t enough these days.

Website marketing gurus will all agree that if you’re not collecting information from visitors, your website is wasting away in cyberspace. So, after researching what seemed like a dozen options, I built my site in iWeb on my Mac. As a side note: some other options that seemed efficient and stylish were Homestead, Yahoo Site Builder and Website Tonight (by Go Daddy).

After much tedious tinkering, I got my website and blog up and running. However, iWeb doesn’t have a way to collect information. Enter Wufoo (www.wufoo.com)! This program is free for the most basic version, and it’s awesome. But if you want to upgrade, it's more than reasonable! Wufoo lets you easily (gotta love the drag and drop interface) create totally attractive and useful forms, surveys, registration forms for workshops or meetings, invitations and more to put on your website, or just use for personal stuff.

You can customize them to fit the look and feel of your website. Not only that, but the back-end user panel is like a little worker bee in itself. You can organize the information, e-mail people you wan to fill out your forms, run reports and the list goes on. Stored information can be exported it into an Excel or other file to put all that good stuff to work. If you don’t want to bother, it’s no problem. Your form-building friends at Wufoo have it covered. They can e-mail you the entries or you can subscribe to them as an RSS feed.

A newer feature allows you to take orders if you sell a product or service because they’ve integrated with Paypal, Google Checkout and Authorize.net.

It didn’t occur to me until I was using it for my site, but this form building and organizing program is just as helpful for personal data too. Create a form to track your daily diet log, manage your to do lists, house inventory, etc. The possibilities are pretty much endless. Check out some of their examples at: http://wufoo.com/examples/.

Ok, by now you can clearly see I’m pimping this product. I should state here and now, although it may seem like it, I don’t work for them and have no affiliation. But, I would if they wanted to add a chick to their brainy trio.

You’re gonna have to see this one for yourself to believe it Wise Bread smarties. Go ahead. I dare you. Make one form and see if you can stop.

You can check out the examples on my website at: www.amybscher.com.
I made a form on the contact page so no one would have my e-mail address. And, on my blog, I linked a form to a button that allows you to subscribe via e-mail to my blog.

Written by Amy B. Scher and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How Not To Freeze For Nearly Free

Amy B. Scher — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:38:07 +0000

We've finally just figured out how to stay cool for the summer, and now it's starting to get chilly (or already has, depending on where you live)! Time to switch gears, pull out the extra blankets and figure out how to keep your money from flying away with the wind this winter. When it’s cold outside, the cost of staying comfy often starts to heat up. Here are a few ways to survive with just a little bit of effort and not a lot of dough.

1. First and foremost, make sure your house isn’t inviting in the chill. Make the time (and maybe a small monetary investment) to ensure windows and doors are sealed properly. You can buy weather stripping at any hardware store. Or, you can roll towels to put under the doors to kill the draft (hey, nobody said being thrifty was fashionable all the time).

2. Become a furnace. Most body heat escapes from your head. So, a hat can make a huge difference. Technically, another place heat easily escapes is your thighs. Putting an extra blanket on your lap can be really helpful too, or you can wear Long Johns under your jeans if you can stand them. There is no particular study to prove my own personal theory, but being a woman, I know that if my feet get cold, the rest of me follows suit. Socks are a quick fix for this. I always carry an extra pair in my purse in case I need to double up.

3. If you don’t have carpet, buy some throw rugs. There is no faster way for your tootsies to become popsicles than to walk on a cold floor (even if you follow the sock rule).

4. Buy an electric blanket. Most of us are especially cold while cuddled up on the couch trying to get through our favorite weekly sitcom. Why? Because we are doing nothing – or nothing productive anyway. So, instead of cranking up the heat in the whole house, just make yourself warmer in the places you are the least active, and most cold.

4. Cook more. This will help with your take-out food expenses and the heat in a working kitchen goes a long way to keep you toasty.

5. Close all the doors in the house to rooms you seldom use. If your office is just for storage, let the boxes and file cabinets get frostbite and keep the heat where you need it most.

6. Use space heaters. If you buy energy efficient ones, you’ll save money on your central heating bill. Space heaters are particularly good for areas like under your desk to keep your lower body warm, or in a bathroom where you don’t need the heat pumping in full-time when you only occupy it occasionally.

7. A quick heat-me-up can do the trick. My blow dryer is my best friend in the winter. If I’m really cold, I use it for about 30 seconds to warm up my arms, head or whatever is icy. A lot of times you waste your own body's energy trying to get warm. It’s much easier to stay warm.

8. Let Mother Nature help. If the sun is out, let it in. Open the blinds or curtains on the side of the house the sun rises on (and then remember to close them later). You’d be surprised how much it can actually heat up through the windows. And if everything is sealed properly, the house should hold it well.

9. Don’t use your gas fireplace. Last winter I had a repairman come to fix my stove while my gas fireplace was blazing. He told me it’s one of the quickest ways to a raging gas bill with the least amount of effectiveness. Who knew? You are basically paying for the “pretty” on that one.

10. Find a buddy. Grab your guy, girl, or cat. Anything warm blooded to cuddle with is an almost instant way to stop the shivers. And since you already have them, it might very well be the cheapest and most fun way too!

Written by Amy B. Scher and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Health Insurance Costs Too High? Alternative Not Pretty

Amy B. Scher — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:14:52 +0000

I hear this argument over and over and it's one of the things I'll debate until I'm blue in the face. "Health insurance is too expensive." Ok, I have to agree. But, at the age of 25 (I know, I know…people aren't supposed to get sick that young) I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and will stand behind my statement that "being sick is way more expensive than health insurance." No way around it. We are obviously not talking about the kind of sick a nasty cold brings. Fine, if you don't have insurance and have to go to the doctor for your cold, it’ll probably be $70 plus meds. But, if something worse happens, you are basically screwed. An ambulance ride is an easy $500. If they have to use sirens, count on an extra fee. If you need a biopsy of something, you not only have to pay the doctor but the lab and the shipping costs. Happen to need an antibiotic that works for a specific condition? It could cost you $500 for a 30-day supply (I know first-hand).

So, let's rethink this. First of all, I had insurance when I was diagnosed and my healthcare costs are still so outrageous you'd probably choke hearing about them. BUT, if I didn't have insurance at all, I'd for sure be bankrupt by now. Like, 3 times over.

One of the issues is eligibility. Because I have now been deemed "uninsurable," I appreciate my insurance much more than a lot of people. I have to pay a lot for it but I'm so glad that I had it when I got sick because now there would be no way I could qualify. I’m too big of a risk and insurance is a business so that leaves me in the dust. I often get the rebuttal line about having to pay for health insurance each month and then wasting it if you don’t have to use it. I say it’s the best thing you could ever hope to waste. It’s the point of insurance. You are transferring a risk. You don't get car insurance praying you'll get in a car accident so you get your money's worth, right? Same concept.

Now, there are a ton of things about healthcare we can complain about, and rightfully so. I mean, after seeing Michael Moore's SICKO, we can't help but be disgusted. The unlucky ones of us who have lived it weren't shocked at all. For everyone else, it was an important wake-up call. But, even though insurance is far less than perfect, it's still something. For instance, not long ago, I needed a $5,000 brain scan. I ended up having to pay $500 of it. So, some would bitch that I shouldn't have had to pay anything, that's what insurance is for, etc. But, I'd rather pay $500 than $5,000. It's a deal!

There is also the theory roaming about that if you got really sick and were really poor, the government would take care of you. Partially true. You could possibly qualify for medical care under social security if you were deemed totally and permanently disabled (after jumping through a million hoops and most likely having to hire a lawyer in the meantime). However, there is a two-year waiting period if you even get approved (which is not easy). Playing devil’s advocate, let’s say that is your back up plan. Very few ever go as far as to research if this is actually a good idea. Government care (at least in America) is not the same quality of care you'd get through private insurance. Pessimists will say that private insurance isn't exceptional care either, but let me assure you that if you feel that way, you wouldn't be happy on the government's plan at all. You wouldn't have to pay but remember as the old saying goes....you get what you pay for. Also, if you are getting it for free, good luck getting anyone in the system to hear your complaints.

If you have a job that offers insurance, don't leave until you have a new job that offers insurance. If you have a choice of an HMO or PPO, choose the PPO even if it costs more now (this will be an entirely different article). An HMO sounds like a good deal, until you are sick and waiting for the insurance company to decide when you get to see the doctor, who you will see, what tests you need and more. You really don't want someone in the business of saving money making those decisions for you.

After becoming disabled and unable to work, I qualified for COBRA (continuation coverage from my old employer's group through California) at a very high premium. It’s the same insurance as I got at no cost when I was working there which is what COBRA laws protect. But, it's the best money I spend every month. After all, there is nothing I'd rather spend my money on more in this world than getting well, or at the very least, not getting worse.

If you are one of the healthy (and lucky) ones, realize it's an amazing privilege to be insurable. And if something unfortunate happens, your less-than-perfect but still-something insurance company will be there to take care of you better than you could all on your own. I promise.

Note: For more information on COBRA, visit Department of Labor's FAQ.

[Editor's note: For more on Amy's healthcare story, check out Healthcare Hacks.]

Written by Amy B. Scher and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

10 Negotiable Ways To a Fatter Wallet

Amy B. Scher — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 01:49:18 +0000

Growing up in a typical small Jewish family, I assumed everyone knew the I’m-smart-but-not-cheap tactics I was raised with. But as I’ve gotten older (yeah, it had to happen sometime), I realized some people don’t know the one steadfast golden rule of financial success, stability and contentment: EVERYTHING is negotiable. But, you have to ask!!

There are some obvious things I won’t list in this article like that you can bargain for a car. I’m pretty sure everyone knows that. If not, for now, remember to act like you don’t need one and then e-mail me for further help.

Here are some hints for a fatter wallet and maybe even enough money at the end of the day to buy a new purse to hold it in. These are in no particular order of importance:

Rent

If the place has been on the market for a bit, you can offer less rent for a longer lease. Also, you can often bargain less rent if you have a trade to offer like great gardening skills or something else that would improve the property and be less work for the owner. It’s a win-win. Note: you won’t have much luck with this if you are going through a property management company as you’d be cutting out on their profits.
Farmer’s Market

The price listed is not the price you have to pay. Always try to round the pounds to a near dollar. So, if peaches are $1.50 per pound and you weigh in at 2.89 pounds, say “I’ll give you $4.” They’ll be happy to get the $4 and you’ll get the extra peach. Note: if you go toward the end of the day, you can usually buy larger quantities for less. Most likely, the vendor doesn’t want to shlep everything home. Just ask!
Get a discount for a scratch, stain or other imperfection on a purchase

Almost all retail stores will give 10-15% off of glassware, clothing and other items if it is damaged, especially if it’s the only in the store of the kind (your size or that color). Of course they don’t advertise this so you have to ask at the register. Just know that once you get your discount, it becomes non-returnable merchandise.
Hotel comps for an unpleasant stay

Hotels aim to please. And if you were lying awake all night because your were placed next to a room full of rowdy children under 5, then the receptionist didn’t do a good job. First thing is, you have to call them when it happens. Then, the next morning, call again and ask to speak to the manager. Tell them you realize this wasn’t at all their fault but it really put a damper on your stay and you’d like to see “what they can do for you.” Often they’ll offer a percentage off the room or a free breakfast. At the least, you can get a late check-out because you need to make up some sleep before you hit the road.
Animal adoptions

In love with a $25 puppy someone has advertised in the newspaper? Don’t pick him up with your carrying crate so fast! Tell the owner you’d love to have him and give him a great home but you need to pick him up after he’s gotten his initial shots. It’ll save you a trip to the vet and all the costs associated with it. Trust me, you’ll have plenty of other chances in your new buddy’s life to accompany him on these costly outings.
Get new purchases delivered FREE!

This is one of the bargaining points furniture salespeople have available to make a sale. Use it. If you feel like you need an excuse, tell them because you have to wait a day, they don’t have your color in stock (or whatever applies), you’d love if they could waive the delivery fee. They usually won’t want you going down the street where they might have it in stock and you can get it today. Furniture can be an impulse buy and if you walk out the door, they could lose you.
Frame your own pictures

This is a big one. Never get a picture professionally framed unless you have a ton of money to blow, or you want something very specific. It can be hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Order a print from www.posters.com or wherever, and then go to Kmart, Target or Michael’s (craft store), buy something with another picture or poster in it, remove it and slip yours in. It’ll already have nice matting and frame and you won’t be too broke to buy nails to hang it.
Free dessert for celebrations

A lot of restaurants will do a birthday dessert for free if you let them know it’s someone’s birthday at the table. Some charge though so make sure they aren’t saying “yes” they do it, but forgetting to say “and it’ll also cost you $4.95.”
Room upgrades at hotels (or higher floors)

If a hotel isn’t booked, they will often give you a complimentary upgrade for a birthday, anniversary, etc. Just kindly tell them that you are there for a special occasion. Always show them that you aren’t being demanding by saying something like “I’m sure the standard room we have is great, but if you aren’t too full and there is any way you can put us on a higher floor or something with a nicer view, I’d really appreciate it.” They will if they can. Often asking to speak with a manager will give you a better chance. And no, it’s not rude or pushy ever to ask for a manager.
Keep it cold at no cost

Many hotels will charge $10 for an in-room refrigerator but most will waive the fee if you have to keep medication cold, so just ask when you check in. I’m staying out of the ethics on this one so it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the lie of saying you having medication when you don’t just to keep your dinner leftovers cold so you don’t have to pay for breakfast in the morning. I really do need one for my medication so I use this all the time and they never question it. Note: Most kitchens at hotel restaurants will re-heat something for you if you go downstairs and ask. That way, you aren’t stuck with a fridge full of stuff you won’t eat.

Good luck and just remember, no one offers anything for free. You have to ask. The worst possible thing that can happen is someone will say “no.” If they do, big deal. If not, cha-ching!

Written by Amy B. Scher and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.