Healthcare around the globe seems to be changing and a lot of it happening around the turn of the year. We are hearing people thrilled to finally get coverage for preexisting conditions and affordable health insurance from Obamacare and we are hearing about people who have lost their insurance or the rates have gone up. There is some chaos and things needs to get better thats for sure. For places like Australia, some might be wondering about the changes to private health insurance rebates and while things are changing there too, it looks to be for the better. Of course depending on where you live will change how you have to go about planning for healthcare issues over the holidays!
What ever your health care situation right now, be sure you know the details before you go traveling this holiday season. Bring current health care cards with you when you leave home! If someone gets ill when on vacation be sure you know what your supposed to do. For us being a military family we have to call our insurance, Tricare, to get approval for care if it is something not life and death, like strep throat or ear infections. With so many without insurance still in the US keep in mind the emergency rooms might be packed. Often it can be faster and more cost effective if you can afford it to go to an urgent care office!
The best bet for saving money and time and possibly lives though of course is prevention!
- Don’t drink and drive!
- Don’t text and drive!
- Make sure car seats are used properly!
- Make sure all medications and cleaners are kept out of the reach of children
- Do bring your medications with you when traveling, make sure you have enough!
- Don’t over indulge!
“The holidays are basically the adult version of ‘Spring Break’. During ‘Spring Break’ we have all the co-eds that are wild and crazy, having issues; and around the holidays it’s the adults time to do that” said Dr. Justin Strittmatter. The ERs are often flooded on Christmas with drunken adults! Don’t end up one of them!
If you do need to go into the emergency room and don’t need an ambulance check online to see if they have a number you can call to check on the wait times. Some hospitals have numbers you can text to find out the wait times. This can save a lot of time and stress!
Preparation is key and healthcare isn’t a topic one can’t just let slide. It might be confusing, upsetting, and a mess of other things, but it is worth sorting out before something happens! Keep Safe!
