Diabetic Recipes
Additional considerations. Lately, they're making me crazy. Diabetes serves up a plate load of them. Every. Day.
The insulin pump at my hip - and how to keep it dry. The insulin that goes in the pump - and how to keep it cold. My hip-hopping bloodsugar - and how to make it sit somewhat still. The food I eat - and how to keep it from sending my bloodsugar levels soaring. And all the medicine and supplies - and how to pay for them all.
That last is a big deal. A really big deal.
About a year ago, I left a job that I loved. My boss was great. The work was interesting and somewhat challenging. My colleagues were amazing. And the mission that we supported with our efforts was inspiring. I went to work happy and most days, I left happy. As with any other job, there were days when I could have pulled all of my hair out. But, all in all, I loved it.
Why leave then? I'm sure you're wondering.
It boiled down to benefits. Health benefits to be exact. Health insurance premiums were astronomical and the coverage was less than adequate. In my first year with this employer, I spent over $4,500 in premiums and co-pays and deductibles. That's a lot of money. Even with the income tax deduction. That's a lot of money. I soon realized that I couldn't possibly afford to stay at this job that I loved.
So I went looking. And I found myself examining the benefits packages of prospective employers with extraordinary care. Had I known more about the health benefits with the employer that I loved, I might never have taken that job to begin with. Sad - but true. I finally found an employer that offered a decent salary, amazing health benefits, and a job that I knew I would do well at. I gave my notice and took my current job. And in short order, found myself bored and uninspired. Here I am again, one year later, and on another career precipe.
Recently, I interviewed for and was offered a new job. The job seems dreamy (if you think a job can be dreamy, that is). A creative workplace, a position that includes new challenges and a chance to exercise my existing skills, a mission that I'll be thrilled to be a part of supporting, and a small pay raise. The temptation to accept immediately was almost too much. But I didn't. Instead, I got details about their benefits and I asked for their health insurance policy number so that I could call the insurer and get details around coverage for certain items.
I discovered that their health insurance coverage is not as comprehensive as the coverage I have now. There will be a higher out-of-pocket cost for pump supplies and prescriptions. Both of their plan choices have deductibles before benefits kick-in on some things. Things that a person with diabetes should worry about, like ambulance service and in-patient hospital stays. I sat crunching the numbers, I asked other diabetics about costs for things, I calculated how a flexible spending account might help. In the end, I found that I CAN take this "dreamy" job - but that the small pay raise I might have had will be eaten up by out-of-pocket costs.
Bottom line? I start December 3rd. I am excited.
But the excitement is ever-so-slightly diminished by how diabetes has inserted this kind of additional considerations into life choices like this one.
I want so much to not have to worry and fret over whether I can afford to have a job that leaves me happy and satisfied. That's not too much to ask - is it?
Congratulations!
Colleen
I worry about the same things. I love the job I have and I have incredible insurance, but I know I won't be here forever. It scares the daylights out of me to even think about the job/benefits market.
Not too much to ask at all, Nicole.
We went through exactly the same process before Ryan accepted his new job (he starts next week, btw).
Scary stuff.
I'm so glad this new job was do-able for you-- it sounds like just the kind of change you needed to make.
Thank you so much, Colleen!
Michelle - it is scary. Nerve-racking, etc. As if you need that kind of stress as you work on finding a new job. Jeesh.
Sandra, it seems like a tall order sometimes. And it makes me a little sad. BUT, I'm thrilled about this change. Really. Thrilled. And I'm excited for you guys too. I'm looking forward to hearing more about the teasers you've put in your posts lately. ox, Nicole
I'm glad you found a job you're excited to start and a way to fund the costs of managing diabetes. Before I came to Taiwan, I didn't realize I had to pay out of pocket for test strips. I thought it was covered, and knowing that test strips are not covered here really sucks. I only make a little over $1200/month here, which is fine to live on if you're only paying for daily life in Taiwan as a non-diabetic, but as a diabetic, paying for student loans, storage for my things AND all the costs of test strips and little out of pocket expenses for medical related doo-dads, it's too damn expensive and I know that while I have a good salary by local standards, I can't afford to stay here much longer. And the medical care is not good enough to put me at ease or get my needs met. It's okay temporarily, but not long term. Too bad, because I fell in love with a Taiwanese and now feel so torn.
All these considerations add up. I have COBRA, but it will expire next August.
The price we pay for having diabetes is almost always higher than we'd like.
I'm glad you found a good fit for you. Cross your fingers for me!
Hooray! And to think, I was probably one of the first folks to know this info.
xo,
Hannah
Amylia - Fingers, toes and other crossable parts, crossed! I know you will make your way. I think it helps to keep in mind that everything happens for a reason in this life. There is nothing that occurs without some kind of "karmic cause."
Hannah - Yipee!!!! And you were one of the few. :) Now, I'm hoping for you to find something equally perfect. xo
Hi Nicole
Congraluations on your new job!
I know exactly what you are saying - I am currently at a job that I desperately want to leave, but the money and benefits are very good. I have been able to find jobs that I would love to take, but unfortunately it would end up costing me quite a bit of money. I was diagnosed a little over a year ago and have never had to worry about things like this.
Thank you for your words - it's nice to know I'm not the only one with this issue.
Linda
You're wise to consider the benefits. As parents of a son with Type 1, my husband and I have to consider the same issues. Benefits matter alot! My husband has good coverage through work, so we do ok, but I worry about my son when he is out on his own. Now, he's only 11, so I'm borrowing trouble a bit here, but he will deal with this in the future...will he be able to handle it? Sue
Thanks, Linda. It's a challenge to wrap your mind around the fact that having all of the right things in place to be able to afford to work somewhere sometimes happens at the expense of happiness in the workplace. You're certainly not alone. I am fortunate to have the chance at both with this new role. I wish you luck wherever your next step takes you.
Thank you, Sue. I am confident that your son will have all of the tools he needs to handle these kinds of challenges. Because you are giving him those tools now. My mother has always stressed with me how important it is to take all things into consideration when making life choices - this includes the fact that I have diabetes and it's not likely to leave me anytime soon. As he grows, you'll continue to help him to recognize the importance of balancing diabetes - in every way - and considering it as part of each of life's equations. He'll do well - because you'll help him to do well. :)
I was just recently diagnosed Type II and it's a real shock to start dealing with insurance companies.
Jascomp - It is so challenging. But you'll learn to navigate. Lots of good advice in the OC - on type 2 blogs and at tudiabetes.com - be sure to check them out!!! - Nicole
Thanks for a very touchy story. I am in a similar situation, I am considering the pump and also looking for another job with better pay and perhaps better benefits because I need to have a better way to manage my diabetes. I am type 2 and have been diabetic for 14 years; I am on insulin and have to injet myself 4 time a day or better put with every meal. The company I work for doesn't have such bad coverage, but the salary sucks. My question is: how do I approach prospective employeers about their insurance coverage?
Hi Danny - You're welcome. Thank you for coming and reading.
Always, when considering a new position, I wait to have any conversations regarding benefits until an offer is made. Typically, an employer will send you basics (ie: Salary of X with health & dental benefit through (insurer name), # holidays, amount of vacation, etc.). I typically then ask if I can speak with someone in their HR office to get more information about the health benefits. Usually, that person will give me the policy # and the number at the insurance company. The insurer can then give you specific information about the employers coverage - including what they will and won't cover, deductible and copay amounts.
To be honest, I've never had a problem getting this information from any prospective employer. And if I anticipate an issue with parts of the coverage, I've sometimes asked for additional salary to "make up" the difference. I believe fully that most employers want their people to be healthy and happy and that they understand that an examination of benefits is included when people are considering multiple job opportunities.
Good luck to you!!! I hope everything works out.
Nicole:
Congratulations on landing a new and exciting job! I'm fortunate to have a husband who has kick-butt coverage through the Federal government, but even that has diminished over the years. I DO remember what it was like pre-marriage though, and it was more than a challenge, it was almost impossible! Thankfully back then, insulin's and syringes weren't nearly as expensive as now. I wear a pump now, and use a few preventive meds, and even with top-notch insurance I estimate we spend around $3000 per year for everything, including doctor visits. Not bad considering the full cost of everything, but still alot of money. Judging by the way things are increasing I expect that number to be more every year. My solution is that I have chosen to go back to school to be a nurse, (something I've wanted to do since I was a kid). I'll be able to earn a great salary at our local hospital and the benefits will include access to the clinic 24/7 at no charge. So I'll be set in that department, and my salary will be twice what I make now, so I'll be able to put a large portion of my salary into a retirement fund that will be helpful when I get too old to work. It really ends up not being a totally bad thing that diabetes forces us to consider our long term options, because many people NEVER consider them until it's too late to do anything constructive. My parents are a good example of this; they didn't plan for emergencies,and as a result, file for bankruptcy because they couldn't afford the astronomical costs of caring for a child with diabetes.
DB
Thank you, DB for reading! And for your wishing me well. :) I'm so excited about this job.
It sounds like you've got a good plan.
And, you're right, diabetes sort of forces me to think of things I might never think of otherwise - with regard to other considerations - and health in general.