Health Care

Health care today is more about security than health. The cost of even a minor health problem is so high now that protecting your financial future by having health insurance is critical. I feel so bad for anyone that truly can't afford health insurance. I hope Obamacare lasts in some form after all the budget cuts take place.

Some of us don't feel secure unless we can see the top physicians in their field. Well guess what, top physicians screw up. Top physicians don't have as much time to care for you that a little less experienced physician has. Top physicians won't put you in first place if you're not someone known to the outside world. Top physicians are not security, they are the unnecessary bling on your wrist.

I always say that we should not be controlled by our fear of insecurity. However, it's real hard to feel happy if we are one operation away from losing everything. How much security each of us need is a personal choice. I believe disaster insurance is the least amount we should have.

Disaster insurance to me is insurance against having a major life change that will ruin your happiness. Now comes the catch, what event will ruin your happiness?

If you had a surgery that costs $50,000 would your happiness be destroyed? Probably not because the doctor and hospital will work with you on a payout system you could live with. Yes, you might have to give up your too high priced car. Yes, you may have to cut back on buying things you want, but really don't need. Yes, you might even have to give up your home and live in an apartment. But, none of those events will destroy your happiness.

If you had a medical event that costs $500,000, that could have a major impact on your happiness. If so, that's the minimum medical disaster insurance you should have. I always put medical insurance as a financial priority. My health is much more important to my happiness than fancy clothes, bling, expensive cars, bigger house, etc.

I'm not addicted to security, but I am focused on my health. I do all the right things to give me the best chance of having a healthy life. I eat right, exercise, don't smoke and go to the doctor when I'm not well (physically or mentally).

However, I do eat stuff that tastes good (a fabulous medium rare burger is a must have every few weeks). I exercise, but I'm not addicted to exercise. I don't spend four hours in the gym every day. I don't wait until I'm very sick or hurt to see a doctor. Seeing a doctor before things get worse is practicing preventative medicine. It's what I'm paying the medical insurance for. I know too many friends or relatives that have good insurance and don't use it until they're really ill.

Like me, eventually you will get on Medicare. It is a blessing and the politicians will never (at least in our lifetime) eliminate it. Us seniors have too much voting power. My cost of Medicare, a Supplemental and a Medicare drug program costs me a third of what I was paying for health insurance. Now, I can apply that extra money to happiness stuff.

The entire health industry is too expensive. Waste and profits are out of control. But, that's the world we live in. Complaining about it is the wrong course. Getting the most out of the system is the right course.

The bottom line is happiness. Security, as long as you're not addicted to it, has different needs for each individual. Paying for health insurance to protect your minimum happiness requirements is important. Using the insurance you purchased to give yourself the best chance of a happy and healthy life is critical.

The healthier you are the happier you are. Make your body a priority. Make your health a priority. 

Happiness is loving life in the best body and mind you have control of creating.