“Last year, Jennifer Reisz’s college-age daughter, Megan, was kicked in the chest multiple times by the family’s horse. Megan fell to the ground, unable to move or speak. Though she was alone, her Apple Watch detected her distress and called 911.
She was taken to a hospital in Clovis, a city in Fresno County, near where the Reisz family lives. But the severity of Megan’s injuries — four broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung — prompted doctors to transport her 12 miles by ambulance to the Level I trauma center at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.
While Megan was still recovering at home from her injuries, she received a $2,400 bill from the ambulance company — after the family’s health plan had paid nearly $2,200.”
Vitamins are a common over-the-counter (OTC) product purchased by people to maintain good health. And while many vitamins and supplements do have health benefits, vitamins do not automatically qualify as an eligible medical expense under IRS rules. This makes purchasing them with a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) tricky. But, you can buy your vitamins with FSA and HSA funds if certain criteria is met.
Soon, you may be able to step out on your front porch and wait for your prescription medication to drop from the sky.
If you have a serious illness, a disability, or hip or knee replacement surgery, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication – and medical equipment, too. They may recommend mobility and bathroom devices and other tools to help aid your balance and save your energy. The goal is to help you be as safe and independent as possible as you heal or adapt to a new medical condition.
