You better get some insurance on me, baby.
Take out some insurance on me, baby.
‘Cause if ya ever, ever, said goodbye.
I’m gonna haul right off and die.

-Jimmy Reed

This little bluesy riff represents a morning of adventure: researching health insurance.

The application wasn’t as arduous as I had feared, but I suppose the pain actually comes later– when I have to start paying $200 a month for something I may never use.

Especially when you consider that I’ve made $0 this month.

I’m still hoping to find employment with some benefits before I start paying in February, but I’m also trying to take the long view since… I’m probably going to have to buy it regardless.

It’s a bit frustrating, as someone who has never even had a cavity, let alone a serious illness, surgery or recurring health problem. I can think of at least one really good way to use that money.

Then there’s the gender question. It’s going to be more expensive for me to have insurance than for a guy with the exact same policy. And that doesn’t count the extra $200+ they tack on to the premium if you want any kind of maternity coverage. No thanks.

But I do ride my bicycle regularly on roads populated by crazy, angry drivers. And I guess my appendix could always explode or the radiation from my microwave popcorn could start to addle me psychologically.

I also believe in having health insurance. I can’t see taking the risk of not being covered in a serious accident or not being able to have any kind of preventative care. It’s better for all of us if people like me can afford to be protected.

It’s not bad for my peace of mind either.

In the mean time, I’m waiting to see how the final version of the health care bill shakes out. Maybe the exchange system will help me get something that’s a better balance between premium and deductible. Maybe I could even stay on my parents’ insurance for a few more years.

For now, wish me luck. And pass the hand sanitizer.