My job will be ending sometime this summer. Consequently, I am investigating our health insurance options. Since hubby is self-employed, we have always covered the family under my work policy.

Now, I know that "health care in this country is in crisis"!  I know this is a huge touchpoint for political candidates.  Yes, I know all this intellectually. 

Now it's PERSONAL.  COBRA, offered by my employer by federal mandate, is more than a house note EVERY month.  Private insurance is still pricey - more than what we paid on 2 car notes.  And it carries a $2000 deductible per person.  Some sloppy math later and it could be $15,000 a year before they pay any expenses for us.

Of course, there are lower deductibles with higher premiums, and a myriad of other options.  You need a degree in either insurance, medicine or maybe both just to wade through the muck of details.  We tried going through a broker, but he wants his own copy of my supposedly confidential medical records before we can even apply.  I'm not keen on releasing 10 years of medical history to a total stranger.

And now we come to the real issues.  Type 2 diabetes, obesity and a prescription for metformin. Since I might actually USE health services, like an endocrinologist appointment every 6 months, the insurance companies don't want to cover me.  They won't even accept my application at my current weight!

I need to lose 25 pounds before I can even apply for any less than 4 figure premium plans.  Not long ago, tobacco use took the blame for the high cost of healthcare and eventually smokers couldn't even get coverage.  Enough people have quit smoking, that now they are blaming obesity for the cost of healthcare. 

I did find out that my medical records say "gestational diabetes" and "impaired glucose tolerance" and NOT the "D" word.  But guess what, with a prescription for metformin, it doesn't matter what the diagnosis is, I have been branded with the scarlet D.

Health and vanity have not been motivation enough to lose weight.  Maybe money will be.   Or maybe just the catalyst to get the 3 big motivators percolating.

Will Kim be able to stay home with her infant and pre-schooler for a year?  Will the family be able to find health insurance for less than a college education? Will the kids be covered while Mom runs the risk of no coverage? Stay tuned.