If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a medical mom, unexpected medical expenses sneak up on you when you least expect them. Just when you think you’ve got it all covered—BAM—another bill, another piece of equipment, another random thing insurance refuses to cover. Been there? Same.
Here are five unexpected medical expenses that caught me off guard and how I’ve learned to stay (somewhat) ahead of them:
- Medical Equipment That’s “Not Covered:” (Shocking, I Know) Whether it’s a specialized stroller, adaptive seating, or even a backup feeding pump, insurance throw the ol’ “not medically necessary” line at us. I’ve learned to fight it with appeals. In the meantime, I budget for these big-ticket items by setting aside a little each month in a separate savings account. Helpful Tip: Check out secondary insurance options or grant programs that might cover what primary insurance won’t. This will help so much to ease some of your unexpected medical expenses.
- Travel Costs for Specialist Appointments: Specialist visits aren’t always a short drive away—sometimes they involve gas, hotels, and meals on the road. (Because driving 8 hours and back in one day? Not ideal.) We budget for these trips just like a mini-vacation, minus the fun part. Helpful Tip: Keep track of mileage and travel expenses—some of them might be tax-deductible!
- Out-of-Pocket Therapy Add-Ons – Sure, insurance might cover the basics, but what about that amazing adaptive swim therapy or music therapy that’s helping your kid thrive? Those costs add up FAST. I factor these into our monthly budget because they’re worth every penny. Helpful Tip: Ask providers if they offer payment plans or sliding scale fees to help with unexpected medical expenses.
- Medical Supply Stock-Ups – Look, I love a good supply stash because running out of G-tube formula at 10 PM is NOT an option. But stocking up on extras—whether it’s feeding tube supplies, incontinence products, or even medical tape—can get pricey. I grab extras when they’re on sale or use FSA/HSA funds when possible. Helpful Tip: Set calendar reminders for reorder dates so you’re not caught in a panic.
- Replacing All. The. Things. Sippy cups, sensory toys, specialized utensils—if it’s not getting lost, it’s getting worn out. (Or mysteriously disappears into the black hole of medical gear.) I now accept that replacing these things is just part of life, so I keep a running list and watch for deals. Helpful Tip: Amazon Subscribe & Save can be a game-changer for frequently used items, reducing frequent unexpected medical expenses.
The financial side of being a medical mom is no joke, but having a game plan makes it a little less overwhelming. Want to stay ahead?
My Ultimate Survival Kit for Medical Moms is an amazing resource to help you figure out how to get financial guidance and assistance for the expensive medical mom life. It’s packed with money-saving tips, financial resources, and strategies to help you stay on top of all the unexpected medical expenses.
Grab it here: Ultimate Survival Kit for Medical Moms
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