Kristen, the non-insurance cost is $924 + (ack) $725 root canal. The build up was $235. The estimate worst-case total uninsured was over $8.5 K if there were root canals. Excuse me while I go pass out. I was so in denial and this made me go look at the initial estimate.

I really hope I don't end up needing a root canal. Not a single one.

yay shrift for the porn and the interview!

New random cooking question: I bought the Trader Joe's frozen croissants, and it turns out they want me to proof them uncovered on the counter overnight or some shit.

I covered it with a thin, clean dishtowel when I left them out. They were fine.

I still haven't worn the ballgown skirt I bought with Kat, ita, and Lori. That's how little I need pretty dresses. Work clothes, on the other hand, I need.

My build up was $235 also! My root canals, however, were $950 for a molar.

Have you spoken with your insurance company? Sometimes, they want to pre-approve stuff like this.

Either way, just pull together all of your receipts for dental and medical for the year. If you end up going out of pocket more than you expected, you may be able to deduct it on your taxes.

Oh my dude. I just found out where my class reunion is going to be held. SO CLASSY. The most that can be said for the place is that it's not the bowling alley.

This is where I show my ass. Or maybe I already did.

My dentist is awesome and does all the negotiating. They do the whole pre-approve stuff (which may be why I'm so fucking confused. I know I owe the dentist money at this point, but they haven't billed me because they are still going back and forth with met over the stupid pre-crown work,) and throw it back at metlife when they don't like it.

And now crap, I have to do fancy taxes?! Well, I do have all the receipts.

I need a keeper.

O I need to go to the dentist. I meant to call yesterday.

Oh that is awesome. It's helpful to have people who are experienced in dealing with insurance companies take care of that for you.

I'm kinda excited that I have finally have dental insurance myself. I'm almost looking forward to my check up in December.

I don't know if this is a spoiler or not but Grissom looks pastey ill next to Jack. And I'm pro-pastey due to sun damage.

I sincerely wish high school or college had a req class on dealing with insurance and bennies and all that shit. My parents' plans (while I was under them) were very traditional and easy to get. They aren't anymore, and they weren't when I entered the system. And I probably made a fuckload of mistakes.

I still haven't worn the ballgown skirt I bought with Kat, ita, and Lori. That's how little I need pretty dresses.

Heh. I haven't worn mine either. I really want to, but it keeps feeling a tad too much.

I wonder if I could get away with it for the holiday party...

But, DAMN, do I want a vinyl ballgown...Jilli, if you happen to stumble upon one in your perambulation, I could just chalk it up to the midlife crisis (what a lovely catchall). It might be a different kind of too much for the krav holiday party, but I'm all about one kind of too much or another.

I wonder if I could get away with it for the holiday party...

YES.