Many times, we get complacent about where our money goes.
A couple of months ago, there was a medical procedure done (nothing serious), but I had to get some money back from Medicare (Australian healthcare system). I was advised that the doctor’s office can handle the claim. I was happy with this because dealing with Medicare (or anything to do with the Government) can take a lot of your valuable time.
Two days after the procedure, I checked with the doctor’s office and they said they will do the needful. So, I thought okay, everything is good.
For those of you who know me, you know that I am super vigilant about where my money goes (aka spending). When it comes to money coming back to me, I am even more excited. I make sure I don’t miss out on money that can come to me.
After a week or so, I still had not received money from the Medicare claim. I checked with the doctor’s office and they confirmed that the claim was lodged. I was trying to understand what had happened.
It took me another month before I could go in person to the Medicare office to see what the issue was. In less than an hour, I returned with $169 in my pocket. The reason why I didn’t receive money was because they had my old bank account. Since most of our family claims are done through my husband’s account, I did not even have my login details. Once I was at the Medicare office, I took time to set up my login details. On the one hand, I was happy that I took the time to go there. On the other hand, I was baffled on how much unclaimed money Centrelink will have, arising from complacency.
So ladies, do you know how much money is owed to you because of your complacency? Think about medicare, centrelink, superannuation. What about not comparing your utility bills regularly – phone, internet, electricity and gas? How about insurance?
I do understand sometimes you need to think about the effort owed vs money that will come to you. If you are going to spend 2 hours of your time to get $10 back, may be that is not worth your while. But if you can spend an hour, like me, and get back $150+, would you not do it?
I urge you to be smart about your money. This week or month, take an hour to see if you too can get back some $$$ in your pocket.
