Yes, the long awaited medical, dental and vision paper work is here. (It took a week from the noted send date of 15May2009 on my Peace Corps application status site.) It all seems fairly standard considering the time and health commitment of the Peace Corps. The medical office has also included the medical expense forms. Don’t get too excited. It looks like the Peace Corps will reimburse about 10% of my total costs. For an applicant with health insurance there is enough to cover deductibles, but it is nowhere close for those of us without health insurance. Oh well!! It must be done.
Along with the traditional paperwork are two supplement forms with regards to possible health issues related to weight. One is a report of my physical abilities with questions like: can you walk long distances on uneven terrain and can you bend, squat, kneel and climb without any problems. I answered yes to both.
I am overweight, but that does not mean I am not somewhat healthy and in fair athletic condition. The second form is a specific BMI information form and detailed family medical history questions. Using the BMI when measuring ones health is not a great determinant, and thankfully it is not the only consideration for medical clearance. The letter attached to the form states, “as long as there are no complicating health risk factors, we will consider applicants who exceed the recommended weight”. The recommended BMI is 30 or lower. Mine is currently 36. I have done the calculations and I can reduce my BMI a point with an 8 lbs weight loss. I would say ‘off to the gym I go’, but the motivation has been difficult. I have all the tools after having an amazing trainer the past couple of years, I just need to go. Oddly, I have the time now with no job, but the motivation is still lacking.
My budget is extremely tight for the next few weeks, but I am looking forward to slowly getting through my doctor’s appointments over the next month or so. Luckily I am not in huge hurry as medical paperwork is reviewed based on departure date rather than date received. I am trying to look at this as an omen that I should spend some time in the gym this summer and get my BMI down. Time will tell if that really happens!!
3 comments:
Hey! Have you thought about VA hospitals? They're *supposed* to do PC physicals and blood work for free, however some don't. See if there are any in your area and give them a call. Also look into local health clinics and try to got to the health department for your shots. Sometimes that can be cheaper.
Also, this was probably included in your medical packet, I know it was with mine, but see if there's a dentist in your area on this list: http://www.usa-icd.org/information/peace-corps/index.htm
Congrats on the nomination!
Amy congrats on the nomination! I just wanted to say make sure you blur out your phone number and SS# before you post the pictures on your blog! If you have any questions about the rest of your application process let me know. -Tom
Ditto to Tom Bomb's comment about ur social!
Also, ditto to Sara's advice about the VA hospital. It saved me tons of money. They will even do your gyno exam. Also, depending on which one, you might even be able to finagle a dental exam! If not, the ICD list gave me a FANTASTIC dentist, who although old and kooky, is a great guy who gave me a super deal on the dental work I had to have done (wisdom tooth removal + a million fillings!)
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