The Math No Parent Should Have to Do - ER or Wait it Out

By guest writer, Lydia Petrovic

Last month, one of my kids had another stomach ache. It was late, urgent care was closed, and my husband and I were staring at each other, doing that awful math so many families know too well: Is it worth the massive co-pay just to be told it’s gas?

We’re both freelancers right now, and we’re on a COBRA plan. For a while it made sense, but that night - sitting in the ER waiting room, half-asleep and anxious - it didn’t feel like it anymore. The high deductible, the co-pays, the uncertainty - the only saving grace was the funds in our HSA account.

And now that open enrollment season is here, I find myself wondering: Should we be rethinking our plan?

The truth is, most families don’t have the time or mental space to dig through health plan documents and figure out what’s really worth it.

And if you are on an employer sponsored plan, you could be missing out on $1000s of savings by not opting for the benefits that make the most sense for your family.

That’s where Minerva comes in. We help families like mine review options, compare plans, and submit claims on time, so you know you are taking advantage of what’s available to you. 

If open enrollment has you staring at your screen with more questions than answers, you’re not alone. Take a breath. We can help.

Start here: our comprehensive guide breaks down the tax-advantaged accounts that help families save.

How Minerva Can Help

Here’s how we make Open Enrollment easy:

1. Review your family’s current benefits and highlight any gaps.

2. Compare plans side by side with easy-to-understand pros and cons.

3. Track deadlines and submit forms on time.

4. Answer questions about coverage and coordinate with HR or insurance providers.

Want us to handle your benefits paperwork?

Get Started Today

Activities with Kids

Your Fall Fun Checklist

Open enrollment might dominate your screen time right now, but fall is too short to spend it all in front of insurance portals. Take a break from spreadsheets and make a little magic at home instead.

• Pumpkin Painting Night: Skip the carving mess and use paint, glitter, or stickers. Kids can personalize their pumpkins, and you can light them up with battery tea candles.
  

• Homemade Caramel Apples: Melt soft caramels with a splash of cream, let kids roll apples in crushed nuts or sprinkles, and enjoy a treat that feels like a mini fall festival.
  

• Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt: Collect colorful leaves and acorns, then make a quick collage or centerpiece when you get home. 

Taking even an hour for something tactile can reset your mind and make the week feel lighter.

Around the Bay – Family-Friendly Events

1. Día de los Muertos Festival – Oakland
    November 2, 10 AM–5 PM | Fruitvale District, Oakland
   Celebrate the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos with vibrant ofrendas, live music, dance performances, and community altars. This free, family-friendly event honors the lives of loved ones. Unity Council
   
   

2. Día de los Muertos at Children’s Discovery Museum – San Jose
    November 1, 9:30 AM–4:30 PM | San Jose
   Immerse your family in cultural traditions with storytelling, sand painting, performances by giant skeleton puppets, and a procession interacting with museum exhibits. KQED
   
   

3. Día de los Muertos & Diwali Celebration – San Francisco
    November 1, 11 AM–3 PM | Presidio Tunnel Tops, San Francisco
   A unique fusion of cultures featuring traditional arts and crafts, rangoli art, diya lighting, and live music. Contribute to a public ofrenda and celebrate both Día de los Muertos and Diwali. San Francisco Chronicle

That’s it for this letter.

Give the gift of Minerva this season - take the stress out of paperwork, errands, and family logistics. Reach out today to learn how we can help.

Team Minerva
[email protected]