HMR Diet Cost

The HMR (Health Management Resources) Program, developed by Lawrence Stifler more than 30 years ago in 1983, is a weight management program which consists of shakes, cereal bars, soups and entrees, to name a few.

The goal of the program, as per the U.S. News, is to help you lose weight while reducing your caloric intake via meal replacement programs along with a healthy serving of adding fruits and vegetables.  As you learn healthy lifestyle strategies, increase your physical activity and take personal accountability, the company claims they can help you lose weight and change your lifestyle.

“Blueberries” (CC BY 2.0) by Theo Crazzolara

How much does the HMR Diet plan cost per month?

The cost of the HRM Diet plan will greatly depend on how you want to start the program.  For most, if you wanted to start the three-week kit with auto delivery setup, then the costs, at the time of this publishing, was $189 for the three weeks if you purchased via the official website.  Inside of this kit would include one free weekly group phone call with a coach, 48 HMR shake servings, 42 HMR entrees, 18 HMR multigrain hot cereal servings, a support guide, recipe book, tracking app and online tools.

If you were to stay on the “Quick Start” plan and pay the price mentioned above, then it would place you on an auto delivery program, which will send you a re-order every two weeks consisting of either four cans of HRM120 or three boxes of HRM 70 Plus and 28 entrees.   As per the company’s auto-delivery terms, this will cost you $185.04 for each two-week re-order or $220.14 for the lactose-free version.

As for the just the “Shakes” program, the initial three-week starting kit, which consists of three cans of HMR 120 and one box of HRM 70 Plus or three boxes of HMR 70 Plus will cost $111.15 or $126.90 for the lactose-free version.  Just like the “Quick Start” program, customers are billed every two weeks at $91.80 or $126.90 for the lactose-free.  As per the company’s auto-delivery terms, auto delivery members are not eligible for the Phone Program.

NOTE:  These prices were accurate as of this publishing and cannot be guaranteed or 100% accurate.  Use this as an estimate only as the prices can change based on the promotions currently going on at the current time.

If you wanted to purchase the shakes, soup and/or cereal individually, then each serving could cost anywhere from $2 to $3, depending on which item you want to purchase and where you purchase it. On Amazon.com, for instance, we found a handful of listings, with one of the best sellers retailing for $22 for six servings or about a pinch more than $3 per serving.  You can also shop via the company’s official store as well.

How does the HMR Diet plan work?

The at Home Program, also referred to as the Healthy Solutions Diet, will consist of two phases:  the first phase being the Quick Start phase and the second phase known as the transition phase.

Phase One

During the first phase, the company will implement what’s known as the “three-two-five” daily diet plan, which simply means, as per the company, is that you will have to consume, at a minimum, three HMR shakes, two HMR entrees and at least five one-cup servings of fruits and vegetables, either fresh or frozen or a mix in-between.  During this phase, if you find yourself hungrier than usual, then you can still eat more of the low-calorie approved foods, along with mixing and matching the HMR-approved products, but you can never eat outside of the recommendations.  The company highly advises that you avoid all fast food, coffee shops and try to limit your social activities which revolve around food at this time.  Aside from the food portion of this phase, physical activities will be added, with the ultimate goal of help you lose up to 2,000 calories per week, which can be done via any moderate-intense exercise regimen such as swimming or running, for example.  During the entire phase, you will need to keep a daily log, tracking everything you eat as well as how often you’re exercising.

Phase Two

As part of the second phase, participants will continue on with the physical activity portion, but the meal plan will shift at this time.  Lasting around four to eight weeks, you will still eat the approved HMR foods and the same amount of fruits and vegetables; however, you will gradually add healthy, non-HMR, low-calorie foods, with the ultimate goal of building healthy eating habits for the future to help keep the weight off for good.  At this time, you will begin to make a healthier choice while consuming at least 14 HRM food meals for the week rather than the high-calorie meals outside of the program.  The company will recommend you focus on leaner proteins, such as chicken, and low-calorie cooking methods such as boiling and steaming.

This diet, being around for more than 30 years, has decades of experience and has been proven to work.  The science behind the plan is that you can go through the plan without having to starve or suffer like many diet programs make you do.  As long as you follow the phase as you should, it will allow you to eat healthy, nutritiously and get your fill of calories to keep you satisfied throughout the day as opposed to a higher-than-average blood sugar count.  In addition, the HRM-approved meals allow you to pick and choose what you to want to eat without the worry of knowing if it’s good for your diet or not.

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How Much Does a HIDA Scan Cost?

A HIDA scan, also referred to as a hepatobiliary scan in the medical world, is a diagnostic test designed to capture images of the small intestine, gallbladder, liver and bile ducts to help diagnose any medical conditions related to these organs.  Aside from diagnosing a condition, it can help be used as part of a gallbladder ejection fraction, which is a test that helps determine how much bile, a substance that helps digest fat, from your gallbladder.

How much does a HIDA scan cost?

The cost of a HIDA scan, as with any medical test, will depend on the facility you choose, your doctor/medical professional performing the test and your medical insurance policy, and based on these factors, the costs tend to range anywhere from $575 to $1,300 without any health insurance policy for just the HIDA scan.

As for health insurance, your provider should cover it, only leaving you responsible for your co-pays and deductibles, but the final cost will greatly depend on your policy details.  For this reason, we highly advise that you talk with your provider to see what you’re responsible for and which facility is in your insurance company’s network.

MDSave.com, a website which connects you with local providers, stated their national average, if you were to book through its website, was $552.

Preparing for the test

Prior to the test, your doctor will ask you to prepare for the test and this entails special preparation instructions, including fasting for at least four hours prior to the test, informing your doctor about any medications you’re currently taking and also letting your doctor know if you’re currently pregnant or breastfeeding.  Your doctor should provide you with documentation in regards to how the scan works and what you should expect on the day of the scan.

HIDA scan procedure – what happens?

Prior to the scan, you will be asked to slip into a hospital gown and will also be asked to remove any metal jewelry and accessories before the scan begins.

Next, you will be asked to lie back on a table and lay down as still as possible as the technician positions a camera slightly above your stomach area.

Once in position, an intravenous needle is then injected into either your arm or hand, with a radioactive tracer injected to help move through your body’s bloodstream in order for the bile-making cells to absorb it.  As this tracer moves into your gallbladder, through the bile duct and finally into the small intestines, your technician, during this process, will take pictures of the process each step of the way.

The average HIDA scan, from start to the finish, takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete, but this greatly depends on how well your body functions during the test.  After the scan, you can resume normal activity and the small amount of radioactive tracer will pass through your urine and stool over the next 48 hours.

Do note that in some cases, your doctor, according to Healthline.com, may ask that you have the scan with cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone which causes your gallbladder to help empty and release the bile.  If your doctor ordered this, then you will be given it either via a medication you can take orally or it can be injected via the veins.

Results

You should be able to get the results the same day of your scan, according to WebMD.com.  If the results did show that everything was “normal,” then it means your gallbladder is working as it should and is of average shape and size.  It also means both your liver and small intestines are healthy as well.

If your scan comes back as an “abnormal” reading, then it could mean the test revealed one of the following:  either an infection, gallstones, bile duct blockage, a problem with the gallbladder functioning and/or an abnormal growth.  If this were the case, then your doctor will want to either repeat the scan again and/or run another type of imaging test to confirm the diagnosis.

Tips to know

Side effects, even though the scan is considered to be safe, can still occur.  Potential side effects can include an allergic reaction to the medication used, bruising at the site of the IV and/or exposure to small amounts of radiation.  The chemical you do receive during the scan is only considered to be radioactive for a few hours but will become harmless afterward.  Always talk with your doctor immediately with any uncomfortable side effects you may be experiencing.

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Hiatal Hernia Surgery Cost

A hiatal hernia is a condition wherein the stomach will extend up through the diaphragm and into the chest, often causing either severe acid reflux or GERD symptoms.  While these symptoms can often be remedied via medications, for some, surgery may be the only option.

The surgical process is designed to help pull your stomach back into the abdomen, making the opening in the diaphragm smaller, and depending on your circumstances, the surgery may also reconstruct the esophageal sphincter or remove the hernial sacs.

Not recommended for everyone, there’s a good chance your doctor will only recommend it as a last resort after you tried all other treatment options.

“CPMC Surgery” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by crucially

How much does hiatal hernia surgery cost?

The cost of hiatal hernia surgery greatly depends on your geographical location, the surgeon, your health insurance policy, the type of surgery performed and the inclusions in the bill.  For a surgery with no complications, the costs can often range from $4,000 to $8,500 without health insurance, but for those with health insurance, the procedure, as long as medically necessary, will be covered, leaving you responsible for only your co-pays and meeting your deductible.  This price, like any surgical procedure, could greatly increase if any complications were to occur during the surgery or for those who are considered obese as the procedure would take longer than average when in comparison to an average weight patient.

This fee mentioned, at most surgical centers, should include the surgery center fees, operating room time, all materials required for recovery and the anesthesiologist, but it often not include the pre-operative testing (blood work, x-rays, etc) and the follow-up appointments after.

Healthline.com, in its hiatal hernia surgery overview article, claimed the average surgery without complications in the United States should cost about $5,000 without any insurance.

According to the California Hernia Specialists, they state they work closely with uninsured patients and often bill a total of $3,985, which would include $1,500 for the surgeon fees, another $2,000 for the surgery center fees and lastly, $485 for the anesthesiologist fees.  The only other charges you may occur, as per the website, could include the pre-operative blood work, the EKG and the pain medications required after the procedure.

Hiatal hernia surgical process

The surgery can be performed via three popular methods:  via an open repair, laparoscopic repair or via an endoluminal fundoplication.  Regardless of which option, all require general anesthesia and can take anywhere from two to three hours to perform.

Endoluminal fundoplication:  The newest out of the three mentioned here, this is considered to be the least invasive option as no incisions are made; rather, the surgeon inserts an endoscope with a lighted camera at the end through your mouth and down into the esophagus in order to clip the point where the stomach meets the esophagus.  These clips are designed to then help prevent any acid and/or food from backing back into the stomach.

Laparoscopic repair:  Less invasive as an open surgery, the surgeon, during the procedure, will create three to five tiny incision in the abdomen in order to insert surgical instruments.  As inserted, these instruments are guided by a laparoscope, which is designed to transmit images of the internal organs onto a nearby monitor for your doctor to watch as he or she pulls your stomach back into the abdominal cavity where it naturally should be.  Next, they will then wrap the upper portion of the stomach around the lower part of the esophagus, designed to create a tighter sphincter to prevent reflux from reoccurring in the future.

Open repair:  The most invasive option on the list, an open repair surgical procedure requires one large incision across the abdomen in order to pull back the stomach and place it back into its natural position.  This, just like the laparoscopic repair, will create a tighter sphincter, but unlike the other procedures mentioned, a tube may need to be inserted for a few weeks after the procedure to keep the stomach in place as you heal.

Recovery

After your surgical procedure, your doctor will provide you with detailed notes, which, as a patient, you should follow exactly as instructed.  This includes reporting any unwanted side effects, taking all of your medication at the designated times and keeping your incisions clean with soap and water.  Your doctor will ask that you avoid pools of water and stick to a restricted diet, about six small meals a day instead of a few larger ones, to keep your stomach from extending.  Most start with a liquid-based diet and will gradually move onto softer foods until the entire recovery process is complete.

A full recovery process can take anywhere from eight to 12+ weeks as long as instructions are closely followed.  For most, be prepared to resume normal activities around the three-month anniversary date or lighter activities around the eight-week mark.

Complications after hiatal hernia surgery

Potential problems, as per the University of North Carolina Department of Surgery, could include minimal pain after the surgery, such as a sore abdomen and/or near the incision sites, but this often subsides a few days after and will disappear on its own.  In the meantime, patients are encouraged to take pain medication to help with the pain.

Another complication, according to the UNC, can include constipation, a difficult time swallowing, an infection near the operation site and/or a wound infection on the surface.

Tips to know

The Cleveland Clinic notes the surgery has a 90 percent success rate.

Causes of a hiatal hernia is often due to pressure in the abdominal cavity, which can come from vomiting, straining due to a bowel movement, heavy lifting and/or physical strain, to name a few.  It can also come from extra fluid in the abdomen, obesity or a pregnancy.

There are two types of hiatal hernias:  a sliding, which is the most common type that occurs when your stomach and esophagus slide into and out of the chest, and a fixed, which isn’t as common, and is when a part of your stomach pushes its way through the diaphragm and stays there.

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Flex Pipe Repair Cost

The exhaust flex pipe, an accordion-shaped pipe which is mounted on the motor, will protect your car’s exhaust system by giving it the extra flexibility it needs by handling any contractions, vibrations and/or contractions.

“Mototec Exhaust” (CC BY 2.0) by eurosporttuning

How much does an exhaust flex pipe repair cost?

The cost of an exhaust flex pipe repair, as with any car repair, will greatly depend on the car you drive, the mechanic you hire and your geographical location.  As we were able to find multiple quotes online, we found the average price seemed to be in the $115 to $275 range at a local muffler shop if you were to repair a section of it; however, if you were to replace the entire flex pipe, then the costs could range from $400 to more than $1,000 at a local car dealership if the pipe had a converter built in.

As for just the parts, without any professional labor, the costs can range from $15 to $35+, depending on the brand and the manufacturer.

To make it easier, we broke it down by car makes and models in the table below to offer an average as to what you may pay for your car.

What is a flex pipe?

The flex pipe is the bendable chunk of pipe which offers the exhaust system some flexibility, according to LousMuffler.com.  As a critical component of a front wheel drive vehicle and even on almost all all-wheel-drive vehicles, the part will protect your exhaust system from wreckage as you accelerate your car.  Without this extra flexibility that the part offers, then it could cause the exhaust system to crack, which will then leak and create a loud noise.

How do I know the part is bad?

Most of the time, it can be easy to tell when this part starts to go bad as in the early stages, you will start to hear a minor exhaust leak-like sound as you start up your vehicle and start to accelerate.  However, as long as the leak isn’t considered to be major, it will slowly go away as you drive, but for a larger-than-average leak, it will not go away and will be much louder, essentially letting you know there’s something wrong.  While almost all flex pipes will break from the interior of the pipe, it can sound like you do not have an exhaust at all.  If you hear any sounds coming from your exhaust, do not ignore it as it can cause major damage to your exhaust system in the future, increasing your repair bill even more.  This could include breaking away bolts, flanges or even destroying the exhaust manifold, another repair that can cost well into the hundreds of dollars.

Tips to know

All dealerships will want to replace the entire flex pipe as per their shop standards, but 99 percent of the time, this isn’t required.  To save hundreds of dollars, consider finding a local mom and pop muffler shop in your area to see if a portion of the flex pipe can be replaced to help you save money and keep your exhaust system in working order.  Most of the time, a simple weld and about 30 to 45 minutes of your time will lead to a functioning flex pipe.

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Camshaft Position Sensor Cost

The camshaft position sensor, located adjacent to the engine camshaft, helps relays information about the camshaft’s current position of the rotation while the car is running.  The sensor, essentially, will notify the car’s onboard computer (PCM) if one cylinder is close to reaching the top dead center of its compression stroke, and with this information, it can be used to then help control the ignition timing as well as the timing of the fuel injectors.

“Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Teresa Trimm

How much does a camshaft position sensor cost?

As with most car repairs, the costs of a camshaft position sensor will depend on the mechanic you choose, the car you drive and your geographical region.  Based on the many quotes we did find online, the costs seemed to range anywhere from $125 to $275+, with parts retailing for $20 to $115+, whereas labor would cost another $100 to $200 or so, again, depending on the factors mentioned prior.

This estimate is only for the camshaft position sensor part only and will not include any other additional repairs that commonly are required during this repair as well.  Damage done to the camshaft position sensor is often due to oil leaks, according to YourMechanic.com, which means you may need to budget for additional repairs, for example.

How does the part work?

Whenever the camshaft spins, the sensors interpret the camshaft position from a locked location alongside the shaft.  As long as the car is running, the information will be sent continuously to the car’s onboard computer to compare this data.  When these two signals eventually get to the computer, then a match is essential for the computer to determine there is no problem; however, if the crankshaft position is different from that of the position of the camshaft, then the computer will sense a mismatch and will document that an engine timing problem is happening and will adjust the settings to protect an engine failure.

Repair process

To confirm the camshaft position sensor is the faulty part and the cause of your car problems, a mechanic can usually diagnose the problem quite easily by connecting your car to a commercially graded scanner.  If the position of both the crankshaft and the camshaft are not as they should be when compared to the current engine position or if the reading is conflicting, then the actual part will be tested and replaced from there as necessary.  Also, common OBD codes, such as P0640, P0341, and P0342, can indicate a problem relies on the camshaft position sensor as well.

To repair, there are two positions where the camshaft position sensor part can be located, either inside of the timing cover, near the timing chain or near the valve cover of the engine.

Before the part is removed, the battery is first disconnected and the electrical connector connected to the camshaft position sensor will be removed.

Next, in the case of a part near the valve cover, the valve cover and timing cover may need to be removed in order to gain access to the part, but this will depend on your vehicle’s setup.  Once exposed, the holding fastener keeping the sensor in place will be removed and the mounting area, once the sensor is removed, will be cleaned.

The new sensor will then be installed in the same position and all parts, including the mount and electrical connectors, will be installed in reverse order.

As the last step, your mechanic will clear any of the PCM codes so the onboard computer can recalibrate itself, and he or she will then perform a test drive to ensure the problem resolved itself.

Symptoms of a bad camshaft position sensor

Check engine light:  If your car’s onboard computer senses a mismatch, then the check engine list will illuminate on your dashboard, and while this could be due to a myriad of problems, an OBD trouble code will confirm the part is, indeed, the problem at hand.  This isn’t always the case, however, as the mass air flow sensor and timing belt can sometimes trigger the code as well.

Engine problems:  You may start to notice that your engine will attempt to start, stall and/or even fail to start at times since some models are designed to prevent the car from starting as a safety precaution.  Aside from this, you may start to feel a loss of poor, poorer-than-average fuel mileage and/or a hesitant-like feeling as you accelerate.

Oil leaks:  As mentioned prior, one of the most common reasons a camshaft position sensor fails is often due to oil leaks.

Tips to know

For many new car models, the software needs to be updated anytime the sensor is replaced.

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Blend Door Actuator Repair Cost

The vehicle’s blend door actuator is responsible for controlling and directing the air temperature coming from the vents, and in order for the part to work, the heater blower motor will blow air through the heater core and then through the dash vents.  If heat isn’t desired, then the part will direct the airflow away from the heater core.

Like many parts in your car, this part is bound to fail eventually and is no exception.

“Glovebox” (CC BY 2.0) by zhul

Blend door actuator repair cost

The cost of repairing the blend door actuator, as with most car repairs, will depend on the mechanic you hire, your geographical region and the car you drive.  Most of the repair quotes we researched online ranged anywhere from $75 to $275 for both parts and labor.

As with most car repairs, most of the costs rely on the labor itself, with the part on its own only retailing for about $15 to $75+, all depending on the vehicle you drive.  As the job, most of the time, is a less than an hour job, most mechanics and dealerships will charge you the shop minimum rate, often hovering around $100 or so, all depending greatly on the geographical location.

Blend door actuator repair process

Before the blend door actuator is even considered as the faulty part, your mechanic will first want to determine it is, indeed, the part responsible for the problem.  In order to do so, your mechanic will examine each vent, as well as take a temperature reading of the air leaving the vent, to ensure the vents being examined are working as it should.  If, at this time, the vents are not displaying the proper temperature readings, then the part is often considered the problem as long as the control unit is confirmed to be in working order.  To confirm this, your mechanic will inspect the electrical wires to make sure the proper amount of power is being sent to the blend door actuator part.  In the case of a working control unit and the proper amount of power being sent to the Blend door actuator, but the part isn’t functioning as should, then the part can be confirmed the faulty part.

The first part involves removing the lower dash panel or glove box, depending on your vehicle’s setup.  Doing so will help expose the heater box with any controls that are connected to it, including the wiring.

Next, after the glovebox is removed, the door actuator will be located, which is often located below the glovebox or to the right, again, depending on the car’s setup, and will be removed by releasing the safety clip and the screws nearby.

Once the screws are loosened and removed and the safety clip is taken off, the part is then gently pulled off of the wiring connector and the part itself is removed by unscrewing the mounting screws holding it in place, often two or three.  At this time, the part will become loose and can be removed from the mount completely.

After being free, the mechanic will then install the new actuator and everything will be installed in reverse order.

When everything is re-installed, the mechanic will perform an engine test and turn the climate control on to make sure both the vents and the temperatures are as they should be.

Signs of a faulty blend door actuator

Noisy:  One of the main culprits of a faulty blend door actuator is often due to noise as the part is no longer able to “blend” the doors, but in some cases, it could be silent if the actuator motor fails 100 percent.

No heat or air conditioning: When the part fails, your heat or air conditioning will fail to function and/or the airflow will not change to a separate vent if specified.

Heater blowing cold air:  If your car heater is blowing nothing but cold air, no matter what setting you have set, this could as simple as replacing the actuator.

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Heater Core Replacement Cost

The car’s heater core, when examined up close, looks quite similar to the radiator.

Functioning the same way, the heater core is mounted beneath the dashboard and will provide the heat required for the blower motor in order to heat the interior of the car.

“Supra Heater Core Replacement” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by JAK SIE MASZ

Heater core replacement cost

The cost of a heater core replacement, like most vehicle repairs, will depend on the car you drive, the mechanic you use and your geographical region.  Based on these factors, the average cost of the repair can range anywhere from $475 to more than $1,350 for both labor and the parts.

Most of the costs rely upon the labor, but as for just the part, costs can range from $30 to more than $150, again, based on the factors mentioned prior such as the vehicle you drive and the branded part you buy.

Finding a variety of quotes online, we included our findings in the table below to help you budget for an estimate you may receive…

Replacing the heater core

First, to ensure that the heater core is, indeed, the problem, your mechanic will often first smell the inside of the cabin as well the carpet beneath the dashboard as this can often indicate if the heater core is having trouble heating your cabin due to the coolant leaking from the part.  If enough of this coolant is leaking, then it can either leak onto the car’s carpet, causing it to puddle, and/or just create a unique smell in general.  While this is usually the best way to determine the part is the problem, the mechanic can also visually inspect the part for any suspicions.

The heater core, most of the time, will be located behind the dashboard, often under the center of the passenger side and will have some sort of housing buried behind most of the dashboard’s components.  First, before removing, your mechanic will first disconnect the battery and will then remove the steering wheel and any outer doors from parts such as the kick panels, fuse box and speakers, to name a few.

Next, the radio, glove box and any other components, such as the gauges and controls, in the way of the heater core will also be removed.

Once all of these components are removed, it will then be time to remove the entire dashboard, while keeping the air conditioning intact to prevent Freon from leaking into the cabin.

Next, the two heater hoses are disconnected, followed by removing any air ducts and any remaining components from blocking the heater core.

At this time, the heater core area should then be readily accessible, and the mechanic will then be able to remove the heater core housing in order to gain access to the actual heater core part.

Finally, the heater core part will be removed, replaced and the entire process will be done in reverse order to get your car in working order once again.

From start to finish, the entire job, for even the most experienced professional, can take upwards of four to six hours to complete.

How does the heater core work?

Whenever the engine water pump is operating, it will circulate the engine coolant throughout the heater core, heating the core to the engine temperature.  When the desired temperature is reached, the blower motor will then blow air across this core, sending the heat from the engine into the interior of the vehicle.  On newer cars, however, the process works a bit differently as the blend door actuators will change the flow of air away from, or partially away from the cor to reduce the amount of heat allowed into the interior, according to RepairPal.com, whereas older cars will only rely on a single component known as a heater control valve, a part which is able to stop the flow of engine coolant from entering the heater core.

Signs of a faulty heater core

Odd smells:  An odd smell said to be similar to that of a “melon” smell, may come from the vents while the heater is on, often due to the engine coolant entering the cabin of the vehicle.

Lackluster heat:  The heater, even if at its maximum setting, may only blow lukewarm air, which often means the engine is either overheating, the head gasket has failed and/or the heater core is clogged.

Steam or fog:  Steam or fog, in some cases, could emit from the vents when you turn on the heat and will fog up the windows, making it hard to see.

Coolant leaks inside:  Take a close look at the floor mats and the carpet beneath your dashboard to see if coolant is leaking and pooling up on the carpet, often the number one sign your heater core is faulty.  Aside from the leaks, you may find your vehicle will need coolant much more than it normally should.

Tips to know

A faulty heater core is often due to poor engine maintenance and as the part erodes, it can lead to most failures since the corrosion seen inside of the part can be the culprit of most of the problems.  For most car owners, however, the part usually lasts the lifetime of the vehicle as long as the car is kept up on its maintenance schedule, especially coolant flushes.

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How Much Does a Heated Driveway Cost?

Shoveling snow can be a chore for just about anyone, regardless of their age, and while some people may enjoy it for the first few days, it starts to become mundane for most.

A heated driveway, a premium option to help melt the snow and ice so you do not have to shovel or hire a professional snow plow service, allows you to sit in the warmth of your home as the heat does all of the work.

Quite costly, most homeowners will not find they will recoup the costs in the future; rather, most do it for the benefits it offers.

“snow” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by tsuda

How much does a heated driveway cost?

The cost of a heated driveway will depend on a variety of factors, including the contractor you want to hire, your geographical location, the type of heating system you want (we talk about this below), the type of driveway you currently have, the size of your driveway, the distance to your utility hookup and the scope of the entire job.  For homeowners who already have a driveway installed, a system could cost anywhere from $15 to $25 per square foot for an electric system, with an additional $1,500 to $3,000+ needed to be budgeted for in order to remove your existing driveway to install the system.   However, if you want to retrofit your current driveway without tearing it apart, some contractors can make a series of saw cuts and can add the electric wires inside of these cuts for about $7 to $10 per square foot, depending on the size of your job and the scope of the project.

For new driveways, however, you could bypass the removal charges, and plan for the $15 to $25 per square foot range.

As for a hydronic system, which uses a series of pipes to move hot water, the costs can often be as much as 20 to 30 percent more as this type of system will often require the installation of a new boiler or water heater to ensure the system works properly.

As you can see, there are many factors often involved in offering an estimate, and for that reason, we highly recommend you consider the free quote comparison service, HomeAdvisor.com.  This free tool allows you to explain your job, and with this information, licensed contractors in your area will contact you with a quote for free, with no credit card required.  It’s a great way to save time and gather as many estimates as you can without even picking up the phone.

One contractor on Thumbtack.com was interviewed and he claimed he would charge $20 per square foot to install a new heated driveway, about $14 per square foot more than a standard concrete driveway install.

With a new heated driveway costing well into the five figures, a more budget-friendly way, heating mats, can be installed in the high trafficked places of your driveway and will cost about $500 to $1,500 each.  Smaller sidewalk heating mats on Amazon.com, for example, can cost as little as $150 per section.  Heattrak.com also has a variety of options to choose from that cost less than $2,500, depending on the size.

Extra costs to think about

Automated thermostat:  Like a home, you can either manually control your heated driveway with a simple on or off switch, or you can leave it up to an automated system.  If you wanted to set it and forget it, then a programmable thermostat, designed to be used during the winter months when a certain temperature is met via sensors, could cost about $200 to $500 more than a manual system.

Custom designs:  This can be said for any driveway install, but if you wanted any design elements as the new driveway was being installed, such as decorative borders or patterns, then it could increase the costs by more than $1 to $3+ per square foot.

Drainage:  Driveways on a slope often need adequate drainage to ensure the water runs off properly when melted.  If the drainage is deemed too poor, then you may need to hire another contractor to dig a trench and/or install a new drainage system to ensure your new driveway doesn’t start to deteriorate faster than it should.

Electricity:  Of course, it will not be free to run in order to operate, and depending on the controls, your electric rates and the options selected for your driveway, it can cost, on average, about $1.60 per hour, according to WarmlyYours.com to heat the entire driveway.  Some contractors also recommend budgeting about $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot to operate each year.

How does a heated driveway work?

The basic concept involves keeping the concrete warm enough to keep the snow melting as it falls to the surface, and there are two common options available:  electric radiant heat and a series of tubes and pipes, commonly referred to as a hydronic system.  Radiant heat, which uses an electric current, will be similar to that of a heated indoor floor and will generate heat across a mat that is installed under the driveway when being installed when activated.  A series of tubes and pipes, on the other hand, will move hot water, often heated by an outdoor boiler, instead of an electric current to help keep the driveway surface warm.  Heated water is pumped through the system and is then mixed with an anti-freeze to prevent this water from freezing, and as the water leaves your driveway, a drain will catch the run-off, taking it away from the driveway area.

Tips to know

Tim Carter at AsktheBuilder.com notes that if an electric cable breaks or a pipe ruptures, it can be nearly impossible to fix them.

Not all types of driveways can be suitable for a heated driveway, according to TheSpruce.com.  For example, concrete and asphalt driveways are suitable for the install, while others are not, so before considering the retrofitting option, just make sure it’s doable.

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How Much Does Epclusa Cost?

Epclusa, manufactured by Gilead, is an antiviral medicine often used in conjunction with other medicines to help treat hepatitis C, and the time of this publishing, it’s only available as a brand name prescription; however, according to Gilead, a generic version is readily available in more than 101 developing countries.

How much does Epclusa cost?

The cost of Epclusa, like any prescription at your local pharmacy, will depend on the quantity, pharmacy and the health insurance policy you currently carry.  Based on these factors and from the calls we made to local pharmacies, such as Costco, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS, the costs averaged about $25,000 for one bottle of 400mg/100mg without any health insurance coverage, with the average 12-week regimen costing about $75,000 or roughly $890 per tablet.

As for health insurance, it appeared most health insurance policies, including all Medicare policies, would not cover the drug, but it doesn’t mean your policy will not nor are there other ways to save aside from using your health insurance, which we will get into this via our next subheading.

How to save on Epclusa

Official Epclusa co-pay card:  The official manufacturer of the drug, Gilead, offers an assistance program called My Support Path, a program which can help you receive your medication at no cost as long as you meet the program requirements such as having a limited income and limited/no insurance.  To see if you qualify for the program, follow this link to see if you can receive help for your next prescription.

Additional assistance programs:  Whether you do not qualify for the manufacturer assistance program or want to search for help elsewhere, effectively increasing your odds of lowering your prescription costs, there are other programs willing to help you pay for the costs as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.  Just like the manufacturer co-pay program, other requirements may be a factor such as having a specific diagnosis or health insurance policy, for example.  Some popular assistance programs to check out include the Good Days Patient Assistance Program, which according to its website, can help with this program as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

Epclusa overview

Epclusa is a combination medication, 400 milligrams of sofosbuvir and 100 milligrams of velpatasvir, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and is effective against hepatitis c genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.  Sofosbuvir is considered to be a prodrug which is converted to a nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor and is a direct-acting antiviral agent, which means it will help block the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus.  Sofosbuvir can also help interfere with the HCV enzyme called NS5B.  Velpatasvir, an inhibitor of HCV NS5A enzyme, will be required for the viral replications.  This new pan-genotypic HCV NS5A inhibitor blocks the earliest stages of assembly.  Both of these drugs, effectively, are required to interfere with the enzymes needed by HCV in order to multiply and create the new viruses, according to RXeconsult.com.

The recommended dosage for most patients will be one tablet per day, either with or without food, but as with any medication, your results may vary.  Most patients will continue to take the medication for 12 weeks.

Epclusa side effects

While not a complete list, reported side effects included headaches, fatigue, nausea, reduced heart rate, weakness, insomnia, anemia, diarrhea, rash and/or depression-like feelings.  As with any prescription drug, always talk with your doctor immediately with concerns you may have.  For a full list, you can refer to this FDA documentation.

Tips to know

According to GoodRX.com, Epclusa was the first medication to be approved to treat all six genotypes of Hepatitis C with only one tablet, making it also the first tablet for genotypes 2 and 3 without the need of ribavirin.  Those who benefit the most will be patients with genotypes 2 or 3, roughly 20 to 25 percent of Americans, according to the article.

The drug was approved by the FDA on June 28th, 2016.

HepMag.com noted two generic versions of this medication is available, Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir and the reported costs are said to be about $2,000.

Cure rates for patients without cirrhosis with compensated cirrhosis after 12 weeks of treatment ranged from 97 to 100 percent for those with HCV 1,2,4,5 or 6 infection, where patients with decompensated cirrhosis saw cure rates of 94 percent after 12 weeks of treatment.

This is Gilead’s third Sofosbuvir-based regimen.

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How Much Does Harvoni Cost?

Harvoni, manufactured by Gilead Sciences, is two antiviral medicines in one tablet, used to treat hepatitis C but will not work on other viral infections such as the cold or flu.

How much does Harvoni cost?

The costs of Harvoni, only available as a brand name prescription at the time of this publishing, will depend on your health insurance coverage, the quantity and the pharmacy you choose.  From the research we gathered, the costs of Harvoni, based on these factors, could range anywhere from as little as $16,000 for 14 tablets to as much as $62,000 for 56 tablets without any health insurance coverage.

As for health insurance coverage, the results seemed mixed, with only a select few policies, including up to 77% of Medicare Advantage plans and Part D, covering the prescription.  According to this GoodRX.com study, Express Scripts and Caremark, companies which handle pharmacy benefits for more than 200 million Americans, decided to drop this medication in 2016, but it doesn’t mean your health insurance policy will cover it and/or there are other ways to save on this medication aside from your health insurance policy.  To know for certain if your policy will cover this drug, either contact your health insurance company directly or search your health insurance company’s drug directory online to see your restrictions and if you’re covered.  Even with insurance, co-pays were reported to be in the $6,700 to $27,000 range.

The Pharmacy Times noted the dug could cost close to $94,500 for a 12-week regimen, making it one of the most expensive hepatitis C treatment options.

How to save on Harvoni

The official manufacturer coupon:  The official manufacturer of the drug, Gilead, offers a Harvoni Co-Pay Coupon, a coupon which allows you to pay as little as $5 per fill, with a savings of 25% off the catalog price as long as you meet the restrictions, which according to the restrictions, you can not be part of a government health care prescription program, such as Medicare, nor can you apply if your commercial insurance plan reimburses you the entire cost.  To learn more, follow the official link and fill out the questionnaire to see if you qualify for the co-pay coupon to help you save.

Patient assistance program:  Aside from the co-pay coupon, Gilead also offers the patient assistance program, My Support Path, a program which can help you receive your medication at no cost as long as you do not have insurance and a limited income.  To qualify, you will need to prove your household income and you will need a valid prescription from your doctor, and to apply, the company asks that you either ask your doctor to help you fill out an application or you can do so via the official website.

Hepatitis C Fund:  Aside from the official patient assistance program mentioned prior, many non-profits exist, such as the Hepatitis C Fund, that can help pay for your medication as long as you qualify.  These programs, similar to the rest, will often need a proof of household income and a valid prescription in order to qualify.  To see if you qualify for the Hepatitis C Fund, follow this link to find out more information.

Even more patient assistance programs:  Aside from the typical federal and state assistance programs, there are plenty of non-profit organizations out there that want to help you with specific medications, including Harvoni.  The Good Days Patient Assistance Program and PAN Foundation, for example, both offer assistance for this particular drug for patients who meet qualification requirements.  For the Good Days Patient Assistance Program, for instance, patients will have to have insurance, a valid prescription and must be diagnosed for a specific disease to qualify, whereas the PAN Foundation asks for the same requirements as well but may offer different financial assistance in the long run.  If you think you qualify, be sure to fill out as many of these forms as possible to see if you can receive financial assistance.

Additional resources:  This LifeBeyondHepatitisC.com article does a great job showing you the multiple resources, aside from the ones mentioned above, that you can take advantage of to help you save on your next prescription.

Harvoni overview

Harvoni will be taken with a full glass of water, either with or without food, according to the medication guide.  Always follow the directions as per the prescription label and always follow your doctor’s orders, never taking more, less or even stopping without your doctor’s consent.  For most, it will be taken as a single pill, once daily for up to 24 weeks total, however, some may be considered for eight to 12 weeks of treatment depending on their circumstances such as past treatments, your viral genotype and past medical history.

How does Harvoni work?

Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver which is caused by a virus known to have six different strains, also referred to as genotypes.  Harvoni, a direct-acting antiviral (DAA), are a group of medications which were designed to help block the ability of this virus to make copies of itself.  A combination of two DAAs, one being sofosbuvir, a nucleotide polymerase inhibitor, and the other, ledipasvir, sofosbuvir will interfere with the virus genetic material, stopping production, while ledipasvir will additionally interfere with the protein required to complete the Hep C virus life cycle in the level cell.  While the drug can help cure the disease, a person can get infected again.

Harvoni side effects

Side effects reported, although it is not a full list, includes feeling ill in general, light-colored stools, unusual weaknesses, yellowing of the eyes/skin, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, feeling tired and/or trouble sleeping.  As with any prescription medication, if you feel any of these side effects, contact your doctor for medical help immediately.  For a full list of side effects, refer to this FDA guide.

Tips to know

The cure rate ranges anywhere from 94 to 99 percent, according to HepMag.com.

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