At a meeting of the Royal Order of the Door to Good Fellowship finance committee, Sam addresses his lodge brothers about their new health insurance plan. It will only increase dues $8 a month with doctor/hospital bills paid by the lodge. All members feel more secure now and adjourn in a jovial mood. Howard, the lodge treasurer, soon informs Sam that he has been advised by his doctor to have an operation to correct his deviated septum and consents since the lodge will pay the expense. Elmo (Vince Barnett) takes issue with the timing and riles up the other members who feel Howard schemed the insurance plan for it. Goober and Emmett angrily confront Howard as "a crook". Sam drives Howard the Siler City hospital and Goober and Emmett go as well to keep an eye on things. While talking to his hospital roommate (John Harmon) about appendicitis symptoms, Howard comically believes he is having such issues. It causes Howard to stay an additional stay, to the chagrin of Goober and Emmett. Dr. Wilson (familiar character actor Frank Wilcox) examines Howard to find that the symptoms appear psychosomatic only, but orders lab tests to be conclusive. The lodge meets to question Sam on the state of the health fund, which they learn is heavily depleted. Goober suggests if Howard doesn't have appendicitis the lodge shouldn't pay for the additional day. Friction intensifies.