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Post by drlj on Dec 26, 2023 6:56:45 GMT -5
We hit the sack early last night so the downside is being up early this morning. Another dreary day on tap. Oh well. We will take what we can get. Have fun.
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Post by Cornflake on Dec 26, 2023 7:47:11 GMT -5
Good morning. It's going to feel like a Monday all day long.
The coolest gift I got yesterday was an annual pass to the county parks and trails, thanks to elder daughter and her husband. It came with a chart showing how long and how difficult the trails are. There are quite a few that are fairly easy and that I haven't already hiked. I'm feeling inspired.
We'll have 40s-60s pretty much all week. That's about normal.
Enjoy your day.
Wordle 920 4/6*
⬜🟩⬜⬜🟩 ⬜🟩⬜⬜🟩 ⬜🟩🟩⬜🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
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Post by howard lee on Dec 26, 2023 7:49:43 GMT -5
Happy belated birth anniversary to Humphrey Bogart, born December 25, 1899. The coolest guy in Hollywood for decades.
Quite gloomy and gray in New York today. A day of online research planned, and other sundry tasks.
Don't go to Casablanca for the waters.
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Tamarack
Administrator
Ancient Citizen
Posts: 9,380
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Post by Tamarack on Dec 26, 2023 8:36:05 GMT -5
Foggier than yesterday.
Desk work this morning. Gotta orient myself to my new Medicare Part B policy, print out some receipts, update calendars, etc. Since retiring, I have to force myself to sit at a desk and tend to insurance, banking, etc. Might take a break and see if an aging boomer can set up Bluetooth headphones received from my generous kidz.
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Post by kenlarsson on Dec 26, 2023 8:47:28 GMT -5
Good morning. Cool and cloudy here in Spring Hill. Gonna spend the day watching English football, playing guitars and being lazy. Have a great day everyone. I've never been able to figure out what boxing has to do with Christmas.........
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Post by Marshall on Dec 26, 2023 9:01:48 GMT -5
Wow. What a holiday stretch. I'm physically and emotionally worn out. Did church (sang a solo) and Christmas Eve family gathering on Sunday. 18 people at our house. Fun but exhausting. (Tequila was partaken). Christmas day went to a luncheon at the home with my 98 year old mom and a cousin whom I hardly ever see. Nice. Then went to a hospital to spend a few hours with a good friend and her family. She's going into hospice, and doesn't have much time left. Very emotional afternoon. This friend has always been encouraging of my music, so I brought a guitar to the hospital and played a song of her request. REALLY hard to keep it together while I played the song for her. She wants me to play it at her funeral.
**sigh** Emotional and bitter sweet couple of days.
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Post by howard lee on Dec 26, 2023 9:17:28 GMT -5
Foggier than yesterday. Desk work this morning. Gotta orient myself to my new Medicare Part B policy, print out some receipts, update calendars, etc. Since retiring, I have to force myself to sit at a desk and tend to insurance, banking, etc. Might take a break and see if an aging boomer can set up Bluetooth headphones received from my generous kidz.
In the same boat here, planning to — you know — this spring. (Ssshhh. Don't tell anyone yet.) This whole Medicare Part This and Part That business is confusing, to say the least. And then figuring out the best private insurance company to go with for prescriptions, dental, and vision coverage? None of them seem as comprehensive as my employer-provided plan. I took this week off partly to delve deeply into this research, which would be impossible to do from the office. Tomorrow, once I get all my ducks in a row, I am going to call the State health Insurance Assistance Program help line (SHIP) with my list of questions. I think I am almost there, but like you, Don, I have to exert a great deal of willpower to sit down and do this.
However, it IS necessary, innit? Unless you're a billionaire and can afford to pay for everything out of pocket. I don't know anyone in that enviable position.
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Post by Cornflake on Dec 26, 2023 9:27:08 GMT -5
"In the same boat here, planning to — you know — this spring. (Ssshhh. Don't tell anyone yet.)"
You're going to have a baby?
I never figured that stuff out. Our financial advisors referred us to an insurance guy who specializes in such things. We followed his advice. I think everyone will tell you that you need a Medicare supplement.
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Post by dradtke on Dec 26, 2023 9:47:09 GMT -5
My recommendation is traditional Part B and a supplement like AARP. After that, most dentists and eye doctors will give you a senior discount.
All the Part C Advantage plans aren't really Medicare even if they use the name. They're re-packaged HMOs with lots of restrictions. You need to use in-network doctors, and get pre-approvals. They include dental and glasses at a discount. And they look for ways to deny coverage.
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Post by Marty on Dec 26, 2023 9:52:05 GMT -5
Good morning.
31F-50F cloudy.
Christmas is not over for us yet as we haven't had it, at least not the full family part yet. Presents will be opened tomorrow if Kaiah and Zaria still both test negative. We will also do a large meal prepared here by the girls, my poor kitchen.
We had a wonderful ribeye dinner last night followed by movies. I imbibed in some eggnog & rum and my blood sugar level is showing it today. I may have to let the rest of the eggnog go to waste as none of the girls like it.
Shop time.
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Post by Hobson on Dec 26, 2023 9:53:24 GMT -5
Yes, Medicare Advantage plans are not the greatest. Many doctors, including some of mine, aren't in any of the networks. Also, medical and dental plans are horribly expensive unless you can get into some type of group plan, then just expensive. After the flurry of activity surrounding Christmas, I'm looking at a calendar with nothing on it until NYE. Many things to get done, but no specific times.
I got a Kindle that will need to get registered and loaded with a few books today. I gave Mr. H a vegetable chopper that's more complicated than I thought. He had to watch the video a couple of times.
Yesterday a memory popped up on FB. It was my virtual choir from 3 years ago. I had almost managed to block out what that time was like. The bell choir was in the sanctuary social distancing and wearing masks. The pianist was there wearing a mask. The soloists were spaced far apart. The choir phoned it in. Or rather posted it to Google Drive and somebody pieced us all together.
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Post by Cosmic Wonder on Dec 26, 2023 9:53:57 GMT -5
Morning all. Happy day after Xmas. Medicare. I don’t know why it has to be so complicated.
Anyway, had a really nice late lunch with the kids yesterday, really enjoy their company. The roast came out great, perfectly medium rare (thanks to sous vide and a reverse sear) and my au jus for dipping our sammies in got rave reviews. We will extend the Xmas season by heading over to our Son-in-laws Moms place this afternoon for appetizers and games.
That’s about it from here.
Mike Wordle 920 3/6
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟩 ⬜🟩⬜🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
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Post by drlj on Dec 26, 2023 10:19:43 GMT -5
We have a Medicare Advantage plan through the Indiana State Retired Teachers’ Assoc. Never had a problem choosing a doctor in IN or IL, no co-pay, most prescriptions are free, dental and vision coverage is good, and, so far anyway, never had to pay anything out of pocket over and beyond what insurance paid. That includes treatment from cardiologists, orthopedic specialists, x-rays, MRIs, etc. We have had blood tests and other such things done in FL with no problems or co-pays. It’s a huge group plan so that may help. One thing to keep in mind no matter what you choose is if you travel out of the country for vacation, Medicare doesn’t cover anything. You have to buy a separate policy from somewhere. We know 2 people who were hospitalized in foreign countries and had to pay huge bills before they were allowed to fly home. One was in Tripoli and one in Portugal. The one who was in Portugal has many stories about how she was treated at the hospital until money was wired to cover the cost. And, you have to insure other family members who are not eligible for Medicare. I have known a few people who actually thought their Medicare would cover family members.
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Post by Rob Hanesworth on Dec 26, 2023 10:35:10 GMT -5
Nancy and I both have AARP Medicare Advantage. It has served us well. I think geography enters into it.
I pay 0 monthly, 0 for primary care visits, 35 for specialists. All of my providers seem excellent. If you are at all familiar with the body I present them with you know they are miracle workers.
Drug coverage is good. Vision pays 260 for glasses. Dental pays 1500/year.
I have not been denied and don't need referrals.
Do choose well the first time. Because after that, barring some extraordinary event, you will let it roll over every year instead of repeat the research.
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Tamarack
Administrator
Ancient Citizen
Posts: 9,380
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Post by Tamarack on Dec 26, 2023 10:36:37 GMT -5
In dealing with Medicare, I have the advantage of an intimate relationship with my caseworker. As part of her job, Dawn is a certified Medicare/Medicaid counselor. I took her advice when signing up for Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and in the most recent switch. Switched to a plan that is more cost-effective and is aligned with a health care chain aligned with my primary care doc. Still gotta look at the paperwork.
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Post by PaulKay on Dec 26, 2023 10:38:16 GMT -5
I went with the medi-gap route with monthly premiums. I can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. I felt that flexibility was worth the cost.
Today I go in for my annual checkup. Wordle 920 3/6
⬛🟨⬛🟨⬛ ⬛🟩🟩⬛🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
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Post by howard lee on Dec 26, 2023 10:44:28 GMT -5
We have a Medicare Advantage plan through the Indiana State Retired Teachers’ Assoc. Never had a problem choosing a doctor in IN or IL, no co-pay, most prescriptions are free, dental and vision coverage is good, and, so far anyway, never had to pay anything out of pocket over and beyond what insurance paid. That includes treatment from cardiologists, orthopedic specialists, x-rays, MRIs, etc. We have had blood tests and other such things done in FL with no problems or co-pays. It’s a huge group plan so that may help. One thing to keep in mind no matter what you choose is if you travel out of the country for vacation, Medicare doesn’t cover anything. You have to buy a separate policy from somewhere. We know 2 people who were hospitalized in foreign countries and had to pay huge bills before they were allowed to fly home. One was in Tripoli and one in Portugal. And, you have to insure other family members who are not eligible for Medicare. I have known a few people who actually thought their Medicare would cover family members.
I think retired teachers (like my MIL and FIL, and my late mother) have an edge in these kind of plans. I am not a teacher, so I think my situation is different. I am thinking the best thing for me would be Medicare Part B, and a supplemental plan for medication, dental, vision. AARP offerings will be investigated. Most of the people I know who have gone through this do not recommend an Advantage plan for my particular situation. My dental health is a genetic train wreck, so I could use the insurance.
There's an organization called MedigapSeminars.org that provides expert guidance in choosing supplemental plans, free of charge—the private insurance companies this org represents pays it. A rep there can custom tailor a plan that suits each individual's situation. I am going to get in touch with them once I sign up for Part B.
Thanks for your input, everyone!
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Post by drlj on Dec 26, 2023 10:54:47 GMT -5
Every area of the country is different and, unless you are eligible for a group plan, you have to find someone you can trust as an advisor and pick the best of what is available. You definitely need supplemental insurance and prescription coverage. AARP & many others offer dental and vision plans. You will also need to look at health insurance coverage for Vivian until she can go on her own Medicare plan and for Hope. Fun times!
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Post by howard lee on Dec 26, 2023 10:58:01 GMT -5
Every area of the country is different and, unless you are eligible for a group plan, you have to find someone you can trust as an advisor and pick the best of what is available. You definitely need supplemental insurance and prescription coverage. AARP & many others offer dental and vision plans. You will also need to look at health insurance coverage for Vivian until she can go on her own Medicare plan and for Hope. Fun times!
Painfully aware of this factor.
And yes, will be getting supplemental coverage, including dental and most likely vision.
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Post by epaul on Dec 26, 2023 11:08:13 GMT -5
My plan has been to have a young wife who has excellent coverage through work. It's a great plan. I probably won't need to worry about anything Medicare until I'm 76 or so. (I'm signed into Medicare but it has been placed into "no cost/no use" dormancy until I want to fire it up).
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