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Post by epaul on Dec 26, 2023 11:10:15 GMT -5
Ick. Freezing rain with slick roads and walkways. Hope I don't break a hip on the way to knee therapy.
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Post by drlj on Dec 26, 2023 11:33:39 GMT -5
Once you go on Medicare you go from private room with a view to open space in the hallway. Doctors no longer feel the need to wash their hands and nurses say things like “…what did you expect? YOU’RE OLD!”
The person who empties your trash also puts in your IV.
The doctor charges $1,675 for a procedure and Medicare approves $300 and pays $72.50, so they figure if you get a little sepsis, big deal. When you see how little Medicare actually pays, you’ll understand why doctors hate it and you because you have it.
You also get the rejected menu items like chicken liver flambé on white bread. It actually isn’t bad.
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Post by coachdoc on Dec 26, 2023 11:36:55 GMT -5
We have a no cost advisor who we found through Maureen’s co workers at the hospital. The first two years we used her she steered us to fairly generic BC/BS products. This year a company I have never heard of before. We’ll see how it goes.
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Post by kenlarsson on Dec 26, 2023 11:41:04 GMT -5
Retired Navy. Over the years I've come to appreciate that my retired medical benefits are at least as important as my retirement check. Medicare copays are covered by Tricare for Life, Tricare provides prescription coverage as well. I signed up for the military retirement plan with Delta Dental. Like all dental insurance it's not great but my dental office tells me it's about as good as it gets for dental insurance. The only thing not covered is eyeglasses but since I have Type II diabetes, I get an eye exam every year under Medicare.
So, we're good except for the harassment from insurance providers trying to sell us plans we don't need. I once had a guy continually calling me on the phone until I blocked his number. Then the idiot showed up at my front door and when I told him to get off my property, he called me an asshole as he was leaving. Nice, made my day........
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Post by Rob Hanesworth on Dec 26, 2023 11:47:38 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!
It's good to get pro advice. What you get from friends is largely "Here's what I did, so it must be right." |
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Post by majorminor on Dec 26, 2023 11:48:51 GMT -5
Jeez. Geezerhood on full display here this fine morning  |
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Post by John B on Dec 26, 2023 11:50:23 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.
Which may be a reason for me to continue working until Erin qualifies for Medicare. The perils of landing a much younger, beautiful bride, as I am sure you will relate. By the way, Howard, if your current plan is a high deductible one and you have an HSA, keep in mind Medicare is 6 months retroactive. You will need to stop contributing to the HSA at least 6 months before you go on Medicare or plan on pulling those contributions out before year-end, or you could get whacked for a penalty for contributing when you weren't qualified to do so, through absolutely no fault of your own. This applies to anyone who is on an employer plan even when Medicare-qualified (i.e., over 65) who then switches to Medicare. |
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Post by John B on Dec 26, 2023 11:51:39 GMT -5
Jeez. Geezerhood on full display here this fine morning Yes, who are all these old farts? |
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Post by RickW on Dec 26, 2023 12:01:10 GMT -5
I gotta say, if there’s two things that make me glad to be a Canuck, it’s simpler medical care planning, and simpler taxes. You folks are all nuts.  I managed to come through a few days of over indulging feeling pretty good. Taking our eldest to the airport today, she’s heading to Japan for a few weeks with a friend. Our youngest will head back to her apartment. MIddle daughter is back at work, so it’ll be very quiet. I have books to read, guitars to play. It’s all very good. |
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Post by t-bob on Dec 26, 2023 12:03:20 GMT -5
Good morning. 😃
By Wiki -
Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide (26 December).Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to people in need, today Boxing Day forms part of Christmas celebrations, with many people choosing to take advantage of Boxing Day sales. It originated in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in several Commonwealth nations. The attached bank holiday or public holiday may take place on 28 December if necessary to ensure it falls on a weekday. Boxing Day is also concurrent with the Christian festival 'Saint Stephen's Day.'
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Post by dradtke on Dec 26, 2023 12:05:02 GMT -5
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Post by howard lee on Dec 26, 2023 12:07:38 GMT -5
Painfully aware of this factor.
And yes, will be getting supplemental coverage, including dental and most likely vision.
Which may be a reason for me to continue working until Erin qualifies for Medicare. The perils of landing a much younger, beautiful bride, as I am sure you will relate. By the way, Howard, if your current plan is a high deductible one and you have an HSA, keep in mind Medicare is 6 months retroactive. You will need to stop contributing to the HSA at least 6 months before you go on Medicare or plan on pulling those contributions out before year-end, or you could get whacked for a penalty for contributing when you weren't qualified to do so, through absolutely no fault of your own. This applies to anyone who is on an employer plan even when Medicare-qualified (i.e., over 65) who then switches to Medicare.
Thanks, John. No HSA here, and I don't think I can stand being at that company for another six years (when Vivian would reach full retirement age). 17 years of that insanity is enough. I have had a steady job since I was 18. That's just about going on 52 years. Cops and firefighters can retire after 20, and teachers after, uh, 25? Enough is too much.
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Post by dradtke on Dec 26, 2023 12:11:47 GMT -5
I kept working for a year or so after I was eligible to retire in order to keep Melva on my company plan.
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Post by howard lee on Dec 26, 2023 12:16:00 GMT -5
I kept working for a year or so after I was eligible to retire in order to keep Melva on my company plan.
I'll be turning 70 in March.
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Post by paleo on Dec 26, 2023 12:27:25 GMT -5
I returned home this morning after a very wet Christmas in Wisconsin. I actually saw a few snowflakes driving home, very few and very small.
Christmas was great, last night we had a family movie night, seeing "Boys In The Boat" at one of those fancy theaters with recliner seats. Everyone agreed it was a good movie.
Family breakfast, early this morning at the Koffee Kup, so oldest grandson could make it to work by 7:30.
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Post by John B on Dec 26, 2023 12:47:16 GMT -5
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