When I got home, there was a letter from the Federal govt in my mailbox. I thought "Uh-oh, Trump has declared another war and I've been drafted." Fortunately I was wrong and it was from Medicare.
I got my Medicare card, which means I've reached the government's benchmark for being classified a senior citizen, effective October 1.
To be honest, I'm going to miss my ACA health insurance; not only are my premiums $45.00 cheaper a month than Medicare, I think I have better coverage too.
Now I have to figure out if I want a Medicare Advantage plan. It looks like I don't really have a choice. Medigap coverage (keeping traditional Medicare and getting a supplement to cover the 20% Medicare doesn't pay) is outrageously expensive.
Are you on Medicare Advantage? Do you like your plan?
At least I have insurance. I've been getting pre-insurance "DO NOT PAY" medical bills for my 2 recent surgeries and 8 day hospital stay and home rehab visits, we are talking tens of thousands of dollars. The gall bladder surgery alone was $22,700 and my ambulance was $1662.00 before insurance kicked in. My final bill for that ride is $85.93. Whew!
On another positive note, I went 4 days in a row with reduced long covid symptoms.
I hope I'm not jinxing things by speaking up too soon, but 4 consecutive mornings of relative calm? I can't help but feel hopeful.
Still debating whether I should attempt this "nicotine patch" therapy. I think I'll wait a couple more days and see.
Finally, this isn't important in the slightest but it's still a milestone. This is my 800th post.
Back in 2006 when my friend Ross suggested I start a blog (we belonged to an online message forum and I enjoyed sharing stories about coworkers, weekend cooking, etc) I said I'd give it a try but probably wouldn't write more than a dozen posts total. Who'd want to read about my humdrum life anyway?
Well, to the few out there that do it's been a great motivator. Thanks everybody. 😏
Doug, four days with reduced LTC?? That’s wonderful! You are looking much better. I think Chuck pays a $600.00 a year premium for our health care. We are just so accustomed to walking into a hospital/doctor’s office and flashing our health card knowing mostly everything is covered. When Chuck had a cortisone shot in his shoulder a couple months ago we had to pay for that but it was under $100.00. Congratulations on 800 posts! Wishing you more good days Doug!❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks Robin! I am still feeling hopeful, this is just a small setback. As for the Medicare and health insurance stuff... $600 for 2 people for an entire year is just incredible. That's because Canada cares about it's citizens. Our own system... well, you know. But anyway, thank you my friend! ❤️
DeleteEight hundred posts is an amazing milestone Doug and you should be proud! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCamille, you're very kind--thank you!! :^)
Delete800 posts? Damn! I've got a lot of posts to catch up on.... glad you're feeling better and lookin' good. Kris in Ohio
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris, you always say nice things :^)
DeleteI hope you are on the road to recovery, great start.
ReplyDeleteFWIW, as a fellow Pittsburgher I finally concluded that UPMC Med Advantage is the only way to go. First, all of the doctors I have. been seeing for years, prior to UPMC owning everything, are in that plan. You should check your doctors before deciding. I did go rogue for a year, using Highmark's plan by choosing a PPO, allowing me to go out of Highmark for care, just ended up being a hassle. As I said, ALL of my doctors are now affiliated with UPMC. And they own most of the hospitals, too. So while I consider them the devil (because I preferred it before one entity pretending to be a nonprofit owns literally everything), I feel like it is the only reasonable option. And they do provide good care and easy to use insurance. I am rarely out of pocket for much of anything. I think I paid $50 for my cataract surgery.
Nina
Nina, thank you thank you thank you. This is exactly what I was hoping to hear from someone, very much appreciated!! I currently have UPMC insurance but was debating going with Highmark or Allegheny Health Network. But the less hassle the better. :^)
DeleteThe US health system is so different to the UKs -
ReplyDeleteso I can’t gone any suggestions BUT ( please excuse my ignorance) if you are happy with your current coverage and it’s cheaper can’t you just keep it ?
You made me laugh about your draft notice ( I know in reality not funny )
I am so pleased to have found your blog - your are a great communicator and when I read your blog it’s like we are having a conversation and catching up
When done on the walk .
Boo hiss to Long Covid
Siobhan 🤗
Thank you Siobhan, you just made me smile for the first time today. And I very much wish I COULD keep what I currently have, but once you hit 65, if you don't have a job providing health insurance you must switch to Medicare. At least my income won't be scrutinized to the degree it was with the ACA. And I'm glad you liked my draft remark, but didn't Hitler send Germany's elderly into battle near the end? And thank you, boo hiss to LC! Enough!
Delete