I had been playing healthcare roulette since, oh, 1999 when I went freelance. I lucked out for the most part. My health was sufficiently good, no major injuries, and my occasional out of pocket expenses were a fraction of the cost of paying insurance for eighteen years. (Funny how when you cancel a policy they don't give you back all that money you paid in but never used.) I would have been totally screwed if something major had happened, but it didn't. "I just need to hang in there until I can get Medicare."
Well, I slid safely into home, only to have Congress itching to blow up Medicare, ACA, Medicaid and everything else.
So I'm going to play a less risky version of healthcare roulette again. Sure, let Part A (while it lasts) cover the poverty-creating hospital costs. But I'm going to opt out of Part B (while it lasts) rather than have them deduct a hundred-twenty-something dollars a month from my Social Security check (while it lasts) for doctor visits, lab work and such that I probably wouldn't be using in the foreseeable future. I'll also opt out of Part D (while it lasts), because I have Part M. M for Mexico. Perfectly good medications at a fraction of the US prices.
In a few months—or even days—a lot of Americans are going to wake up to find themselves totally screwed by the people who promised to make the country great again. They might grandfather in people who already have Medicare, in which case I and millions of others could relax a little. If not, then for me it will be a return to the old no-coverage status quo. I've been there, I've done that. I can do it again. While I last.
"In a few months—or even days—a lot of Americans are going to wake up to find themselves totally screwed by the people who promised to make the country great again."
ReplyDeleteAmen to that.
I do think it will take a lot longer than a few months. And all the senior lobbying groups have not yet kicked in full force. I won't be eligible for Medicare until about the time of midterms elections -- things should slingshot back "bigly" by then. Maybe the US can get a single payor option for all insureds like other "civilized" nations.
ReplyDeleteI read a real-life facebook series of posts someone had screen captured this morning. It would be hilarious if not so true -- a guy was bragging about getting rid of Obamacare. One of his friends pointed out he is on it, but he replied that he has insurance through the Affordable Care Act and not Obamacare. He did not know until his FB friends told him that he had voted to get rid of his own insurance.
Take a deep breath in through your nose while slowly counting to 5, blow the air out your mouth while slowly counting to 5. Repeat 5 times. Everything will look better, you will be more relaxed, the sun will come up in the morning and your lungs will thank you. Medicare is not going away for anyone 55 or older.
ReplyDeleteWow, Sunday. So, as long as you get yours, who cares about our kids and grandkids? Wow.
ReplyDeleteI voted for Obama both terms. I didn't always agree with everything he did but I knew that he had intelligence, class, humanity and grace. Watching his farewell speech earlier actually made me cry. What the hell are we getting ourselves into and ... why?
DeleteC.J. Hall gives a great parallel of what is to come. Stupidity breeds stupidity!
Now Anonymous, you did not practice your breathing exercises. Stop, do your exercises and your heart rate will go down to the healthy range. Your body will thank you. The "load" you are carrying is not good for you.
DeleteMedicare was the topic of the post so Medicare was what I responded to. The proposed plan for non Medicare participants includes block grants to the states for Medicaid, HSA's, purchasing across state lines, ability to purchase what applies to you not what the government decides you need (do you need maternity coverage? I do not), etc., etc., etc. All of which will bring down costs. The sun will still come up in the morning.......breathe.
Why do I think that Sunday and the rolling aluminum tent are one and the same?
DeleteJust breathe 💕
DeleteOnce you give up your part B you will never get it back=real dumb arse move.
ReplyDeleteDepending on your state of residence (SD suxs donkey BTW) you could qualify thru the COUNTY public assistance office depending on monthly income and cash in the bank to have the part B paid by the state and the 20% co-pay paid by Medicaid which includes dental vision and up to a $3 copay on scripts.
BTW becoming a New York State resident would be your best bet.
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT A FINANCIAL CONSULTANT/LAWYER BUT i PLAY ONE ON THE INTERNET.
You can get Part B back, it'll just cost more and you have to wait until the next open enrollment period, which is not handy if you need what it covers immediately.
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