Anyone Retired Fixed Income?

mke

There are none so blind as those who will not see.  Meaning those who believe that insurance company propaganda.

barbe1958

Tsk, tsk Latrisha, such harsh words! We may have to wait, but we don't have to pay!

crazy4carrots

Latrisha, I don't appreciate being insulted, and I'm quite sure I don't need to have my head examined.  Common sense tells me (and it should tell you) that the U.S. "system" is costing all of you much more than you can afford -- and the costs will only increase as the population ages. Why not start doing some research on how and why every other first world country has adopted some form of universal health care?

Respectfully, Linda

Nico1012

In terms of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.............. "waiting" IS "paying". Sometimes with our lives! Let's just agree to disagree on universal health care vs the private insurance system and not hijack this thread. "Fixed income" concerns are real enough for those us with fixed incomes, this thread can help all of us share our coping strategies.

Nico

mzmiller99

Nico - That's a great philosphy! Nothing wrong with disagreeing respectfully.

 No system is perfect, and we aren't going to fix either system here on this thread, but we are going to remember why we're all here, and treat each other with courtesy and kindness.  It's hard enough to fight cancer and all that goes with it - let's not fight each other.

Now, I'm going back outside to enjoy the rest of this beautiful day.  I'm alive and doing well, and the sun is shining!!  Can't ask for more that that!

Susan

crazy4carrots

Nico, just to finish off this part of the discussion:  I did not have to wait, either for diagnosis or treatment, any length of time longer than the vast majority of my American sisters.  Moreover, I didn't have to worry about paying for hospital surgeries or stays or the many drugs I was, and still am, on.  And yes, dh and I are both retired and on fixed incomes.  Not having to worry about those things is invaluable.

Linda

Latrisha

Universal healthcare is not free, the payments are called "taxes".  Socialism sounds like a great thing until you realize people can make better decisions for themselves than the government can.   Why do you think many of the new drugs and available in the U.S. years before they are available elsewhere (e.g. Avastin in Canada)?  Research and development is not cheap.  If you are happy with your healthcare, that is great.  I, on the other hand, would rather make decisions for myself than rely on the government to do it for me. 

 Let's agree that different systems work for different people.  I prefer to pay my earnings towards the health insurance of my choice and pick my doctors and treatments than pay my earnings to the government and let them make health care choices for me.

 Best of luck to you, eh.

yosemite

Fixed income in Calif. , social security- no cost of living increase, pension 1.7 % cost of living increase. I am 64 with hx of bladder and breast cancer. So pre-existing conditions will haunt me as I enter my first medicare year. I currently pay blue cross premiums over third my income before before deductible and co-pays. Cutting edge medicines are over $100. My home and 403b have lost over 40 percent.I am single, unemployed, and waiting results of a liver CAT scan.I do not smoke, have diabetes, or heart or lung issues.Yet as I read in this section I KNOW  there may come a time I will not be able to continue to live in the Sacramento area in Calif. One of the higher insurance rated areas in the state.

I watched a segment with doctors on cable TV. These doctors said there is a hugh money drain in billing and insurance that is affecting the US high per capita money spent on health care.compared to other civilized countries. The lobbyists get our money to fund their fight against health care reform. The wall street siphon off our 401s, investment portifolios. banks give us no reasonable savings rates on CD or IRA deposits. This picture is so messed up. Our children are not encouraged to save. with no health care reform, wall street reform, our children will have no fixed income to carry them securely into their retirement years. 

WE NEED A FORUM OTHER THAN AARP TO CHAMPION TRUE CHANGE IN THESE SYSTEMS. WE NEED TO HOLD OUR LEGISLATURES ACCOUNTABLE.

My triple AAA home owner's policy jumped almost 200 dollars in the last two years. One said it's due to cost of living .My home is only 7 years old. They insurance company's are looking at the profit bottom  line. I am speaking my mind where I can; but, it leaves me frustrated with the lack of foresight on these institutions.

Sierra

Hi Ladies:

I am on a fixed income

had to d. size last year

really d. size

I dont have TV

not puter now.. but make do

am an outdoorsy gal

I have my life.. but

worked most of it too, however, things happen

Cancer Recovery used to give out some help

a few years ago.. for rent I believe

Sierra

NO system is perfect.