I say yes, you say no, OR People are Strange

Kam, a lot could change in 7 years. Typically Medicare is primary and he provider agrees to a Medicare determined fee. That lowers the $$ amount immediately. Then your secondary is supposed to apply their payment schedule to the remainder. I don't know about your friend but maybe it was prescription drug coverage he added. .

Ah, if he was a Fed, then he probably was paying extra for Part B. My friend who was in the Foreign Service with me isn't going to get Part B because she did the research and it didn't make sense to her. A bunch of other stuff I have seen, though, says to get Part B. I will look and see if I have info on that (in my bookmarks in my work computer). Do you subscribe to Government Executive's retirement column by Tammy Flanagan? I will try to find the link and PM it to you.



L

  riley- riley-riley---you are starting to think like blue---kad2kar
tooo funny!!!!

Kam ... our insurance is with NALC and they waive all deductibles and co-pays (except for prescription drugs) when Medicare is the primary payer.  Medicare pays ... they send it automatically on to NALC ... they pay the remainder and we get a notice saying we owe nothing ... lovely.  I would guess that BC/BS does the same but there should be info in your brochure to confirm that.  Hubby took Medicare Part B and I probably will too when the time comes.  You don't have to but if you don't you would be paying deductibles and co-pays for doctor visits, tests, lab work, etc.  just like you do now.  Part B costs about $100 a month and I think we have come out ahead so far but in the case of anything serious I know we would save a bundle. 

Medicare does have some deductibles.  I don't remember what they are at the moment.  And I remember thinking that we would have to be paying something because of them but I just double checked and we have not paid a single medical bill all year and he did have quarterly blood tests done.  So it looks like NALC is covering that also. 

 Just quickly....Lots of reading here...day off tomorrow for me so I will enjoy reading it all....great thread.

Suzie...what is it with our weather in Aust. atm. Its freezing here in Melb. I have the heater on and its supposed to be over 37 degrees C. on Saturday! (around 99 degrees F) so it will be air con and pool for me as well!!

My dog just loves our pool...swims around by himself..needs no encouragement...so funny.

jezza

I sounded like the Grinch yesterday.  People would say the weather's great.  I'd say, I hate it.  I did my rants yesterday, and now I'm off to put carbon in the air by driving over an hour to my hand doctor. 

Kam,

Here is a very useful site (useful for other feds who might lurk here as well) - www.nitpinc.com (National Institute of Transition Planning).  They are the outfit that puts on retirement seminars for Federal employees (if you get a chance to take one of their seminars, it is well worth it!).  Click on the link on the left - Tammy's Weekly GovExec Articles - and that will take you to the links to her weekly column in Government Executive. 

I haven't decided about Part B yet, but I am 10 years out from Medicare eligibility, so I have a long time to go.  DH is 16 years out, so he has even longer.  It may all be changed beyond recognition by the time I get there!

L

Can't post another picture on my work computer (can only do on my home computer), but here is a link to John H. Twachtman's page for those who are grumpy about the hot day.  Yes, it is hot and I don't like it either! He has lots of wintry, calming paintings!

www.johnhenrytwachtman.org

All you ladies who are griping about the hot weather - come on up to Seattle.  We have our normal (OK, it is a little more than normal - well, maybe a lot more than normal) cold November rain.  Our projected high for today is 52, low is 38 and we're in a downward trend, with mixed snow and rain predicted by Friday with a low of 26 for Saturday...

Personally, I would trade you in a heartbeat as I truly detest being cold. 

Jackie - it's different for each state, but maybe you have something like what we do in MA SHINE ( Senior Health Education Network) - there's a person in each town to give ADVICE about what is best supplement, etc.

Cherryl - I'm chuckling just thinking of the assembly line making chocolates....also the bread "rising" out of the oven, but Veggie was a good one too

Windy and rainy here. Around 50 degrees. Bleh.

My best friend's dad fell and broke his hip yesterday. He's in surgery right now. Prayers and positive thoughts please. 

Mary

Well this is Tx best time of year for me. Wanders between high 60's and 80. Just loverly.



Just got back from onc. Monthly blood test was BORING. A bit more boring than last month. Every month I get boring is another month towards another cruise next year. That's my plan and I'm Sticking to it.

Popping in to express great displeasure at the possibility of 70 degrees here in December. Many bad words!

I think I'd like to do the 70's again - with the body and good health I had then and the experience and understanding I have now.

Rainy and 50-ish here in Niagara.

I'm always astounded at the utter crap my wonderful American cyberpals have to go through with regard to healthcare insurance.  I feel for you, and I thank my lucky stars that my Ontario health card sees me through everything!

Blue -- Albinoni's Adagio for Strings is my DH's most, most favourite piece of music!