Voicelessness and Emotional Survival > Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board
2022 Frozen Tundra Farm Report
Hopalong:
I couldn't begin to explain how or why, but my neighbor is an expert in insurance stuff, and during the open enrollment period he walked me through how to save. The bottom line was that although we investigated whether I could do better on the "medicare advantage" piece (part of my state retiree benefits, I guess it's what they call a Medigap plan). It turned out that because of the stroke 3 yrs back, the best option (AARP's) would put me in "Tier 3" which had a WHOPPING premium. So I'm sticking with the state program for what I'm already paying. I don't THINK they can raise the rates....
However, he did save me a bunch over ExpressScripts. For me, Humana's Rx plan was the best option. All I need to do is switch pharmacies to one in their network. Slightly less convenient, but no big deal.
The whole thing is way way way too complicated but I'm glad I went through the motions.
Good luck with all this, and much much luck to B. I doubt it's blackmail or conspiracy, but hope he gets through that roadblock PDQ. What a disappointment.
Health care in this country is lacking in CARE.
hugs and support,
Hops
lighter:
This Country doesn't practice healthcare.
It's sick care.
$15K a year for glasses seems a bit steep, Amber.
Lighter
sKePTiKal:
LOLOLOLOL. No kidding Lighter! But just try to get any kind of dental or eye care if you DON'T have insurance. They look at you as if you aren't speaking English.
Hops, I don't get to shop for Rx insurance; it's the only option for maintaining my private insurance.
So in yesterday's mail I have 2 letters from Medicare, from 2 different locations on 2 different dates... each showing me a different income-adjusted premium. Those amounts differed from the current billing statement premium due... and the website's amount when I logged in. I tried calling the phone number on the back of the bill. When all their spiel about using the website finished I got transferred to what was supposed to be a human. And heard that all the reps were busy assisting others and to call back later. Click.
So I opened a chat online. And was told, that YES, my Rx insurance is provided by private insurer... and that YES, medicare CAN decide I need to pay the GOV more money for the privilege of having that included in my private premium. And of course, pay it to the GOV. Mind you - I'm not getting any better or more guaranteed benefits from paying more. And I MUST have a plan D option/medicare or cancel the private RX coverage... which means my private insurer will cancel ALL of my coverage with them.
Since when can the gov add a surcharge (in the hundreds of dollars, btw - it's more than my total private insurance premium) to a commercial retail product? So, while our situations are different, it appears B & I are in the same catch-22 loop on insurance. And why is there more than 1 office determining what my premiums are going to be - and dear godz, why aren't they the same amounts?
I wouldn't still be in business if I ran things this way. And the whole thing feels very much like a Nigerian prince email scam, if only I send $10k to his bank account... I'll be verified as a beneficiary on the inheritance of a great fortune. Since I can legitimately claim Mennonite connections, I may check into what they do for insurance. Maybe I will go completely (as much as possible) Amish.
This feels like gaslighting. Feels like dealing with massive cognitive dissonance again. Smells really N-ish to me and I promised myself never to do that again. I have too much other - much more fun - stuff to be getting on with!!
Got some seeds into the kitchen garden yesterday; last bit of the shop will get finished up this week or next. AND the first clutch of baby ducks/geese have hatched.
sKePTiKal:
ETA:
Found part of the problem. They are using my MAGI for 2019 - which even for that year is grossly high. Am in search of that tax return now. I think they don't realize I'm only a 50% owner; the amount they quoted sounds like net income for the company that year - but my brother and I don't receive all that in dividends.
Nevermind that 2020's covid sales meant our net income went in the toilet. Last year was only marginally better; we had a bigger cushion from simply breaking even.
I am going to appeal their decision on my adjusted premium, assuming I can find the MAGI number in the 100 pg tax return.
:rolleyes:
sKePTiKal:
Aaaannnnnnnddddddd... it's snowing again! But it will turn to rain later, dissolving the organic fertilizer I spread over the garden yesterday. I still want to spread my mushroom compost and mix in some (very well composted) wood chips before I plant. Which now looks like I'll be waiting till after the last frost date - May 15th - this year. I'm going to have to pinch some seedlings back.
New kitty Black Jack has bounced back well since his neuter appt. and has gotten a lot easier to handle & snuggle. I don't think he has much interest in going outside with the big boyz. But technically he shouldn't be out till the end of the week anyway. And I'll need to give him the tour around the decks.
Other than that, not much news to report here. I am trying to keep busy and working on organizing/decluttering.
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