dunroving

Who am I and what am I doing here?

[Those of you who were in the US when Ross Perot ran for President may remember this opening line in the V-P debate]

aviva

I was, but don't remember. Was a victim of meandering focus even then.

dunroving

James Stockdale, military hero, was chosen at rather short notice as Perot's V-P candidate. His first line in the V-P debate was as quoted earlier, and everyone laughed - but then it all went downhill from there as he really was quite clueless on politics. It was quite embarrassing and sad, because in his own sphere of experience, he was well-respected (which is why I think Perot gambled on him).

Anyway, as I said, us over-50's do meander ... this has nothing to do with healthcare. Sit me in the corner with my dunce's hat!

aviva

Exactly, this thread is supposed to be about healthcare...........no chit chat please. Cute hat tho.

Derrygal

I was - can't remember, but then I can't remember what I did yesterday!!!

Englishman43

I'm sure this has been covered here before but just in case it hasn't a little " Beware" stroy for you:

I had a lot of trouble with Blue Cross when I moved from Colorado to California. They cancelled my policy in CO as I was no longer a resident there ( fair enough ) and told me I had to renew with Blue Cross of CA because they could not do a policy transfer state to state. BUT Blue Cross of California wouldn't insure me because I had had minor back surgery 3 years previous.
Couldn't get insurance anywhere - luckily a friend of mine put me on his company insurance otherwise I'd have had no coverage.

aviva

Did you see in the last couple of days that "The Blues" want to raise their rates 60% in CA?
I have a huge problem with the fact that they are one of the very few groups who are national Fiscal Intermediaries and actually administer Medicare for the Government.

Englishman43

Yes ! I'm paying my own insurance which is $400.00 a month right now. I don't know what I'll do if these rate hikes become a reality.

I could rant but ....

aviva

Run away....run away!
We're the lucky ones who have a choice and can.

dunroving

Well now I feel rightly told off. Too many grumpy old men and women around here.

windsong

I think healthcare in the U.S. is going to get far worse before it gets better, especially if the insurance companies start raising rates like this.

What do retirees have to pay every month for decent health insurance in the U.S. - if they don't want to depend on Medicare, that is?

What does Medicare cover and what doesn't it cover?

dunroving

I think insurance premiums for retirees can easily run above $1,000 per month, especially for a couple.

If I wasn't in a profession that takes pretty good care of health insurance (state university), I wouldn't be thinking of returning to the US - too risky. As it is, even with insurance, I used to spend a fair bit on allergy medications, etc., because of the deductibles, co-pays, minimums, and all of that fancy stuff.

Englishman43

I'm not sure but a while back I called a broker to find out what med insurance would be for a person in thier mid 60's with no previous health issues, just for my own enlightenment, was told it was between $950.00 - $1200.00 a month .

poppycat

I wholeheartedly agree, sally. This is a discussion forum, n'est pas? Given the logic that has been applied to the short discussion that ensued from those who empathized with Jackie's current medical financial predicament, there should be a separate thread for those experiencing difficulty selling their homes: there are extensive posts focused almost exclusively on that issue that "take up room"....or, for that matter, any other issue that is determined to deviate from whatever the MBTTUK self-appointed 'police' deem appropriate.

dunroving

Hey, I see you only have 19 posts - stirring the pot isn't allowed until you have posted at least 25 times!