I have BlueCross/BlueShield of Arizona. $23 per month ($17 last year). Level 1 drugs 0/mo ($3 last year) Level 2 drugs 9/mo (same last year) I usually get a 3 month supply. And that's because I do not like Frys parking lot. Safeway & CVS are also on the preferred list and I have considered transferring scripts. Primary doctor is 0 per visit ($5 last year) Specialist $15 per visit ($35 last year) As you can see everything went down. I did a lot of comparison with other programs and this just came out to be the best. Unfortunately, the primary doctor I have been seeing for 7 years is retiring next month. He had planned to wait another year, but Obama Care has to much paperwork. What's this about "you can keep your doctor"? Not if he quits! Let me know what you think.
After reading this thread I just realized I have to sign up for Medicare in 2 years. Geez, where did the years go and who is that old guy in the mirror. ;-) I'll be working right up to 66 and maybe a year or two more, the whole medicare thing while still employed is rather confusing, had to read it a few times to understand it.
This year my insurance plan has allowed me to schedule an appointment for a fasting blood test. Much easier than having to wait in line. Also, I am now able to access results of my blood test on line.
Yeah, we are all having to work a little later in life due to the economic times. I hope not to have to work until 70, but I suspect I will have to do something to offset SS for a few years after retirement.
Here is an interesting fact I read in the newspaper this past weekend. There is talk of money running out of Social Security Program. However, there is no talk of money running out of Food Stamp Program or Unemployment Program or any other giveaways.
Yup, we have all read those rumors, and as with any other rumor there is some truth to it. These stories come from the fact that the SS trust fund will run out in 2033. SS says that they are good to continue as is until 2041, after that they will have to borrow and call in all the IOUs that other agencies have against them. There are too many retired voters that depend on SS so the government will keep paying, but my son who works for UBS in the investment group says they believe benefits are likely to be reduced and/or taxed at a higher rate. My son said it is amazing that more than half of people getting close to retirement age have less than $50K in retirement savings and are basically dependent on SS. I'm doing better than that, but after the crash, two layoffs, long term unemployment, and a drastic overall cut in pay I could be in a lot better shape. Basically UBS is telling their investors that for those 50 and up things are likely to change very little before we don't need it anymore (the inevitable). However for those that are below 50 SS is likely to be a very different program and benefits will probably be a lot less and SS deductions on paychecks to be quite a bit higher. UBS is suggesting that retirees have close to $300K in investment savings to be able to live comfortably and not have to worry about the minor changes in SS payouts. As you may recall SS was designed to keep retirees just above the poverty level so they could support themselves in retirement. Probably worked OK when the cost of living was a lot less than it is today.
Peg, Going back to something you said about give away programs. There are lots of government "give away" programs, this site will make you dizzy. http://www.benefits.gov/ Unemployment and Social Security IMHO fall into a different realm, they are an earned benefit. In 2009 I was forced into having to tap my unemployment benefit that I paid into all those years just like I pay into Social Security. I got back to work as soon as I could, unemployment didn't pay the bills, but it did help buy food. I agree that food stamps and welfare are a give away because a person has to do little or nothing to receive a benefit. I'm not a big fan of these programs, but I know they serve a purpose. Unfortunately when it comes to "free" programs personal integrity seems to fly out the window and there are plenty of abuses. And you are right, they never seem to get cuts or go away.
