I may chat about my books, what I'm writing or reading, or just general thoughts. You may read posts about my cats or just my crazy life in general. Comments are welcome, if anyone wants to interact with me. Maybe we can share war stories, whether it's writing related or just about life in general.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Official old age slammed me on the head!



In a couple of days, I’ll reach a milestone birthday.  I look at the calendar with wonderment that I would live this long.  When did that happen?  How did all this time go by?  I don’t feel old.

I try to push things out of my mind that I don’t particularly want to think about, but it’s hard to ignore this because I’ve received a trashcan full of Medicare brochures over the last two--three months.  Suddenly everyone has my name and address.  I hate to deal with things like this where I have to make a big decision because if I don’t do it, it will be made for me.  It seems no one is exempt from Medicare.  There is no opting out.

I made an appointment with a counselor at the senior center here to discuss my options and have the whole program explained to me.  He wasn’t selling anything, so I figured I was safe.  It was all about as clear as mud when I left his office an hour later, but I read up on some things (boring) and met with another person to sign up the next day.

The guy at the senior center told me I had to act ASAP because I’d be without insurance for another month if I wasn’t signed up by the fourteenth.  What he didn’t know was that I wasn’t very worried because I haven’t had insurance for thirty years.  What difference would another month make?  I guess if I was always ill this would be a concern, but I only see the doctor once a year.

So folks, I’m going to be official old and inundated with paperwork from now on.  When thinking about all this stuff, I remember the two old guys who used to work for me back in the 1980’s and all their problems with Medicare.  I’ve even seen all the issues with my husband’s claims finally being paid after a lot of time, phone calls and frustration.  Of course, anytime the government is involved in anything, look out.  I’m not looking forward to it one bit.  I wonder how many trees they chop down to accommodate all the paperwork.

At least I’m still healthy and thankful for that.  I intend to go on with an optimistic attitude like usual.  That’s all we can do, right.  Eat healthy, exercise and keep a positive outlook.  

8 comments:

  1. The most important thing you said is that you don't feel old. We aren't too far behind you and I don't look forward to all that paperwork either but at least we still feel good as we enter this new "senior" adventure!

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    1. Carol, that's right. I'm thankful for that. I thnk today's seniors are in better shape than years past.

      Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.

      Sunni

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  2. You paid for it over the years, so you might as well get the "benefit" of it. It would be nice though if the paperwork could be simplified. Happy early birthday!

    betty

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    1. Betty,

      You're not kiddding on the paperwork. I have the feeling this is only the tip of the iceberg for the years to come.

      Yes, we do pay for medicare, I guess, but they still take money out for a premium every month and it's only for major medical so will help you in the years down the road, or if you have health issues now. A different policy is needed for doctor visits and prescriptions.

      Thanks for the birthday wishes.

      Sunni

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  3. Happy early birthday. That's the thing about milestone birthdays. You don't really feel it, do you?

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  4. Liz,

    Not really, except now the government considers me an official senior citizen I guess.

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  5. Well happy birthday to you!! If it helps, my husband has been receiving signup information for AARP since he was only 29. It's pretty hilarious to watch him get all of the senior mail when he's five years younger.

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    1. Elle,

      That is a crazy story!

      Thanks for stopping by. I need to get over to your blog soon. I'm so far behind on that. My life's been hectic lately.

      Sunni

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Sunni