Insurance rant (not about ED)

[tomas1]

As is obvious I'm 82 now, but my wife is 80.
Other than my minor health problems, we are extremely healthy for people our age and probably a lot younger.

We have had Medicare supplement ins since we turned 65. I realize it's Cadillac insurance, but we haven't had a problem paying it since we have no mortgage nor other unusual outgo.

That recently was increased by 15% I assume because of all the old people on ventilators and in hospitals for months due to the Covid Pandemic. Our monthly payment is now $616.

We've also maintained long term care ins for years. I just got a notice that they will increase the premium 21% to around $3k a year. They asked AZ for 29%. I wonder who got greased to OK that increase?

Our Social security was increased 1.3% this year. I realize the insurance we have would kill the average retiree, but we are frugal and somehow, I manage to pick up some change in the stock market now and then. We can pay all this, but it just doesn't seem fair. These rates are manageable it seems until you reach the age where you may need them.

I don't expect any usable advice about this, but I just wanted to rant about it and possibly warn others about it.

[Robert66]

You can rant all u want u earned it and i am glad ur still safe and happy i am still in the philippines and that a whole different set of drama i like to know if ur implant went smooth i am thinking of taking that step we both have same doctor at ironwood happy with his work?

[Martin6469]

Half the population failing to take the vaccine is going to be expensive for all.

(I hope the Philippines have vaccines and they're all accepting it.)

[tomas1]

Robert, Barb and I have been lucky. I told my daughter that at times I feel guilty when so many our age have dementia or serious medical problems. A woman down the street her age accidentally called her and was totally out of it.

I think that Dr Avila did a very good job on me technically.
He is stuck on not installing an LGX if the implant is 18cm or longer.
The CX is all right though.

My only complaint with him is his total lack of follow up, and instructions after getting the implant.
Frank Talk gave me everything I needed in that regard though.

My doctor there now is Dr. Bigelow.
He is of Asian descent and seems quite competent.
He strikes me as being a good surgeon for implantation.

Keep me posted on your plans in the future. I forgot to ask if they accept VA for insurance.

[Gt1956]

Tomas1. Yup insurance & taxes can be a problem to manage as you age. May I suggest looking at insurance through a group plan if you're not already doing that. You might be surprised by the variety & number of groups that offer insurance. In a group, the management fees & commissions are spread out over more policies & are generally cheaper.

[tomas1]

I'll keep that in mind. Right now buying dips in tech stocks and selling when they go up is working for me.
I realize I could end up holding the bag, but I keep the bag manageable.

[Robert66]

Robert,

I think that Dr Avila did a very good job on me technically.
He is stuck on not installing an LGX if the implant is 18cm or longer.
The CX is all right though.

My only complaint with him is his total lack of follow up, and instructions after getting the implant.
Frank Talk gave me everything I needed in that regard though.

My doctor there now is Dr. Bigelow.
He is of Asian descent and seems quite competent.
He strikes me as being a good surgeon for implantation.

Keep me posted on your plans in the future. I forgot to ask if they accept VA for insurance.

Well va seems like a lot of drama maybe go another way do the doctors take care of the insurance thing

[tomas1]

I don't know how they work it.