65 years and counting!!!!

ok, I had my 65th birthday. Jeff was here for 2 whole weeks. We had a great time and he flew back to Los Angeles yesterday. I miss him already.

You know what is bugging me? Well, turns out that when you turn 65 and you become eligible for Medicare, I had no idea of all the changes that come about. Who knew Medicare cost money? I guess I never thought about it before and sure, if you have this service, you should pay for it...but everyone is always saying how it is unfair and I just figured it was free. Of course, I figure it is fair to pay for it. Here is another thing. Since John was in the Navy for 31 years, I qualify for TRICARE FOR LIFE. Well, this turns out to be a pain in the ass also. When I called the other day just to make an appointment to renew my prescriptions, they tell me I've been dropped from the register at the clinic I usually go to. She said it was because I turned 65 and I have to re-register. I called the main hospital and I have to go in and sign up. She SAID I was more than 30 miles from the main hospital, so I would not be eligible to use the Fairfax Clinic, and I would just have to find a private physician. At first, this seems unfair...then I thought about it a while and thought....this is a good thing...I will get my healthcare all paid for and I don't HAVE to go to the military clinic. I can choose any doctor I want. I am feeling really good about this when the Tricare lady calls me back and said she made a mistake...I am only 16 miles from the main hospital and so I can continue at the Fairfax clinic. So, it appears that I can do either one I want to. I'm going to re-register and I can either go to the clinic or choose a private physician. The Military healthcare is set up like an HMO...so if I need a specialist...I have to get a referral. So, when I feel I need a specialist now, all I have to do is call that civilian specialist and as long as they take Medicare, I'm good to go. So, I can still go to the clinic for my runny nose and refilling my meds, and pick my own specialists. This is a good deal and I'm very happy with this turn of events. Turning 65 might not be so bad!!!

The Tricare lady told me that Medicare will pay 80% and Tricare will pay the 20% balance. What could be better than that?

There are many things they don't tell you about Medicare though. First of all, you MUST register for Part B or Tricare won't cover you!! Also, I got this letter from Medicare telling me that I am going to have to pay twice as much as the usual fee because my income is too high. What is that all about?? Oh well, nothing I can do about it. I guess I'll just be happy that I have health care for life. Who can complain about that?

BTW, my knees are doing great. I am going to visit Mlou in Charleston for a few days in August. I will drive down and my Faux Granddaughter Kelly...will be going with me. After having Jeff here for 2 weeks and feeling sad that he is gone, this gives me something to look forward to.