Follow
Share
Read More
Find Care & Housing

34K Comments

Newest
First Oldest
First
838 839 840 841 842
"Universal health care, available to all from cradle to grave, free at the point of delivery." It's a lovely idea, Sandwich. Speaking as a fond and grateful child of the NHS, I can tell you, sadly, that it is not universal, it runs into serious trouble trying to ensure equal access to services, and it is not (quite) free at the point of delivery. Also, it is wasteful, exhausting for its employees, ruinously expensive for the country and a political ticking parcel. And it fosters a citizenry that is criminally complacent about personal responsibility for its own health. Other than that… :)

But yes I am extremely glad to have it. Recommend it? There has *got* to be a better way, I just have no idea what it is.
(1)
Report
Counterpoint: I happen to have many friends and family who have coverage through the ACA/Obama care, who had NOTHING before because no compay would cover them. I pay $0 for my birth control pills because my employer provided insurance (that I pay premiums for) covers it due to the ACA. They can't dump me because I get expensive. They can't limit my coverage amount because of the ACA. If you have a problem with an individual doctor or insurance company, don't paint the whole policy with that brush. Consider me a GIANT FAN of the ACA and a rabid supporter of universal coverage and healthcare as a human right.

I don't think we ought to discuss politics on the board because I really don't want to heat up a fight over it.
(2)
Report
And on the subject of obummercare, a friend of mine was shopping for a new doctor that was in the Centura system. So she scheduled a "meet and greet" with the new doc. Centura billed her insurance as if it was a full exam, when it was just a chat. The bill? A whopping $350.00! She has been fighting Centura since for miscoding the visit. At the visit to justify the full exam vitals, disrobing etc should have been done. None of it was done! How many doctors are getting away with this nonsense?! Fraud in my opinion will now be throughout the medical field, not just limited to Medicare. Watch your medical bills and EOB's all of you!
(1)
Report
Medicare covers a wellness visit once a year but my medical group-which now has 45 facilities in 6 surrounding counties and eats up small groups-does not do a physical as part of the wellness visit so have to pay either 300 to be billed or 186 at the time of office visit same with gyn-to talk to the doc is covered but not for the exam-that is the way our group does it and since they are a monopoly there is no other way to maintain health and when I get the statements from Medicare they do verify this-many of my friends say I am crazy but maintaining my health is important so I pay what I have to.
(1)
Report
Sharynmarie,

Wow, again just goes to show ME, how little I understand about all this insurance bull! I started looking up the different doctors in our area, now I will need to read what all these PPO's, HMO's, offer.....and if I qualify for those. My husband seems to think that we will go with an individual plan. But I don't think he has any idea what these are going to cost, then if we can afford this. He's on this kick right now, where he feels as if we are accepting a government handout if we just pick a HMO. He needs to change this way of thinking. Many people are signing up under a managed health plan, really because they're being forced to do so.

This insurance I got to use during the summer had a program called "Health Woman." This covered the Mammogram 100%. It also covered the Bone Density exam; t But I remember the day I went for it.....
before I was taken in to actually do the bone density......a woman asked me to come over to another area of the reception. She was sitting at the other side of a computer. She took my name, and info., confirmed what I was there for.....
then wanted for me to pay UPFRONT, almost a $100.00. I did have this in my wallet. However, all on account of because I was unsure about being charged this amount.....I told her that they could just bill it to me, I also told her I'd been informed by this insurance this was part of this "Healthy Woman," program since it was a preventative exam. She didn't have a clue about this program. Later, we got a bill from this imaging center, and it was I believe, $37.50, which we paid.
About 2 wks., later we did get reimbursed, because via the insurance it was only 11.50. In other words, this was mostly covered. I had a suspicion...that the bone density would be charged at some point.

The insurance never sent me any paper work for a Colonoscopy, which since my husband has had a few......I do suspect this is going to be charged, and it's not going just to be 11.50, since it is a procedure. I really didn't have time to inquire whether this was a part of the "Healthy Woman plan," since this is when husband was notified about the change in his ineligibility! Bummer!

Thanks for explaining this, helps me understand.

Much Love & Light! Margeaux
(0)
Report
They do not try to reason with her it will b futile -you may have to accept what is-are you able to see Mom-I am not able to see my brother who does not have much time left due to his wife being s controlling so if you get a chance to see your Mom that may be all you can do at this point-your sister thinks she is right and you will not change her mind-we all will have to account for our behavior one day and that beings me peace. I know it hurts to be treated as you are being but there are some things that are out of our control.
(0)
Report
My sister has major issues with control, manipulating, jealousy, threatening and being obeyed. Mom is in final stage of life and she won't let us be a part of her life to make happy memories or help with her care unless we kiss her butt. She has treated us like this for 65 years and thinks she's doing nothing wrong. I am the first to stand up to her and she's having a fit and taking it out on my mom. She is using my past record against me. I grew up a long time ago and learned from my mistakes. Mom and family forgave me thank God but she won't let it go even though her and her kids have done far worst and never been held accountable for their actions. She is also sexually perverted. How do you stop someone like this? I have run out of chap stick so kissing her butt is out of the question.
(2)
Report
before Obamacare insurances were paying (at least here where I live) 100% for a mamogram and they are still honoring that. It was started some years back to encourage women to get screened for breast cancer and I think but am not sure, a pap smear may also be covered 100%.
(1)
Report
In my HO, Obamacare is a joke...it is costing people more who have children than the other plan did and it is not costing the employer more, the employee is having pay. My husband now pays $300 a month just for himself. In addition, he is paying $300 every 90 days for his meds with "mail order". Before Obamacare, my husband had me on his insurance and it cost us nothing. His mail order meds cost about $60 every 3 months. My insurance through my employer costs me 11.50 a week for union dues, $2000 deductible before the insurance will cover 80% of a medical bill after my co-pay. I cannot meet the deductible. I still can't get the x-rays on my back. Before Obamacare, I paid 11.50 a week for union dues, a $10 co-pay and the union gave us an HRA account that they deposited $200 in each year. The insurance paid 80% on everything. So add it up, in order for my insurance to pay 80%, I have to fork out $2,000+11.50 a week+ a $10 co-pay.

I received a packet in the mail from the union. Because I have had continuous medical coverage for 72 months, I am now eligible for Kaiser an HMO, with a $900 deductible, or a PPO plan with a $900 deductible, or a personal direction plan with a $1,350 deductible. If you have children to add on these plans, it will not cover dental or eye exams??? Really??? Yeah, Obamacare sucks big time. Under the former coverage, you could add an adult child up to age 25 who was going to college.

It is putting a financial hardship on families...people my husband works with who have children, are paying over $1,000 a month to cover their children. Not to mention that many of these people had to take a $5,000 year cut in pay with the new company that was brought in for the security department. There are many people who have been performing a certain position excellently for many years...this new company is now requiring that these people have a BA degree to hold that position. Costing the overall company some big bucks. How long will this go on before they figure it out???
(1)
Report
Or, Margeaux how could an unpaid family caregiver afford insurance? There are some things that need to be considered by congress. Maybe family caregivers become eligible for medicare? We provide all of these free hours of care at tremendous savings to this country by keeping our loved ones off Medicaid, and nothing for us in return other than Medicaid.
(3)
Report
Book,

If I'm following your line of logic regarding insurance, losing your job,
if one does lose their job, how could that person even pay on a tax penalty not having an income and being penalized because they can't afford insurance.
This is all some hoax, and exactly why I call it insanity!

Much Love & Light! Margeaux
(1)
Report
Emjo,

I'm curious......what is the health care system like in Canada?
I was so frustrated trying to understand everything I've looked up yesterday.
So this morning I thought........o.k., I guess it's like this. If one pays for an insurance plan, say where we select doctors, which of course those are the higher priced insurances in this country it's kind of like staying in a five star hotel vs. a no star hotel. The no star hotel is managed healthcare such as HMO's. HAAH! i had a laugh about it. I mean one has to laugh about some of this, it's insanity if you ask me!

Much Love & Light! Margeaux
(2)
Report
Praying for us all!!
(2)
Report
Hey all...Ill catch up when I can.. I been trying to see how I can log in from my phone.. how does that work? Same way here right? But it shows mobile not our numbers? I wish you all all luck and will catch up ( I know keep saying that but everytime I start to read my mind goes nuts) Miss reading though hope you all are ok!

******Ok well daughters Neuropsychological Eval was uggh!!! All results Probable or Rule in ( or out) Or Keep and Eye for... well gee wiz! ( Bet my sons report will say the same or nothings wrong even though he saw the video of violence because my son was an amazing sweet and charming young funny man the whole time)

So Im gonna take her to the Neurologist my son goes to and see what he says, they can diagnose with a yes or no.. of course I keep hearing that and dont get that! Grandpa is wow!!! Seeing SAND in the carpets and wants to use a dust broom to sweep it all out saying a vacuum doesnt work. He sees it all even though we dont yet hes blind!!! Ok some dust yes, around windows and doors of course... not what hes saying. Im trying to keep it up. My dad is worse with the CHF.. so Im trying to come to grips of this... Trying to look for a job soon again and various drivers for everyone because everyone's appts and errands, school times run the same time far places each one etc.

Now.. does anyone have advice how to get two Australian Shepperd mixed 1 yr old dogs to stop eating walls and a door? I know they need more exercises and tasks rights? Because they are technically farm dogs.. Yes obedient training is coming in January with the professional I think. Oh I believe they do not like other dogs, we get some neighbors dogs over here and well, fur goes up, growl and bark and they try to get out of our gate! ( Ive had and lived with many different breeds,mixes of dogs all my life but these have destroyed the longest!!)
(1)
Report
I could fling more than a ham today, just give me two TS's or show me their cars and I will take care of it all! Yes GRUMPY!
(1)
Report
The list of possible reactions had very irritable or tired. I am glad I am just tired. After dropping the jar of sauce and cleaning it up, I went into the frig in the garage to get a half ham I have been storing to use it for supper and it was mouldy on the cut side!!!! If I had been irritable I probably would have flung it somewhere. Now I have to figure out what to get for supper.
(1)
Report
Emjo, me too, flu shot yesterday. Not tired her, just grumpy as all get out!
(1)
Report
sharyn - glad your dd and sil have talked it through. One baby is a big adjustment -2 is more than big and I am sure they will have lots to deal with and lots to talk about. Communication is key. The babyies are triggering some of his issues re his father I suspect. Nothing like a baby to make you face your issues and grow up. I dropped a bottle of ginger orange stir fry sauce this morning, it broke and there was a sticky mess to clean up, so I sympathize. I won't buy another one - rather make my own.

Glow - dysfun fams are exhausting - and we are brought up to be people pleasers with no esteem. It serves them. Good for you for standing up to what you know is right. I have basically cut off my sis for the trouble/stress she causes and she will stay cut off - a relationship with her is not worth it for the stress.

Margeaux -it was hilarious and the cat giving Austin a look! The whole Obamacare looks like a nightmare to me. I would not want to have to go through that. I am so thankful for our system.

Kim - sibs aaargh - rush in and think they know what is best and end up causing endless trouble. My sis wanted to move mother to an inferior but cheaper facility, because my demented paranoid mother wanted it. I resisted which caused much grief to be heaped on my head, but eventually mother did get the treatment she needed - and is on a waitlist for a mental health facility which is what she needs. Good luck to you.

Book wow -you have seen how it works from the inside. Sounds like it will cost many people more. A journal is a good idea.

Veronica - good question. I saw you wrote on another thread about having to compromise your expectations of yourself for one reason or another re house organization. I am the same. I cannot let it get to me or I will end up doing even less. Getting rid of stuff will make housekeeping in general easier and that is my goal. but doing stuff for mother takes too much of my available energy. The next big effort will be moving her, then after that selling/disposing of her remaining furniture etc. by auction. I plan on getting rid of some of my stuff at that time, But, we all know, the plans of mice and men often go awry. I hope this doesn't.

Got a flu shot yesterday, so a little tired today. I suppose it is time for another pneumonia shot too soon. Think I mentioned that my daughter's cat had to be put down. They have a new kitty - dark grey markings with a tabby face and legs and "ocecat" on the body. Very pretty. She is energetic and playful but does not seem to be very socialized, but that may come. The dogs get along well with her which is great.

Have a good day all
(2)
Report
Glow,

This is good that you've taken the step to assert yourself with your family.
Many times we end up keeping quiet for too long, and people just get the impression they can walk all over us. If you feel like crying.....nothing wrong with that either, it's a relief.

Hugs,
Much Love & Light! Margeaux
(1)
Report
Kimberly who gives the caregiver authority to decide where to take Mom for her medical care?
(0)
Report
Thx bookluver. Wish I had done that months ago !!
(0)
Report
Kimberly... too bad that your brothers pay more heed to the young caregiver than to you - who has more experiences. Can you keep a daily journal? I'm trying to start one - to protect myself. Plus I'm getting so forgetful. A journal can jog my memory. Can you write on this journal basically what you just told us.
(0)
Report
The problem with Obamacare (yeah, right! "care' ????), is that it requires that insurances cover More basic procedures for FREE - like the yearly mammogram, etc... By making it "Free" for the patient, it adds more cost to the employer. PLUS, Obamacare can make it a requirement that your 25 year old child be covered in your insurance. That adds up the cost for the employer. So, I can see where a lot of businesses will cut cost by cutting back working hours so that their employees work below the minimum hours to qualify for medical insurance.

In our office, each of us pays about $136/month. But my boss' 25 year old daughter, working minimum wage part-time was added into our insurance due to Obamacare. This increased my boss' cost from $136 to about $316/month. And he's having a hard time trying to get his adult daughter (who moved out with her boyfriend) to pay for her portion. And that is just one person with 1 daughter added on. Can you imagine if you have 3 adult children over 21 and under age 26 ..and how many employees in that same situation? So now, that monthly medical premium your employer is paying has increased drastically. In order to survive, they either cut the employees hours and no more medical insurance.. or you maintain the full time employees but lay off others - to maintain the status quo.

Then, you get laid off from work or your insurance got dropped. You go online to apply for the Obamacare. Lo and behold! Your work insurance used to be $136 a month.. Obamacare will cost you $400- $800/month...depending on which plans you chose/qualify.

Now if your an independent self-employed person, that Obamacare can go as high as $800-some a month. (Saw on an interview of one self-employed who checked the options.) The person cannot pay $800-some a month. And the only option is to have no insurance. Obamacare will Penalize that person who has no insurance. So... what do you do? You cannot pay $800/month. When tax refund comes - the gov't will take your tax refund to pay for any penalty that you didn't pay.
(0)
Report
Margeaux, Obamacare, what a mess! So many going through this and it will be every year. And employers are cutting people's hours so they don't need to provide insurance, to say nothing about cutting employees period! Maybe Obummercare will go away with new congress.
(2)
Report
Today has been a pain in the a** kind of day.
Just this last summer, I was able to be signed on to my husband's health insurance plan. But then, he was disqualified from his plan, because he was short on hours of work. Some other regulations changed, in terms of eligibility, there's so much changing with this Obamacare.

Anyway, when I was able to get signed on, back in the summer.....I searched the internet for a doctor, found one, had some tests done etc. Then the eligibility problem happened after that, so I wasn't signed on w/them too long.

So now.......here we go again w/staying in line w/these new rules to get health insurance. We are looking again for doctors. He was bummed out, since he's had his doctor for over 15 yrs., now. He can't use him anymore because he's not part of the network. So today, I've been doing a ton of homework, searching for docs, and other things related to insurance. It is completely confusing. We still don't even know what kind of plan we'll be getting, the costs and all of that. Of course this is a supplemental plan. I'm kind of wiped out doing the search too. Anyway, that's been my day

Hope you all had a good day.

Much Love & Light! Margeaux
(2)
Report
Just airing my anger. Mom complained the sitter took her to small town yokel doc for injection in her knee. It's swollen and hurts worse than before. She said she what's to see her orthopedic in town 40 miles away who she has been seeing for years. I said mom why didn't you go see dr Atkins? She said she didn't know. I have called her physician of over 20 years, in their group for 49 years and made her appt to see the specialist orthopedic as he directed. Brothers are livid. Why do they want to take all my moms rights away?????? Haven't been around for years and I guess guilt is making them want to "Take over. ". Wonder what legal problem this is?????????? Omg I can't believe I am losing my brothers over a. 23 year old sitter who is calling the shots. Thx for listening
(0)
Report
Sharynmarie,

This must be a huge adjustments for both your daughter and SIL, with twins.
I've watched my own niece right now dealing with 3 little ones w/only a year apart from one another, and it's now complete chaos. She has help from her sister, a nanny (who doubles up w/mom), then when my sister is home, she does her share. I'm not really there to see how niece's husband interacts.....but my sister says he does really well. Well, maybe it just an adjustment period, too.

Once my niece and husband move back into their home, which I think will be soon...they will not have the added help they've had recently, so let's see how that goes. But I think this is kind of par for the course of new families.

Hugs,
Much Love & Light! Margeaux
(1)
Report
Glow, we are all there with you. When we provide the necessary care for our folks, siblings become extremely difficult to deal with. They want to tell you how to do things, and criticize the way you do them. They always want to change a "no" to a yes and do everything they can to manipulate you, and will even go behind your back to undermine your care!

Hang in there, there are many of us here!
(2)
Report
Emjo,

Oh....my apologies, it was Austin who wrote about a goat and hairspray, which I thought was hilarious.

Sorry, hope all is well, will write later,

Much Love & Light! Margeaux
(1)
Report
Today I feel like crying. I feel so much pressure and am so tired. My dysfunctional family gossips and judges insanely. I decided to begin asserting my rights as my mother's only caretaker and put the word out I am welcome to suggestions but if I say "NO" the answer is no. My low self esteem and people pleasing have kept me down and silent in the past but no more. Taking care of my mom is so great on so many levels and sucks on so many levels. Thanks for listening to me.
(2)
Report

Recent Questions


Popular Questions


Related Questions

Start a Discussion
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter