You have to be a rocket scientist...............

You have to be a rocket scientist to figure out the new Blue Cross Blue Shield part D and Prescription blue plan "explanation of benefits" 2010 booklets for those of us on Medicare. How do elderly people read the small print in two volumes of booklets understand what it is saying and for what they are paying? It is so darn confusing. I am in the medical arena and I have a hard time. Then try to get a person on the phone to explain.....ha! That is a whole other issue. It should not be so difficult. We should be able to understand the rules and regulations of our policies and what exactly we are signing up for in a way a normal human brain can decipher with out a magnifying glass. I know many elderly folks who never signed up for a supplemental insurance to medicare because they did not understand all the options. So they pay way more than they should for medical care and drugs, and they have no help with their 20% co-pay, which is high for Medicare participants. My medical expenses are so high I could rent a house for what I pay out of pocket. I count ALL medical expenses(vitamins, supplements, natural medicine, body care, the medications my plan will not cover, which the list of uncovered meds grows every year, (most of what I take) and for my co-pays. It adds up. Then I pay the monthly premiums which come to about $300 per month for me for Medicare, supplemental with BCBS and the Drug plan. I am not complaining because I have coverage and I need it. I already had two hip replacements this year alone and a shoulder replacement last year, plus many visits to emergency and a few stays in the hospital for lupus related issues, home nursing, chemo-infusions, antibiotic infusions, and all the Dr.'s and specialists I see. Eyes and dental not covered!! I am blessed and have excellent care. I just wish there was a way for regular people to understand exactly what their options are in a simple way and how much it will cost-save in the long run. Keep in mind there is information and assistance on the internet but many elderly and sick folks do not have access or the energy to spend hours on the computer. Any ideas?

So winter is here for sure now; maybe. Douglas likes the heat(desert rat). I awoke last few mornings to a toasty house. The solar panels were reading 100 today and the outside temp now is around 45-48 degrees. We have not started using the main wood stove yet. Usually we wait until after Thanksgiving but maybe earlier this year.
More leaves fall and almost all are gone and another leaf clearing day will happen next few days. The ground is again covered in yellow maple leaves and we can see through the woods. Just in time for hunting season. I can hear the shooting practice already echoing through the fields and woods surrounding our home.

My friend-neighbor Jennifer came over for a girls evening last night. We sat in the dining-family room as the sun went down with our glass of wine and appetizers. It was great to spend some girlfriend time and to get to know her better. The more I know the more I like, respect and admire. I enjoy growing a friendship. Especially one who lives two houses away. Most of my friends live all over the states and Costa Rica. I have a dream to get them all together one day under one roof. Look out mates..................it could get crazy. The last girls vacation I had was the most relaxing vacation I ever had for 4-5 days at the beach in the fall. It was perfect. Too chilly to swim but warm enough to walk the beach and hang out on the large wrap around porch overlooking the Atlantic on one side and the canal on the other. I have Brigid's artwork to show for that one!!

Healing is really speeding up. I feel better every day and stronger. I am on the up curve. BP a little too high and a tad of a urinary infection probably from the catheter. Always happens when I have a catheter. But my kidney Dr. is on it and gave the sample today. No big deal. I have antibiotics for it. I am so happy with how everything is going thus far. I count the blessings in dozens.

Be well !!! and have a great weekend.