Thursday, October 1, 2026

OOPS...I think I did a Mary Moon...

 As in putting up a video not intended for posting...Sorry and I hope Mary that you are not offended by my title. A busy day at the flat doing chores and paying bills got capped off by a miserable experience courtesy of the customer service and other departments at my insurer. I had a basic inquiry regarding a letter I should receive regarding their plan. They are removing the plan from their offerings and must, by federal statute. communicate this to their insureds in time for open enrollment for Medicare that begins October 15 and runs through December 7.

Because they are ending the plan entirely and I am not simply leaving at my choosing, the letter constitutes legal proof of this that permits me to re-join original Medicare and receive medi gap and drug plan sans any questions about my health. The letter also gives me an extended enrollment period. Both are extremely important given the current state of so-called advantage plans.

They are increasingly being rejected by hospitals, clinics, doctors and other medical providers for payment delays, frequent denials of care and delayed authorizations for care among other things. Some advantage plans are also stripping out providers. This practice reduces the number of in network providers available to their enrollees. Another practice involves advantage plans hiring third parties to handle claims and often deny needed services entirely. All of this impacts a patient, especially those needing continuity of care.

Mine is not the only plan disappearing from the Medicare market at this point, either. Given the state of things, no improvement is on the horizon.

Apart from getting this resolved for the coming year, Mercy and I are okay. She is getting a pedicure at lunch time and I am enjoying a fun series by British author SJ Bennett.

Have a good day...


Saturday, September 26, 2026

How are you?

 That question comes from reader Denise in VA after thanking me for the Medicare video I posted.

Mercy and I are okay. I am researching provider options prior to open enrollment as my plan is being axed by Humana. Daily chores, bills and the care of Mercy seem to consume the majority of my days. I got the tax stuff to my CPA in advance of the October deadline. That is a load off my mind once the return is submitted.

It is slightly cooler here today at 81 degrees and breezy, a nice change from stifling humidity and temperatures above ninety. Fall is finally upon us, I hope.

Please spare kind thoughts for the friend that sometimes brings blooms and has seen me through cancer diagnosis, surgery and recuperation. Her husband is having a revision knee replacement surgery Monday as the first ended up a botched job. He has another surgeon so fingers crossed this attempt is successful.

I still tire easily and require naps. Today though I'll also cook dinner and catch on laundry, both things that seem to take longer than anticipated to do. Mercy gets a package of catnip mice and her kibble delivered today, both in anticipation of her upcoming birthday and "gotcha "days thereafter.


Have a good day!