Tuesday Rant...Sorry, Just Have to Get it Off My Chest

Tens of billions of dollars could be saved in Medicare and Medicaid alone by eliminate fraud and improving patient care. Not only would this save money, but it will save lives.

 Tim Murphy

Tens of billions of dollars could be saved in Medicare and Medicaid alone by eliminate fraud and improving patient care. Not only would this save money, but it will save lives.
Tim Murphy
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/medicare_5.html#kh2UXCRschuwmysm.99

It has been quite awhile since I posted a rant so I guess the time must be right. I am still in the up-in-the air stage of choosing a secondary health plan, and no one seems to care.  The social worker at the program had assured me that when it came around the time to sign up, I would be bombarded with information.  I've received nothing.  Even Emblem, my old work plan, has forsaken me. I was used to them and really wanted to stick with them if possible.  A worker was scheduled to meet with me in my home; she never showed.  When I called the company to complain, they offered to send me information.  That was a few weeks ago.  I am still waiting.

I did manage to get my medications at quite a discount by joining the Pathmark Prescription plan.  With that and Medicare I 'should' be okay, but I got to thinking,  what about dental?  It was dental that drained me of my entire savings several years ago.  And while I do understand that whatever dental plan I may get with my secondary insurance will only cover some of the bill, anything is better than nothing.  Besides, I do have medical issues that must be taken care of.  I have to get something, but I am so confused.  Medicare already takes money out of my limited income; a secondary plan will take more.  I can't leave myself broke.  And with Obamacare, who knows what I can expect?

I shouldn't have to be faced with these decisions.  I shouldn't have to chose between an occasional movie or a trip to Atlantic City or health care. Granted, yes, had I not been so frivolous when I was young, I might have a savings, but it seems every time I tried, something came up--school, dental, my ex draining my account as well leaving me thousands of dollars in debt, etch. And this past year, with hubby not working and denied social security, everything has fallen on my shoulders...and once I retired, I ended up laying out more than I was bringing in.  

I held my first job while in high school.  I was 15 years old and worked after school and on Saturdays in a diner in my neighborhood.  My only day off was on Sunday, and that was only because back in those days, most businesses were closed on Sunday. And ever since that time, I have been working. I worked when I was pregnant and worked when I went to school.  In all, I worked 51 years. And now this is what I reap from it.  This is my reward. 

I think what really gets to me is that some seem to be rewarded for 'never' working.  Yes, I do understand that there are those who are too sick--physically or mentally--to hold down a job, and this is not geared towards them in any way.  My rant is directed towards those who simply chose not to work.  In fact, I have worked with hundreds of clients and I would venture a guess that only ten percent had ever held down a job. I am not going to point out all the other benefits they receive, but their Medicaid is the best insurance in town...and they get it for free.

Perhaps if the system didn't make it so easy for them they might be inspired to hold a job.  I'll use my employers as an example...as well as their funding sources.   The run a number of shelters and housing for the homeless.  Everyone in the shelter must apply for social security, and there are workers there that make that happen.  So, a 26 year old drug dealer who never held a job is eligible for SSI, but my husband was not.  And along with their social security comes free medical insurance which many of them find a way to abuse.  What happens is that clients get 'so much' for free they see no reason why they should go out and work.

Meanwhile, here I was, 66 years old, struggling to make it to work every day, sometimes in so much pain that tears would literally spring from my eyes....and money was taken from  my check to help support these young, healthy men.  I took it for as long as I could, and then my body really began to break down, and I couldn't work any longer. So now, here I am.  Lost.  Afraid of the future.  I know many of you have offered your advice and assistance and for that I am forever grateful.  But, I am such a dunce when it comes to all this, and time is really growing short. All I want is a plan that will not eat up much more of my money, but will take care of my needs. They all promise that, but we all no about broken promises in health care, don't we?  

Traditionally, Medicare's assurance has been that for the elderly and persons with disabilities that they will not be alone when confronted with the full burden of their health care costs.

Mike Fitzpatrick 

So, why do I feel so alone?  We have paid our dues.  It should be easier on us.

Thank you for listening. Didn't mean to put a damper on your day.