Movin on

[FredK]

All this convinces me that I should not have artificial joints of any kind installed...I have no supplemental insurance to carry me beyond whatever Medicare covers, so when that's done I'm booted out whether I can walk unassisted or not...I'll continue to walk slowly in whatever discomfort I have, then I'll crawl......Ben

I would check with your Part B insurer about that. You may have some out of pocket exppenses depending on your plan. If so get one or both done the same year. Well worth it.

We went with a different provider about three months ago (closer than our old DR). This year had to change plans as our old plan dropped PPO that we had. New one has a $2,000 Out of pocket compared to the old one. Seems most of the new plans are in the same range of OOP cost. Somewhere there's a 50 trips to a dr included in the plan, either thru Medicare or the plan. May really want to talk to an agent, Ben.

[Sandman]

[Sandman]

[Truckman]

I would check with your Part B insurer about that.

Fred, Part B is just Medicare...Part A is the basic coverage that comes with being 65+...Part B is what is paid for out of my SS stipend before my bank ever sees it...I have both of those...My worry is for what happens when I'm unable to just get up and walk out of the hospital to my truck in the parking lot, and drive home...

If, such as in Dave's case, an extended stay is needed in a rehab clinic or some such place, I have no way to get back and forth from my home, or if I can't go home at all there is no one to take care of my home when I'm away...That part is just a crapshoot after surgery, and is not a chance I can take...Yes, I've looked into the various supplemental options, and found nothing that suits me nor my budget......Ben

[UTAH]

Here, location has a significant impact on the current issue.

Both of my parents are doing well physically. But both have significant mental deficits, impacting their ability to eat regularly and ingest sufficient meds. Fortunately, both live in a metropolis which has entities set up to deal with those issues - including heavily subsidized transportation. We can contact our Utah Transit Authority to take them to and from doc/dental appointments - with a $1 to $5 out of pocket co-pay.

Wifey and I have just completed a move outside of the Metro area and the service above is not included. However, we planned ahead. We know from relatives and friends, employed with the State and SL County, our new home will become a part of the Metro area within 10 years.

Developers have invested heavily in residential/business properties where our new home is located. It's considered a prime business model, in the Southwest SLC area, because our Legislators (several of whom are developers) have appropriated funds to create a highway linking Tooele Valley to Salt Lake Valley through Bingham Canyon (currently an unmaintained dirt road). They've already funded and completed a new highway (Mountain View Corridor) which links with SR 111 to serve the new area. Construction on The Bingham Canyon Road will begin in 5 years.

As Ben has pointed out, transportation becomes a major issue as we age. Living out in the "boonies" has its appeal. Yet, living in such a place will not necessarily have the services we need as we grow old.

Hunter

[FredK]

Ben, I think you are not looking in the right areas for help in getting to and from rehab appointments. Think this is a Texas based outfit and am sure there are others to help out. https://texvet.org/resources/alamo-call-ride-4-vets

Wife used to drive for the city senior center back in the 90's. They were funded to help with Dr's appointment out of town. Nearest being 30 miles away. Sure there's help there, one just has to ask for it.

Not saying you should or shouldn't get your knees looked after that's for you to decide. It'll take you about 6 weeks or so until you can drive again, slowly at first depending on which leg is done. Granted hopping out of the vehicle and grabbing a walker, crutch or cane doesn't feel great at first. Just saying it's something to check out.

[Truckman]

Thanks, Fred, I haven't completely ruled it out yet...I also think it's time to finally sign up for VA benefits, and see what's available......Ben

[Honda]

Ben, veterans benefits are often overlooked. But they can be very very helpful to you. Also in the event that you ever needed to go to a nursing home you can go to a veterans for free. Veterans is also very good with aiding in prescription cost. I had to go through this with my dad I didn't know anything about the the benefits but when I did it was astounding.

[Truckman]

Thanks, Tom, I did not know about the scrip costs...Now I will look into it......Ben

[Flaco]

Thanks, Tom, I did not know about the scrip costs...Now I will look into it......Ben

suck it up ya old fart, take what they re offering, you earned it

to dave, hope things are getting better every day

[Truckman]

suck it up ya old fart

Who you callin' old, junior?......Ben

[UTAH]

Hmmm... we're all up there in years. Who's the oldest?

Hunter

[Truckman]

Hmmm... we're all up there in years. Who's the oldest?

Hunter

It would have been Dan if he was still with us...I suspect our two Daves, Ferraridriver at 91 and Dave Grubb at a couple years past me......Ben

[Flaco]

Hmmm... we're all up there in years. Who's the oldest?

Hunter

i'm probably 40 years too young to qualify

[Truckman]

i'm probably 40 years too young to qualify

I'm way too good lookin' to be called old......Ben