Thursday Air

[dahknee]

Wow, sounds like a few people need to control their tempers. I mean the angry conservatives. Seems to me that the changes can probably be repealed before they even go into affect with a changing of the guard. But hey what do I know, just a dumb old hick out here in the sticks.

Hope Judy and Katie are having a better day today and got a chance to relax a bit yesterday.

Had a PET scan yesterday, I'll see my radiation onc. next Wed. for the results, I guess if there is anything urgent I'll hear something sooner. Thought I had an appt. with my lungologist, gees I can't think of the actual term for a lung doc, my pour sieve of a brain. Anyway, here's to praying for another NED result.

Ya'll have a wonderful day. P.S. About 30 outside headed for 60. Another great day in paradise.

Donny

[Bud Baker]

Good morning, everyone!

We had a round of storms move through last night, and a cold front behind them. It was 42 degrees this morning with a brisk northwest wind that I had to ride against to get to work. It's supposed to get up to 62 this afternoon.

Don't get me started on the health care thing, Donny........LOL. It's amazing how we depend on all levels of government for all kinds of social services in our lives every day, but if they get into health care, the world will end! I don't get it...

Have a great day, all!

[dahknee]

My turn to vent now, because of the new legislation my insurance was just canceled. They are trimming the high risk patients off while they still can. At least I'm not eligible for Medicare so I'll probably get to pay the hefty fine along with all of my newfound medical bills. My insurance was the only thing keeping me afloat now I'm pretty well F^&*&^&ed, dang and I forgot to pick up KY jelly. GGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[recce101]

That's the bummers, Donny! Now you're making ME mad!!

I think a big part of this controversy lies in the answer to the question, who do you trust more — government or business? Any person's answer to that question depends largely on their personal experience or the personal experience of others in their family or circle of friends.

Some people feel, and probably with some justification, that government has screwed them over, and the thought of giving government even a little more control over something as personal as health care just doesn't sit well. On the other side of the fence is somebody like me, who has received most of his health care either directly from the govermnent (e.g., military) or through a government program (e.g., Medicare) and is satisfied with the care received.

In spite of all the talk about repeal, that's going to be pretty tough to do, regardless of which party is in power. As soon as some of these more immediate benefits go into effect (kids staying on the parents' insurance, etc.) people won't be willing to give that up. There's probably room for tweaking how these changes are paid for, and that's fine, but taking away the good stuff just ain't gonna happen.

My chemo yesterday got cancelled — low white count again, so we're again doing 3 days of Neupogen shots. Looks like the most I can handle with Navelbine is 2 weeks on and 1 week off, not the preferred of 3-on-1-off, even with a reduced dose. Then there's the upcoming hernia surgery, which will further interfere with chemo, so I'm not expecting great results on my next scans, whenever that turns out to be (a month or so from now). At least the weather is warmer.

I'm having a lot of fun with my new Sony Pocket Reader, which I bought Tuesday on sale for $169. After much thought I picked that over a Kindle. There are expected to be a lot of advances with e-readers this year, so I figured paying a smaller price for an entry-level device makes more sense. No more depending on 6-month-old magazines in waiting rooms!

Ned

[Bud Baker]

Dang, sorry to hear that Donny. You have to love insurance companies.

I get my health care from the VA, but I'm wanting to retire soon, and Rose is self employed with no insurance other than what I have at work. She is also not old enough for Medicare, so we'll end up shopping for insurance with a small budget, too. I don't think any of the national changes will happen soon enough to do us any good.

Good luck with your chemo and surgery, Ned. That all sounds tough.

[ts]

I have to praise our ex-insurance commissioner, Deborah Senn.

In Washington, if you pay your premiums you can't get kicked off your insurance. You can change from one plan to another as long as there is not a gap between coverage. And they can't charge more for someone who is chronically ill than they can for someone who never makes a claim. My insurance plan is changing for the worse in July, but it is the same as anyone else on this policy, of my age and gender. The biggest concern is the annual cap on prescriptions - $3,000 does not go far. That you Genetech for Access Solutions!

[Bud Baker]

My insurance benefits have steadily gone down, year by year. And my company changed insurance companies this year, right in the middle of Rose's illness. Her left hand just swelled up and she's been diagnosed with lymphedema. When she called to get an appointment with the specialist her oncologist referred her to, wouldn't you know it, he's not in the network, so she's looking for another specialist.

[jaminkw]

Sorry to be so late coming on the Air. Stan and I had to get into a company invoice mess before he left late morning. Threw my whole day off so here I am and it's evening. Sounds like insurance is the talk of the day: On medicare, good and bad. Stan still works and Medicare payroll withdrawals will go up, so will supplemental insurance premiums we depend on to help with my cancer treatments, and probably increase in medicare benefit payments deducted from our SS checks. Think the article I read said some prescription drugs in our RX plan will also be affected. Good news if you have cancer: No lifetime max on my supplemental policy. Been worrying about that. Sounds good as long as we can afford to keep it.

Bummer on your insurance Donny. How did they let them do that???? Better luck on your scan though. And Bud, hope you have that backwind on your way home tonight. Ned, we'll be keeping you in our hearts and minds during your next ordeal. Trust it will go well for you. Stephanie, I applaud the same things in the new plan and benefit from Genetech's generosity (??) also. I just wonder how generous it is because at $30,000 a pop every three weeks, how many people would have been able to use it without the perk.

Have a great evening everyone.

[Calintay]

Good afternoon all. It is about 50 something here in Washington and rainy. Love the rain NOT! Oh well had a beautiful day yesterday.

Hope everyone had a great day!

[ts]

Hey Donny,

I tried sending you a PM on Thursday afternoon and it is still sitting in my outbox! Not sure how to get that thing to send now. Do check ith State of WY insurance if you haven't already. They have policies for people who have been declined a policy by an insurer. If I read it right, the price is good too.