Facebook and Medicare D

[madamesilverspurs]

Facebook wasn't on my cyberlist until our local party office decided to use it for messaging. Its changes have been annoying, to say the least. But, also to say the least, Facebook isn't something I pay for. It's a cumbersome freebie.

Medicare D, on the other hand -- I just received my annual 'notice of changes'. Since the program began, the prices of prescriptions have inched upward each year, same for the premiums. Until 2012, anyway. Starting in January, my premiums will double. DOUBLE.

Now, I must confess that I took the easiest route when it came time to choose my Med D plan; I went with the AARP choice because my health circumstances at the time didn't permit a thorough examination of all possible plans. At present I don't have that excuse.

The carrier of the AARP choice is United Healthcare, whose CEO notoriously "earned" more in one day than most American workers earn in three years. And the company continues to lobby against the best interests of their own customers. Under the heading 'Health Care Reform', wikipedia offers this chilling one-liner:

Through 2010 and into 2011, UnitedHealth senior executives have been meeting monthly with executives of leading health insurers to limit the effect of the health care reform law.


So, it's time for me to go shopping. I'll roll with the Facebook changes, no skin off my nose. Medicare D, however, is another matter. It would be naive to assume that other carriers would be more understanding of those of us whose Social Security check hasn't increased for quite a while; they aren't in business to exercise compassion. But continuing to send a monthly premium to an entity that is so blatantly in my face with sucker punches is something that is painfully abrasive to my soul.

If you're inclined to join me on this shopping expedition, I have an extra pair of hip-waders to share. . .

[Hestia]

1. The open enrollment period starts October 7th - go to medicare.gov

and compare plans. The plans are so different and swing wildly year to year. There is a place to enter your drug name, mg., how many times per day taken. That's what your plan is based on - actual prescriptions. If possible, get on generics as much as possible.

[madamesilverspurs]

2. Thanks!

I'm planning on checking that website, but it means a trip to the library or taking my computer to a wifi spot. Accessing and navigating that site on dialup -- not happening.

Again, thanks for the input.