My point of view

Navigating the health care insurance world….. so while watching TV programs when I get time, I constantly hear about the enrollment period for supplemental health insurance coverage beginning about this time until the end of the year. It's good to be alert for these things, but also bad because a flood of fear grips you, because we all know the universe of health insurance is very complex and unnerving. When I retired and had to go on Medicare, I began to appreciate how challenging and mysterious the things you have to comprehend, to stay alive. Now I began to study in detail Medicare and Medicaid programs, supplemental plans, dental plans, vision care plans, drug plans, tiers, etc. etc. Excuse me for a moment, I have to take my headache pill trying to prepare tackling the challenge. I'm having brain pain.

So I now notice when I started enrolling for insurance supplements about eight years ago, my premiums slowly crept up and up, so I had to find ways to counter this matter. Or monster. Thankfully I have a dear friend who said she is about to meet with her insurance company agent to do her annual review of insurance coverages and premiums. She offered me to meet with her agent in Evansville, and I immediately said yes. So off we went, and I had about an hour of meeting. She was very nice and efficient in what she does. Thankfully I have had some years of understanding of how things work in the health care field, and the complex terminologies. So things went smoothly. I think if things go well, my premiums will be about 50% lower with about the same benefits. Lessons to learn: One has to be alert for one's coverage of insurance whatever they may be, and it is best to have a face-to-face process with a professional to be certain of the communications. Always have somebody who cares and advocates for your welfare, take notes and file documents properly. And hope for the best. Thank you Janet.

Now many ask me how different is it in our neighbor up north-Canada, where I lived for six years regarding their health care system? Well, each province (State in our USA) collects the premium for universal coverage - hospital care, labs, vision care, dental care, medications, rehab care, home care, long term care, etc. from the salary of the workers and income of retirees, which is about 40% 0f the citizens' income. My sisters tell me it is pricey but they practically don't shell out payments out of pocket for their health care, but you also can buy additional coverage privately if one wants to do so. Sounds great, but like any system, there are always pros and cons. Since their population is a lot smaller than ours, the government makes sure their health care spending is well controlled. Incomes of health care workers especially doctors are tracked closely, medical imaging machines are apportioned closely, so noticeably if you need a CAT scan or MRI, it takes weeks to get one because the numbers of these devices are much less. However, you can get quicker appointments if you purchase insurances that accept private access. Appointments to specialists and the procedures needed take a longer time to get unless it's an emergency. The quality of their medical care is very high. They have very knowledgeable and world class doctors and health care providers, and very modern technology. I can say however that we in the USA still have one of the very best caliber of care when it comes to complex and difficult diseases and illnesses. That includes research and ground breaking discoveries.

Humor of the week: Doctor said to his patient: "I have good news and bad news about your tests., Your cholesterol number is real good, but I think we need to biopsy your skin lesion."

Wisdom of the week: I've heard this many times and I think there's a lot of truth into it. Moderation in everything leads to a longer Life. Please continue to be kind, patient and forgiving. God bless all of you.