Navigating medical insurance and prescription drugs is becoming a nightmare for seniors on limited incomes. I’m 78 years young now and the idea of working is daunting. Businesses don’t look at seniors as capable as those under 50. I could maybe get a job as a greeter for Walmart, but I’m sure there are many other seniors like me who are waiting in line for any opening like this. Many don’t have the income necessary to survive.
As a diabetic, I should be eating a much healthier diet. But with the rising costs of groceries, I’ve been stocking up on canned goods, beans, rice, and other staples that have long shelf life. I don’t have the means to shop every week picking out fresh produce and meats. Honestly, I rarely eat meat. I have cut back on portions and don’t eat foods fried in oils. I do my best to eat a fairly balanced diet at least once a day. I do oatmeal for breakfast and leftovers for lunch.
Now after my big rant against the high cost of necessary medications by big pharmas in an earlier post, I’m caving in. With the increasing AFIB situations I’m experiencing, the idea of having a stroke is worrisome. I know the aspirin regimen does help with thinning my blood, but according to the information I’ve been reading, the medication my cardiologist has prescribed, Eliquis, will also help to prevent blood clots and strokes by a significant percentage over aspirin. I’ve worked out a way to afford the medication for 2022. Not that it isn’t a significant cost factor, but I’m cutting back in other areas, including reducing my insurance for 2022.
I’m also thinking I can cut back on the med by substituting aspirin on some days. If this doesn’t work, then I will talk to my doctor about switching to a less expensive drug, like Warfarin.
I spent the morning researching doctors, pharmacies, and drugs accepted by my insurance for 2022. For those businesses who don’t think seniors have a brain, believe me it is necessary to navigate the medical information!
There are other people, including seniors, who are in much worse situations financially than I am. I live a comfortable life, so I’m not complaining. Instead, I am praying for those less fortunate than me as well as myself. I still have hope that God is working to turn things around! Lifting my cup of tea with a smile and a thankful heart.
Carol Ann Erhardt, Author 
Carol – I identify with your having to find a new insurance plan for 2022. Our coverage plan by the Patrol is being cut as of Dec. 31 so we have to find new coverage as well. Fortunately they have set a contract with a “Medicare Marketplace” who will help us make the transition. Even with that trying to find a plan that had all our doctors, etc. was a hassle. I feel sorry for those seniors who do not use a computer and/or do not have anyone to assist them in this venture. It is mind-boggling!
I also feel sorry for those seniors who do not understand some of the telephone scams that are being used today. It is a sad thing when you cannot trust anything that comes over the phone. We continue to pray for those in these situations.
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