Several mornings each week I play tennis. I play early so I can shower and get about my workday. For nearly two decades I’ve sat by my locker and listened to the classic locker room banter which generally includes things like sports, politics, travel plans and health issues.
A few days ago, I overheard a locker room conversation between a 70 something guy and a 60 something guy that caught my attention. What I heard from the 70 something man was quite profound. He told the younger man “Count your blessings and when you are done counting, look again. You’ll find there are a great many more blessings.” Words to live by.
Medicare is a significant blessing for Peg and me. It is excellent health coverage, regardless of whether you have Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with a Supplement. Is it perfect? Of course not. Nothing is perfect! Not even in those countries that have free health care. Beware of free, there are always trade outs.
Let me give you two examples of how Medicare is a blessing. The first is from my own home. After multiple outpatient surgeries and procedures, we could complain because our out-of-pocket costs were $1556 for the year. But considering Medicare was billed $63,000, $1556 is a blessing.
Example two; a younger friend who is not in Medicare, is self-employed and self-insured, was telling me that his doctor’s office charged him about $500 for his latest checkup and labs. OUCH! With Medicare, I pay $10. Another blessing!
If you are on Medicare and get a bill for a couple of hundred dollars, count your blessings. And when you think you are done counting, look again, because you have a lot more blessings.
Next month I want to talk about those things that are frustrating about Medicare. Again, Medicare is not perfect. Let’s talk about that.
In the meantime, if you need help or guidance, contact us. Visit our website or call 317-606-5426. We are here to help you. We’d like to be one of those blessings you can count.