United States: Dexcom Stelo will be the first OTC CGM available in the U.S. without a prescription.
Europe: The Libre Sense CGM is available over-the-counter in several European countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the UK
Also Canada and Mexico I believe.
Search found 951 matches
- Wed Mar 27, 2024 12:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Continuous Glucose Monitor
- Replies: 13
- Views: 781
- Wed Mar 27, 2024 11:36 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: $90K 48 mos loan at 3% OR outright purchase
- Replies: 42
- Views: 1982
Re: $90K 48 mos loan at 3% OR outright purchase
Agree, when I look at my old car and they say it's worth $4,000 and then look at a new one that is $40,000, I realize the old car is worth $40,000 if I keep it rather than replace it.btq96r wrote: ↑Wed Mar 27, 2024 8:13 amThis is a great way to look at it. So many times, the thought of parting with the money I have set aside for a new vehicle has made me realize the one I have now is just fine. In forcing myself to look at more than a momentary feeling, I realize I don't value a new truck to that high a degree.
- Mon Mar 25, 2024 11:24 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Does It Ever Make Sense For FEHB Enrollees To Drop Part B?
- Replies: 24
- Views: 1489
Re: Does It Ever Make Sense For FEHB Enrollees To Drop Part B?
If taking Part B you may also want to consider the added bureaucracy of getting claims processed. If the healthcare provider has issues getting documents processed with Medicare and then getting the denials back to the FEHB insurer you will need to intercede and work the issue with all three parties. I am 7 mos into such a situation and still working on it. :oops: I believe all providers are required by law to first submit the claim to Medicare if 65 or older whether the person has it or not so that could be part of the issue? The problem is that Medicare approves and also denies specific items. The denials are what the FEHB insurance is supposed to pick up and approve. Those Medicare denials need to be processed properly to the FEHB insur...
- Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:54 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Does It Ever Make Sense For FEHB Enrollees To Drop Part B?
- Replies: 24
- Views: 1489
Re: Does It Ever Make Sense For FEHB Enrollees To Drop Part B?
If taking Part B you may also want to consider the added bureaucracy of getting claims processed. If the healthcare provider has issues getting documents processed with Medicare and then getting the denials back to the FEHB insurer you will need to intercede and work the issue with all three parties. I am 7 mos into such a situation and still working on it.
- Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:15 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only
- Replies: 89
- Views: 4983
Re: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only
For my last post on this topic -- In 2024 dollars the Medicare Part B premium for a person that lives to age 90 is $90k if a 4% REAL return on premium savings is realized. $90k either way is not going to affect me personally in any measurable way except on paper, but I find it remarkable. From my POV, an important point in the argument in favor of Part B is mandated discounted pricing. However, it is so extreme that it has lead to an exodus of providers so it is very much a double-edged sword Dodecahedron wrote: but for folks inclined to play the odds as Eric Gold apparently does, my sense is that frequently there is a lag between the time when possibility of cancer first appears on horizon and a series of tests are run and results are ana...
- Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:16 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Where does your [investing] inspiration come from?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3115
Re: Where does your [investing] inspiration come from?
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
- Fri Mar 15, 2024 12:29 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
- Replies: 238
- Views: 22587
Re: Great news! No more agent commission
It might all go to a web-based sales service with an added transaction completion service to finalize everything.
- Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:18 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Why is Vanguard so bullish on international exposure in their all-in-one funds?
- Replies: 77
- Views: 6894
Re: Why is Vanguard so bullish on international exposure in their all-in-one funds?
Still. He was aware of international markets and explicitly said they're not necessary. Later he said they're still not necessary but if you MUST, limit it to no more than 20%. Just saying. If it were good enough for him it's good enough for me. People will still be quoting his position centuries from now in arguing why the economies of other planets shouldn't be included in their asset allocation. Substitute Planets for Countries and the answer is still the same: :) “Everyone tells me I'm wrong,” Mr. Bogle said. “In my book, 'Bogle on Investing,' I said, for a lot of reasons, you don't need to own international stock.” His argument: International investing involves extra risk , ranging from currency risk and economic risk to societal inst...
- Fri Mar 01, 2024 1:51 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President
- Replies: 372
- Views: 36431
Re: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President
Do you think some board members might be members of this forum?
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should 81-year-old parent convert $118k TSP account to a lifetime annuity?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1030
Re: Should 81-year-old parent convert $118k TSP account to a lifetime annuity?
Is she not already taking RMD from the TSP? She could roll the TSP over to an IRA, take RMDs or additional amounts as needed, and also allow it to be passed on as an inherited IRA.
- Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:53 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Experiences So Far With New FEHB MPDP Part D Options
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1515
Re: Experiences So Far With New FEHB MPDP Part D Options
Does the fact that you have Part D show anywhere at Medicare? Does your Medicare card change to add Part D to the card?
- Tue Feb 20, 2024 6:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 5427
Re: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
On my second pair from Costco. I have the Philips 9040 that is rechargeable. More powerful range than my prior ones that used batteries. I would not want to go back to battery models. Have been pleased with Costco and their support.
- Sun Feb 18, 2024 11:20 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I get a Lexus ES for its V6?
- Replies: 96
- Views: 8710
Re: Should I get a Lexus ES for its V6?
It's worth a drive. Most modern turbo 4's are tuned for boost at low RPM. There will still be some lag, due to physics. But's it's nowhere near as bad as the janky turbo 4's of yesteryear. They are surprisingly torquey down low. I had a Volvo sedan many years ago that had their 4 cylinder turbocharged engine. It took forever for the turbo to kick in, but once it did, it really kicked in 8-) I loved that car! Europeans have been successfully turbocharging engines for many years, but it's only recently become a thing in the states, so many people (unfortunately) still think turbocharged engines are unreliable and difficult to live with. That's certainly not the case with modern engines. Definitely worth a look! I also agree with the poster a...
- Sat Feb 17, 2024 9:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Western Europe Traveling Apps?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 2243
Re: Western Europe Traveling Apps?
I found Google Maps very useful for walking, driving, & transit. I download maps for offline use. Google Translate is useful. The integrated former Google Lens is helpful for translating signs, menus, etc. You can also have someone speak into it and it will translate. Kindle for reading travel books rather than carrying one around. Rick Steve's audioguides are good. Tripadvisor for reviews of things to do and restaurants. Yelp for restaurant reviews. TripIt for keeping track of your itinerary. Apple Pay/Google Pay for paying for stuff. Airtags for keeping track of your stuff. WhatsApp for calling/video calling. Mobile Passport Control app if you don't have Global Entry. Uber/Lyft for ride share. Good list, I would add a weather app, ai...
- Tue Feb 13, 2024 2:04 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Can you do better than BND?
- Replies: 278
- Views: 35803
Re: Can you do better than BND?
Adjust to 2021 and BND is slightly better.Northern Flicker wrote: ↑Tue Feb 13, 2024 1:54 pm I think a better analysis is to note that in terms of diversifying equity risk, treasuries have historically been able to accomplish what a total bond index has accomplished but with a shorter duration.
https://www.portfoliovisualizer.com/bac ... HaE8dUI2o8
But the shorter duration bond portfolio takes less inflation risk, so you can diversify disinflation at a similar level as accomplished by BND while taking less inflation risk.
Note that VGIT is already a little shorter in duration than BND.
- Tue Feb 13, 2024 10:47 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Can you do better than BND?
- Replies: 278
- Views: 35803
Re: Can you do better than BND?
Nice analysis McQ
- Tue Feb 13, 2024 10:22 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 3-4 Fund vs Single Fund
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1134
Re: 3-4 Fund vs Single Fund
Simplicity of a single fund:
No market timing when adding new money, balancing, or taking money out.
Easy to transfer and maintain for heirs.
Eliminates tinkering with recency events and bias.
Balancing is taken care of, always selling high and buying low.
Can be used in both tax-advantaged and non-tax-advantaged accounts.
If you can live without international use the following:
Non-Taxable: 100% in VBIAX balanced index fund
Taxable: 100% in VTMFX balanced index fund tax (Fed only) managed
IF:
Taxable in high taxable state: 60% VTI total stock market and 40% Your State Municipal bond fund
No market timing when adding new money, balancing, or taking money out.
Easy to transfer and maintain for heirs.
Eliminates tinkering with recency events and bias.
Balancing is taken care of, always selling high and buying low.
Can be used in both tax-advantaged and non-tax-advantaged accounts.
If you can live without international use the following:
Non-Taxable: 100% in VBIAX balanced index fund
Taxable: 100% in VTMFX balanced index fund tax (Fed only) managed
IF:
Taxable in high taxable state: 60% VTI total stock market and 40% Your State Municipal bond fund
- Mon Feb 12, 2024 12:17 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Nassim Taleb article - "White Swan" Risk
- Replies: 50
- Views: 6749
Re: Nassim Taleb article - "White Swan" Risk
Taleb is hoping for just such an event. He is involved in a hedge fund that bets heavily on devastating market events and loses money every day that they don't happen.
- Sun Feb 11, 2024 10:35 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Starting young - teaching a 5 and 7 yo about investing
- Replies: 9
- Views: 726
Re: Starting young - teaching a 5 and 7 yo about investing
Read to or have them read The Richest Man in Babylon, by George Samuel Clason.
- Sun Feb 11, 2024 10:08 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Asset location (401k, Roth, Taxable) guidance for $3.5 million portfolio at 60/40 AA.
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2830
Re: Asset location (401k, Roth, Taxable) guidance for $3.5 million portfolio at 60/40 AA.
If you want simplicity:
Non-Taxable: 100% in VBIAX balanced index fund
Taxable: 100% in VTMFX balanced index fund tax (Fed only) managed
IF:
Taxable in high taxable state: 60% VTI total stock market and 40% State Municipal bond fund
Non-Taxable: 100% in VBIAX balanced index fund
Taxable: 100% in VTMFX balanced index fund tax (Fed only) managed
IF:
Taxable in high taxable state: 60% VTI total stock market and 40% State Municipal bond fund
- Thu Feb 08, 2024 11:50 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
- Replies: 511
- Views: 69434
Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Appreciate hearing others' feedback as they begin to use the CP account. For now, I still want to keep my banking and investing accounts separate. Banking items require a lot of accessing the account or using phone Apps which I still feel reluctant to do with brokerage accounts, just another vulnerability. Curious, when you access the CP does it state that you are leaving Vanguard and going to an outside web platform?
- Sun Feb 04, 2024 10:07 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
- Replies: 1514
- Views: 169446
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
- Sun Feb 04, 2024 9:10 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
- Replies: 1514
- Views: 169446
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Recently we had some complicated RMD fixes. Vanguard's response and support was extraordinary. One call and every aspect was worked through and fixes were made on the spot. We could not be more pleased.
- Thu Feb 01, 2024 8:44 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF - thoughts?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 5606
Re: California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF - thoughts?
I would like to compare VTEC against VCADX:
Both are intermediate bonds
ER .08 vs .09
Min purchase $1.00 vs $50k
Benchmark S&P California AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index vs Bloomberg Municipal CA Intermed Idx
SEC yield No known yet for VTEC vs 3.01%
A fund that has the same benchmark as VTEC to compare the long-term performance of VCADX vs SWCAX...VCADX performed better.
The question is, is it worth switching from VCADX to VTEC in a Vanguard brokerage just for the better ER when performance seems suspect?
Both are intermediate bonds
ER .08 vs .09
Min purchase $1.00 vs $50k
Benchmark S&P California AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index vs Bloomberg Municipal CA Intermed Idx
SEC yield No known yet for VTEC vs 3.01%
A fund that has the same benchmark as VTEC to compare the long-term performance of VCADX vs SWCAX...VCADX performed better.
The question is, is it worth switching from VCADX to VTEC in a Vanguard brokerage just for the better ER when performance seems suspect?
- Tue Jan 30, 2024 10:31 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF - thoughts?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 5606
Re: California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF - thoughts?
I suspect VTEI is equivalent or mirror of VWIUX MF and VTEC is a mirror of VCADX MF but not stated as such on their website. ER, .09 vs .08.
- Tue Jan 30, 2024 9:09 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: How Taylor Larimore made a difference in my financial life - Salute to Taylor's 100th
- Replies: 53
- Views: 10305
Re: How Taylor Larimore made a difference in my financial life - Salute to Taylor's 100th
I appreciate it when some of these treads start getting confusing and off-track and Taylor adds a post that brings me back down to earth and Bogle basics.
- Fri Jan 26, 2024 11:06 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: VMFXX and 2023 taxes
- Replies: 22
- Views: 3924
Re: VMFXX and 2023 taxes
Is the 50% rule the same for all taxable states?
- Wed Jan 24, 2024 10:49 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
- Replies: 511
- Views: 69434
Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
I thought one could only do CC auto payments with checking accounts and not savings accounts?
- Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:23 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
- Replies: 511
- Views: 69434
Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
- Mon Jan 22, 2024 8:36 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
- Replies: 511
- Views: 69434
Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
So if you deposit $5M in the CP account you can be assured that it is spread around so that all of it is FDIC insured? That would be a nice feature.
- Sun Jan 21, 2024 11:40 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
- Replies: 511
- Views: 69434
Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
For everyone complaining that this is just a HYSA, remember in the not too distant past when HYSAs were paying more than money market funds. That can, and likely will, happen again at some point. That is when Ally worked best but will this PNC do the same? My Ally Savings account is 4.35%, while my Cash Plus is 4.7% so I am hopeful. I can transfer cash within Vanguard quicker than to Ally, so I have hope this will have utility by reducing financial institutions from three to two: from Vanguard, Ally, local brick and mortar credit union to just Vanguard and CU. My plan (assuming Vanguard's execution is reasonable on transfers, etc.) is to transition my spending account home from the credit union with an Ally short-term savings account to Ca...
- Sun Jan 21, 2024 11:20 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
- Replies: 511
- Views: 69434
Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
That is when Ally worked best but will this PNC do the same? Also why go through Vanguard when you go to PNC Bank directly paying 4.65 in savings?NYCaviator wrote: ↑Wed Jan 17, 2024 2:49 pm For everyone complaining that this is just a HYSA, remember in the not too distant past when HYSAs were paying more than money market funds. That can, and likely will, happen again at some point.
- Sun Jan 21, 2024 10:03 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Do Bond Funds Really Make Sense for the Long Run?
- Replies: 399
- Views: 39288
Re: Do Bond Funds Really Make Sense for the Long Run?
Total Bond fund distributions coming in every month looked very good to me in 2008 and for some time afterward.
- Fri Jan 19, 2024 5:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.
- Replies: 413
- Views: 39635
Re: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.
Ha Ha, reminds me of Danny Devito's quote to his secretary: " When I die, put it on my gravestone: - "He never went to Texas." - Yes, sir. I'll call the engraver."whodidntante wrote: ↑Wed Jan 17, 2024 6:49 pm I wouldn't be caught dead in Florida, which is the most likely result if one retires there.
Texas has high property taxes.
All the cheapskates end up in Tennessee. You'll get 4 seasons but the winter doesn't settle in your bones. The state provides no services of any kind.
- Thu Jan 18, 2024 8:39 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Tax-Managed Balanced Fund (VTMFX) for Taxable account?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 5636
Re: Tax-Managed Balanced Fund (VTMFX) for Taxable account?
Also, you may want to consider state taxes if applicable and use a muni bond instead of VTEB.
- Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tesla in Cold Weather
- Replies: 197
- Views: 18112
Re: Tesla in Cold Weather
Reading some of these news stories this morning about frozen EVs at charging stations, I learned that the EV battery needs to be at a certain temperature (25?) before it will charge. Is that correct?
- Wed Jan 10, 2024 12:12 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Morningstar article: Do Stocks Really Make Sense for the Long Run?
- Replies: 180
- Views: 27573
Re: Morningstar article: Do Stocks Really Make Sense for the Long Run?
Is the TVAA-suggested future portfolio discussed in the Vanguard outlook an existing Vanguard fund or ETF?
- Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 4Runner - new or used
- Replies: 77
- Views: 9007
Re: 4Runner - new or used
Has your wife test-driven a 4Runner? The reason I am saying this is that she is coming from a Minivan. When I first test-drove a 4Runner it was a new v8 model with 4wd. I thought the visibility out the front was small and it felt like I was driving a military vehicle. Very stiff with low gearing and you knew it was going to be using a lot of fuel. I then tested a Highlander. It had lots of glass very open and not the enclosed feeling like the 4Runner, and was as smooth as a car. When went with the Highlander and it has been great for many years, however, we do use it like a car or even minivan, not like an off-road truck.
- Wed Jan 03, 2024 11:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Miele OR Bosch Dishwasher?
- Replies: 89
- Views: 10990
Re: Miele OR Bosch Dishwasher?
I am partial to Whirlpool. The current dishwasher is used daily and still running fine at 17 years old. Have a refrigerator moved many times, in the hot or cold garage, with zero maintenance, perfectly maintains temperatures, and is still running at 42 years old. Family thinks it must be in a different dimension.
- Wed Jan 03, 2024 11:24 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: RMD Distribution Dates
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1953
Re: RMD Distribution Dates
Vanguard set one up for a single distribution at the end of December each year. I suppose the reasoning is to keep it invested as long as possible.
- Mon Jan 01, 2024 5:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Amazon Rate increases - alternatives [Amazon Prime Video]
- Replies: 151
- Views: 24132
Re: Amazon Rate increases - alternatives [Amazon Prime Video]
Think of the positive, more ads, higher fees may cause less binge-watching and increase productivity.
- Sun Dec 31, 2023 11:33 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: USAA Claims Reputation
- Replies: 51
- Views: 5726
Re: USAA Claims Reputation
I believe if you are in the lower categories you are subsidizing the high category with higher rates and less service.tj wrote: ↑Fri Dec 29, 2023 4:37 pmYeah, look at your insurance policies and they should have a lettered prefix. You might be insured by actual USAA ,or you could be insured by a subsidiary owned by USAA - CIC, GIC, GARImpatience wrote: ↑Fri Dec 29, 2023 4:17 pmUSAA offers different service to officers than enlisted? news to me very helpful thread
Officers are insured by actual USAA.
- Sat Dec 16, 2023 10:36 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Winning the game and Dry Powder
- Replies: 157
- Views: 26224
Re: Winning the game and Dry Powder
I believe you answered your question. Any of your existing positions can become dry powder whenever you choose, but cash being the most liquid would likely be the first choice.TheTimeLord wrote: ↑Sat Dec 16, 2023 10:09 amWhich is fine. But you have me curious, what then qualifies as dry powder? BTW, I don't necessarily disagree, I think of dry powder as a defined flexible portion of your portfolio that can be invested however you choose as opposed to be constrained by an AA.
- Sat Dec 16, 2023 10:06 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Winning the game and Dry Powder
- Replies: 157
- Views: 26224
Re: Winning the game and Dry Powder
Cash is a Position so I do not consider it dry powder.
- Thu Dec 14, 2023 10:42 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Pros and Cons of "Do Not Resuscitate"
- Replies: 209
- Views: 51777
Re: Pros and Cons of "Do Not Resuscitate"
This thread is so thought provoking. Thank you for all who have contributed. In light of this thread, I have a question. Our fire department is offering free CPR classes. I had planned to sign up for one. But because of this thread, I'm rethinking that. What do you think (especially you docs and nurses)? Is there a value for a lay person to attempt CPR when the results are often so poor? It feels "bad" to decide not to learn something (CPR) when, if there were a crisis situation, that lack of training could mean watching helplessly as someone dies. (Or is getting the training merely a way to deal with one's own feelings of helplessness in the face of mortality?) In general, do you think a lay person should take a CPR class in lig...
- Thu Dec 14, 2023 10:29 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Pros and Cons of "Do Not Resuscitate"
- Replies: 209
- Views: 51777
Re: Pros and Cons of "Do Not Resuscitate"
This is an interesting and timely topic. Spouse just had annual Medicare Wellness appointment, and was pressured by the Dr. to do a POLST form. As couples are wont to do, we then had a discussion about this form. Since we have advanced directives in place already, I didn't see the benefit. In a F/U with the Dr. I asked how form would be beneficial. Dr.'s response was did spouse want to be resuscitated if she had in fact died, (not breathing or heart beating)? My response was to ask how the form would prevent resuscitation outside of their hospital? The answer of course is that it wouldn't. No one outside of their medical system would know of or have access to the form. If you are elderly and spend most of your time in your residence, tapin...
- Thu Nov 30, 2023 10:44 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: FERS annuity: Does it keep up with increases in FEHB premiums?
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2605
Re: FERS annuity: Does it keep up with increases in FEHB premiums?
[/quote]
We were on BCBS Standard for many years and then switched to Basic. Basic at this time offers zero extra Skilled Nursing Facility days. We then switched to Aetna Direct which is a significantly lower premium and gives $1800 fund per year (self+one). See more comments in reply to Ricola.
[/quote]
I don't see the 50% savings. The $1800 a year reimbursement for Part B is similar to BCBS Basic which would be $1600 per year currently. Also I don't understand Aetna's international coverage as it seems to be a separate or added plan.
We were on BCBS Standard for many years and then switched to Basic. Basic at this time offers zero extra Skilled Nursing Facility days. We then switched to Aetna Direct which is a significantly lower premium and gives $1800 fund per year (self+one). See more comments in reply to Ricola.
[/quote]
I don't see the 50% savings. The $1800 a year reimbursement for Part B is similar to BCBS Basic which would be $1600 per year currently. Also I don't understand Aetna's international coverage as it seems to be a separate or added plan.
- Thu Nov 30, 2023 9:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: FERS annuity: Does it keep up with increases in FEHB premiums?
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2605
Re: FERS annuity: Does it keep up with increases in FEHB premiums?
If you have a large enough FERS pension, the dollar increase in your pension could be greater than the dollar increase in your FEHB premium, in any given year. So percentages only have limited relevance. Oh, I see. Thanks. If the annuitant is on Medicare A/B, one can save a significant amount in premium each month by switching to a lower premium plan, as some others mentioned. As an example, we are on a FEHB self+one plan-- we switched upon both being on Medicare from a very popular plan to one designed for those on Medicare (not a Medicare Advantage Plan). Our premium was cut by approx 50%, and we were given a health fund (HRA) of $1800 per year, so our savings are approx $350 per month. We could save even more by dropping Part B and goin...
- Tue Nov 28, 2023 10:59 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: CA Solar Decision
- Replies: 90
- Views: 12397
Re: CA Solar Decision
My opinion? Forget it, rooftop solar is dead in California, it just doesn't know it yet. Still pending but almost guaranteed: Fees per kw of installed solar (last I saw, $8/month per kw installed was proposed) This was stripped out of NEM 3.0 but it is NOT dead. "income based" monthly fees - this is already approved by the legislature and must be finalized by April 2024. For high earners it will be something in the range of $75-100/month. It supposedly will come with reduced per kwh costs. That means there is even less incentive to have extra solar capacity, since you will be offsetting "cheaper" power and cannot offset the income fees. Frankly @ $5/gallon of gas, electric cars are starting to be non-viable at PG&E ...
- Sat Nov 25, 2023 12:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit
- Replies: 408
- Views: 58679
Re: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit
Is Fidelity planning on offering this bonus again this year?