Search found 1884 matches

by InMyDreams
Mon Mar 25, 2024 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TaxSlayer backdoor Roth IRA help
Replies: 30
Views: 4900

Re: TaxSlayer backdoor Roth IRA help

did anyone catch this article in taxslayer support:
https://support.taxslayer.com/hc/en-us/ ... kdoor-Roth
by InMyDreams
Sun Mar 24, 2024 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only
Replies: 89
Views: 4981

Re: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only

It does indeed seem that you can turn Part B on and off ad lib , but I was actually wrong about the 6 month retroactivity for Part B I don't think turning it "on" again is that simple (or to start at all if you miss your initial opportunities, whether that was from age 65 or after stopping a creditable plan): "After your Initial Enrollment Period ends, you can only sign up for Part B and Premium-Part A during one of the other enrollment periods." Between January 1-March 31 each year (General Enrollment Period) "You can sign up between January 1-March 31 each year." https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/when-does-medicare-coverage-start I remember being given the advice - use insuran...
by InMyDreams
Wed Mar 20, 2024 6:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ancestry.Com Membership
Replies: 11
Views: 1227

Re: Ancestry.Com Membership

Current promo at 50% off - they are often gone in a blink of an eye.
My library's Library Edition is only available in-person at my public library, and definitely only contains US-based collections.
If you go to a Family Search Center, their access is pretty much full-spectrum access to Ancestry. They also pay for the access to several other databases, including FindMyPast.
https://locations.familysearch.org/en/search
by InMyDreams
Wed Mar 20, 2024 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dark Chocolate heads Rejoice !!!
Replies: 198
Views: 31134

Re: Dark Chocolate heads Rejoice !!!

Costco has not had Volupta Fair Trade Cacao for over a year - I will soon run out of my supply. :annoyed
by InMyDreams
Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only
Replies: 89
Views: 4981

Re: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only

gunny2 wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:15 pm
Being a vet who'll get Tricare for Life (and services at any base), I still wonder if it's not worth considering.
Oh. Others will need to comment, but I thin Tricare still relies on MCare B enrollment too.

Yeah -
https://tricare.mil/Costs/PayFees/MedPartBFees
by InMyDreams
Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only
Replies: 89
Views: 4981

Re: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only

And there's penalties for late enrollment:
Late enrollment penalties:

Are added to your monthly premium.
Are not a one-time late fee.
Are usually charged for as long as you have that type of coverage (for most people, that’s a lifetime penalty). The Part A penalty is different.
Go up the longer you wait to sign up – they’re based on how long you go without coverage similar to Medicare. Find out when you should sign up to avoid penalties.


https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/m ... -penalties
by InMyDreams
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Safe deposit box-have one? What's in there?
Replies: 115
Views: 10829

Re: Safe deposit box-have one? What's in there?

I've been told that the CU will be discontinuing their deposit boxes this year. I've priced the install of a small size safe from my favorite locksmith. That was a shock, and I hadn't even asked the install price yet.
Years ago, my then-attorney told me that he hated safe deposit boxes and advised a gun safe at home.
Procrastinating...
by InMyDreams
Thu Mar 14, 2024 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Planning Parents' Retirement strategy
Replies: 9
Views: 1422

Re: Planning Parents' Retirement strategy

2. They both have long term care insurance (3 years @ $150/day if I am reading correctly). Certainly some of these investments will be needed to cover gaps -- am I reading correctly that it's most beneficial to use Traditional IRA to cover these (if the expense is above the threshold)? Medically necessary expenses, such as nursing care in an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) or Memory Care, are items that could be included in itemized expenses. Expenses covered by LTCI cannot be itemized (already reimbursed) but unreimbursed costs, and any other usual itemizations (e.g., mortgage interest on an original mortgage loan) might be. I've talked to a man whose wife's memory care nursing charges were $750 a month. Multiply by 12, and you may be clos...
by InMyDreams
Thu Mar 14, 2024 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Planning Parents' Retirement strategy
Replies: 9
Views: 1422

Re: Planning Parents' Retirement strategy

Do they make charitable contributions? Beginning at age 70.5, they could take those from a Traditional IRA as a Qualified Charitable Distribution - that distribution would not count towards their AGI, but can count towards RMD. https://www.investopedia.com/qualified-charitable-distribution-qcd-5409491 What is the plan for long term care? Some use tIRAs as a way of paying for LTC, and the medical expense balances the taxes from pulling tIRA distributions for that. Do their anticipated RMDs really push them into much higher taxes? It's a balancing act, because if you pull it out now, they'll lose the tax-free growth on the 12% they pay in taxes. If they would pay about the same amount of tax in the future, is it worth it to pull it out now? T...
by InMyDreams
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why my mom will continue to need a financial advisor
Replies: 23
Views: 2138

Re: Why my mom will continue to need a financial advisor

My mom mentioned recently that if I didn't do her taxes, she would go to the library to have them done by someone there. People in her building go to the library for taxes. They are low to moderate income people. Hmm.. I did not realized this. I will look into it. Not sure if my mom fits the profile of low to moderate income. I haven't used a tax person to do regular taxes (as opposed to getting specific help via hourly rates) since the 90's. I notice that the cost have shot up a lot over the years. The biggest problem I have notice is getting all of the forms. TaxAide or VITA. Consenting to "pull forward" allows next year's volunteer to pull forward the income sources from the previous tax year. Advantageous to the volunteer (le...
by InMyDreams
Tue Mar 12, 2024 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Father died and I'm totally overwhelmed on what to do
Replies: 58
Views: 11272

Re: Father died and I'm totally overwhelmed on what to do

It's been a very slow process and I feel like I'm only 5% of the way there when I thought I'd be at least 25%. I've also underestimated the emotional toll it has had on me. It's not simply dealing with a death of a father, but also now being the main caregiver for my mom and getting her settled in our home in another city. ... Mom can't walk more than 5 minutes without risking a fall, so living by herself is not an option; but she doesn't see it that way....She absolutely doesn't want to be in assisted living. Mom is living us with her 3 cats and dog and it's chaos. My wife wants the animals gone, but mom wants to keep them. Any time I bring it up, mom cries to go home. I'm stuck in the middle all the while trying to hold a full time job, ...
by InMyDreams
Tue Mar 12, 2024 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax question
Replies: 24
Views: 1991

Re: Tax question

GuyInFL wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 2:06 pm
Younglearner wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 1:43 pm Thanks so much for the reply! A quick question though is that the scholarship income would not count as earned income for Roth ira purpose, correct? Or will I find out when I file my taxes?
From what I read, scholarship $ can’t be counted as earned income for IRAs.
As for the taxability, it should be tax free if less than tuition/books. If you have scholarships exceeding that, it can be taxable. More details at

https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc421

Also research AOTC and make sure your family takes advantage of that.
I don't think OP got this "scholarship" to go to college...OP, was it more like, say, an award? or was it to send you to a special course or pay tuition at a private high school?
by InMyDreams
Tue Mar 12, 2024 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Confused--Part D (Drug Plan) Much More for Certain Prescriptions than Originally Quoted
Replies: 15
Views: 1209

Re: Confused--Part D (Drug Plan) Much More for Certain Prescriptions than Originally Quoted

OnTrack2020 wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:37 am
Rex66 wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:40 pm That’s not clear either bc the drug was not mentioned or its annual cost. Did it go up 10% or 100%.
I can tell you exactly because I printed it out back around the time we signed up. One went up 63% (up over $580) and the other went up over 128% (over $1330).
It may be useful to start looking at GoodRx and SingleCare - pharmacy benefit managers that offer discounted pricing to the public. Some discounts can be amazing, some just a bit better than you pay thru MCare Pt D. Others mention Mark Cuban's website, but I haven't used it.

Also, some people use Canadian pharmacies. If one of my meds goes up to its full list price, I'll be going that route.
by InMyDreams
Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your Original Medicare OR Advantage Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?
Replies: 156
Views: 10595

Re: Your Original Medicare OR Advantage Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?

I have a friend whose condition worsened enough that she needs a self-administered injectable med (once a month) to control it. Last year, her MA plan had her apply for the Pharmaceutical company's patient assistance plan (PAP). Eventually, she was admitted to the plan, was able to purchase the drug (I don't know what her co-pay was), and responded very well to it. Unfortunately, this year the Company changed criteria, and she no longer qualifies for the assistance. She told me that the MA plan tells her to apply for a different Company's PAP (different drug, same category), and the PAP tells her to apply to her MA. In the meantime, she's gone back to her previous treatment, with inadequate results and the side effects that it has. The peop...
by InMyDreams
Fri Mar 08, 2024 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: is QCD like a DAF (but better) ?
Replies: 61
Views: 4268

Re: is QCD like a DAF (but better) ?

Geologist wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 5:26 pm
I'm not sure this will be that useful now as you are responding to a post made in January 2020, more than four years ago. This is the problem when someone (not you) resurrects an ancient thread.
Ouch! A ZOMBIE THREAD gotcha!
by InMyDreams
Fri Mar 08, 2024 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: is QCD like a DAF (but better) ?
Replies: 61
Views: 4268

Re: is QCD like a DAF (but better) ?

So, please check my thinking: is it reasonable to think of the combination of TIRA and QCD as a DAF (except better) ? Being married to a worker, I still have the option to make IRA contributions (and incomes are such that it's deductible). If I put those into a TIRA (instead of a Roth), they reduce our taxable income same as a DAF contribution would if it were deductible (which for us it probably isn't). Then one can make charitable grants out of that TIRA, same as out of a DAF. Except it's better, for three reasons: (1) the contributions to the "DAF" (i.e. the TIRA contributions) are not irrevocable, (2) they count against RMDs, and (3) they reduce AGI (which a real DAF contribution never does). Have I got that right ? Hmm. It s...
by InMyDreams
Fri Mar 08, 2024 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help
Replies: 53
Views: 4879

Re: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help

I wonder if the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop could somehow be incorporated into a Whittier turn-around trip:
https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-p ... istle-stop

It's mentioned on one of the other threads that I linked previously. I really enjoyed it both times I went.
by InMyDreams
Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help
Replies: 53
Views: 4879

Re: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help

Sprucebark wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:40 am Go through the tunnel to Whittier. It’s huge and built during WWII. There isn’t anything to do in Whittier other than turn around and drive back out.
Boat tour from Whittier of Prince William Sound and the glaciers that come into it was fantastic, but there are other ports to do a boat tour from, too.
by InMyDreams
Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help
Replies: 53
Views: 4879

Re: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help

There have been several good threads about AK travel before. This one starts out talking about cruises, but includes links to a couple of other threads:
viewtopic.php?t=408698
by InMyDreams
Tue Mar 05, 2024 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips for Language Learning (2024)
Replies: 18
Views: 1441

Re: Tips for Language Learning (2024)

Someone in another thread recommended the Foreign Service courses
https://www.fsi-language-courses.org/fs ... e-courses/
by InMyDreams
Tue Mar 05, 2024 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips for Language Learning (2024)
Replies: 18
Views: 1441

Re: Tips for Language Learning (2024)

Duolingo also has podcasts. I listen to the Spanish ones (really good) but they also have French
https://podcast.duolingo.com/french

I hope they're as good as the Spanish ones.

Multiple approaches, but listening/doing as often as you can is important. I also like the Pimsleur approach (at least for Spanish) and can borrow that from the library. I'm sure they have French, too.
by InMyDreams
Fri Mar 01, 2024 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Father died and I'm totally overwhelmed on what to do
Replies: 58
Views: 11272

Re: Father died and I'm totally overwhelmed on what to do

Is there any avenue to discovering if there is a life insurance policy on my dad?
"Learn How to Use the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator "

https://content.naic.org/article/learn- ... cy-locator

Sometimes, beneficiaries can't find their deceased relative's policies or, in some cases, may not even know the policies exist. To help solve this issue, the NAIC created the Life Insurance Policy Locator, a free online tool that helps consumers find their deceased loved one’s life insurance policies and annuity contracts.
by InMyDreams
Fri Mar 01, 2024 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Father died and I'm totally overwhelmed on what to do
Replies: 58
Views: 11272

Re: Father died and I'm totally overwhelmed on what to do

OP, so sorry for your loss, and kudos for taking on this work.

Plenty of good advice already on the thread. I'd throw in that you are likely able to use FMLA time to get your mother situated and settled. As others have mentioned, it's important to take care of your self, too, and using that time off enables that.
by InMyDreams
Fri Mar 01, 2024 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's the best way to have federal taxes withheld so I don't have to pay the dreaded estimated taxes?
Replies: 70
Views: 9516

Re: What's the best way to have federal taxes withheld so I don't have to pay the dreaded estimated taxes?

Remember, though, the safe harbor is met if you had 100% of last years taxes withheld, or 90% of this years taxes. This. You can get to safe harbor not only if you owe less than $1k, but any of the other conditions. "Generally, an underpayment penalty can be avoided if you use the safe harbor rule for payments described below. The IRS will not charge you an underpayment penalty if : * You pay at least 90% of the tax you owe for the current year, * or 100% of the tax you owed for the previous tax year, * or You owe less than $1,000 in tax after subtracting withholdings and credits https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/irs/tax-responsibilities/avoiding-underpayment-tax-penalty/ It's a common strategy to pay quarterly estimates that are 1/4...
by InMyDreams
Fri Mar 01, 2024 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Claim Denials
Replies: 17
Views: 1896

Re: Medicare Claim Denials

If there is a chance that the charge may not be covered by Medicare, the patient is supposed to receive an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) prior to service.
https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/ ... ary-notice
If you are asked to sign one of these, you should be prepared to pay for the service.

Yes, I've seen Medicare deny charges. Labs are a common denial, but I've also seen iron infusions denied. The latter was a problem for the provider, not the patient as no ABN had been signed.
by InMyDreams
Fri Mar 01, 2024 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare
Replies: 164
Views: 11815

Re: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare

Agree w/ TN_Boy - I went with Plan G for several reasons, but minimizing my interactions (or a future caretaker's) with medical billing was a big reason. I didn't want little or big bills dribbling in to get paid, or questioning whether the bill was really my responsibility to pay, and keeping track of whether medical providers had billed and been paid. I've mentioned previously, my parents' medigap provider developed hiccups in the payment process (and eventually was bought out). That too influenced my decision to go with a big-name medigap insurer. I saw my primary care doctor (in a big clinic) in January. The clinic still hasn't billed me for my portion of the bill/deductible. It's made its way past Medicare and now my supplement. Clinic...
by InMyDreams
Thu Feb 29, 2024 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare
Replies: 164
Views: 11815

Re: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare

Another problem with out of pocket drug costs - if your MCare Pt D insurer says this is not a covered drug, you can't use the cost you pay to make it into "doughnut holes" or max out of pocket.
by InMyDreams
Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare
Replies: 164
Views: 11815

Re: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare

Agree with earlier posts about going to your local SHIP counselor, and reading Medicare for Dummies. Medicare is surprising complex for something that seems like it should be so simple! OP, are you continuing to work? Your employer's insurance may be primary, and you may not even need to apply for Medicare until you are off your employer's insurance. Talking with your employer's Benefits office will let you know if they have a "creditable" plan. Also, if you are in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and qualify to put money into an HSA, it's important to understand how enrolling into MCare affects your ability to contribute to an HSA. There are many threads about the good and bad aspects of Medigap and MedAdvantage. I'd suggest ...
by InMyDreams
Tue Feb 27, 2024 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cancer Diagnosis Hubby
Replies: 39
Views: 5809

Re: Cancer Diagnosis Hubby

Do you have any family that can help with some caretaking? Or can you afford to hire someone even for part of a day a week? Family. Friends. Church/Synagogue/Mosque. Neighbors. It's time to rely on a network. I've seen a church support a single mother of 4 (or was it 6?) thru her cancer battle, providing meals, babysitting, rides and more. Particularly now while you're getting your bearings. Having a point person to help coordinate efforts may be invaluable. It's not just your DH that needs support. You may be inundated with requests for updates. My family used CaringBridge to disseminate news https://www.caringbridge.org/ The point person could be in charge of that. Mealtrain.org may be able to help with meals. Whether it's mealtrain or n...
by InMyDreams
Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA Contribution
Replies: 13
Views: 1730

Re: HSA Contribution

And...you're not on Medicare, right?
by InMyDreams
Wed Feb 21, 2024 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Full solar ECLIPSE April 2024!
Replies: 80
Views: 9589

Re: Full solar ECLIPSE April 2024!

ResearchMed wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 11:25 am
Keeping fingers crossed well in advance for good weather!

If a major storm is expected, we'll just cancel. We made reservations that can be cancelled for full refunds this time. But those wispy clouds... :annoyed

RM
We had wispy clouds for the annular eclipse last year - it was fine.
2017 in Idaho - no clouds - it was great!

Fingers crossed for 2024 - but we're going in too early to accurately predict cloud-cast, so no last minute cancellation.
by InMyDreams
Wed Feb 21, 2024 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
Replies: 44
Views: 5427

Re: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?

I don't think any one has mentioned - servicing. Your Costco may have better hours for repairs and support. The support that my friend received for her HA from Costco far exceeded what my father received from his University Audiology department for the HAs that he purchased from them. I believe that the Costco support transfers between Costcos as well. I found that the Costco HA specialist was very open about his qualifications/education. He was a fairly recent graduate from a Hearing program at a local, respected private 4-year college, and told me that he wouldn't pursue a degree to become an Audiologist because it didn't significantly increase his earnings. When making your appointment, ask about the qualifications of the people doing te...
by InMyDreams
Mon Feb 19, 2024 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: middle school science books
Replies: 19
Views: 2560

Re: middle school science books

What about Calvert Correspondence
https://www.calverthomeschool.com/shop? ... ect-course

but I haven't used them in ... decades....
by InMyDreams
Sat Feb 17, 2024 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sign up for two ACA plans
Replies: 31
Views: 2375

Re: Sign up for two ACA plans

JustHappen wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2024 6:57 pm Even though I have an employer-sponsored health insurance, my situation is kind of similar to the author because it is also a HSA-eligible high deductible plan. Since I rarely met the deductible, it is almost like I pay full price in cash every year.
I'm guessing that you paid the amount on your EOB, which would be the contract price. Even if the hospital or doctor are willing to give you a cash discount, they probably won't discount as deeply as the contract price.

Have you talked with your doctor? They may have seen this situation before, and be willing to work out a pricing with you?
by InMyDreams
Sat Feb 17, 2024 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical Expense Reimbursement in Different Tax Year
Replies: 13
Views: 1127

Re: Medical Expense Reimbursement in Different Tax Year

And none of the large medical expense was paid with FSA or HSA monies, right? And none of the other medical expenses either (such as an employer/payroll deducted medical insurance premium)? It's still a large hurdle to overcome - once the 7.5% amount is removed, the friend's deductions must exceed the standard deduction. Right. She itemizes. The expense is partially reimbursed by FSA but that is only a very small portion. The unreimbursed amount is very significant and will easily exceed 7.5 percent. Just for clarity... What is paid using FSA dollars may not be used to overcome the 7.5% nor used in the itemization. And of course - only the portion that exceeds the 7.5% can be used as a part of the itemization. All items in the itemization ...
by InMyDreams
Fri Feb 16, 2024 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sign up for two ACA plans
Replies: 31
Views: 2375

Re: Sign up for two ACA plans

Sounds like a nightmare. Coordination of Benefits (random choice from search):
https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/resour ... f-benefits

In the old days, one of the ways this used to manifest itself when two parents insured a child, and then the child received healthcare. Each insurer said it was the other insurer that was primary, not just whatever one the parent chose as primary. Many (all?) states passed laws, usually specifying something like - the insurance of the parent whose birthday fell first in the year would be primary.

Even if you can sign up for two insurers, be careful to understand who's on first.
by InMyDreams
Fri Feb 16, 2024 3:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical Expense Reimbursement in Different Tax Year
Replies: 13
Views: 1127

Re: Medical Expense Reimbursement in Different Tax Year

And none of the large medical expense was paid with FSA or HSA monies, right? And none of the other medical expenses either (such as an employer/payroll deducted medical insurance premium)?

It's still a large hurdle to overcome - once the 7.5% amount is removed, the friend's deductions must exceed the standard deduction.
by InMyDreams
Thu Feb 15, 2024 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends
Replies: 133
Views: 21853

Re: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends

I'm not one of those fanatical dog people. But I'm also not ready to live pet free yet. I have a nice house on 2+ acres that I put a lot into, and I look forward to enjoying it now. I don't like apartment living, and for now a CCRC isn't appealing and doesn't resolve my concerns. I can see the utility at some point, but not now. OP, I'm so sorry for your loss. Peace and healing to you and your family. It's a hard journey. When you're ready to look at points that have been discussed in this thread - * I think CCRCs and even other senior living organizations rarely if at all say no to pets - the ADA has made it very difficult to deny a resident a "support" animal, and I'm willing to bet your PCP has a standardized form that just ne...
by InMyDreams
Wed Feb 14, 2024 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Familt got text - house in probate - real estate company
Replies: 13
Views: 2149

Re: Familt got text - house in probate - real estate company

Your county recorder office may have a service that notifies property owners of changes to their property title/info - such as liens, sales, etc.

Inquire of the current status, and sign up for email notifications of changes.
by InMyDreams
Wed Feb 14, 2024 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental Provider refuses to bill all charges to Insurance
Replies: 43
Views: 6161

Re: Dental Provider refuses to bill all charges to Insurance

So how was I supposed to know it was hospital vs ambulatory surgery center? Even if I did know, how was I to know an ACL repair would have a different reimbursement rate being done in this facility vs a facility without the extended licensure? When I called the insurance company prior to the case to confirm in-network status, OOP max and deductible remaining why didn’t they tell me then? When I challenged on this fact they said their customer service teams would have no way of knowing all the contract and billing codes specifics. On the day of surgery when I signed the facilities financial liability form which was accompanied by a Zero $ estimate since we were in network and previously reached deductible and oop max, how should I have know...
by InMyDreams
Tue Feb 13, 2024 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has anyone appealed a drug price with Kaiser? Mine quadrupled.
Replies: 22
Views: 2715

Re: Has anyone appealed a drug price with Kaiser? Mine quadrupled.

Mid-2023 I started a drug - list price was ~$225 per month, not covered under MCare pt D. My Kroger-based pharmacy quoted me ~$221, which is what I'd been seeing at GoodRx and SingleCare. Then the tech tweaked SingleCare, and voila - $85/month. I asked for six months supply (in case the deal disappeared), but they would only give me 3.

Tried persuading my MCare Pt D to pay for it starting this year, but I was declined, and I didn't go thru appeal.

Last year I couldn't find it on any of the Canadian Pharmacies. I did find it in January, but was ~$90. SingleCare pricing has remained stable.

What a racket.
by InMyDreams
Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: changing PCP just for 1 year?
Replies: 11
Views: 1820

Re: changing PCP just for 1 year?

Also, find out what happens if you don't see the PCP for a year or more - will they let you back into PCP's practice, or is it/will it be closed?
by InMyDreams
Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So what are you cooking
Replies: 972
Views: 111046

Re: So what are you cooking

I combined two ATK recipes: Miso-Marinated Salmon https://www.splendidtable.org/story/2017/04/14/miso-marinated-salmon Along with a recipe for sheet pan salmon dinner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdqgZz5qnJc So I did the marinade to the salmon fillets, but otherwise followed the cooking instructions for the sheet pan dinner. What went wrong * first and foremost...I forgot to turn down the oven when the salmon went in...definitely overdone, but was ok. * the marinated salmon was really sweet. One idea is the type of miso I used - labeled "Hawaiian" style - may have brought more sugar into the recipe? I did do one fillet without the marinade, and it was good (tho overdone, as above). Potatoes and broccoli were great. It really do...
by InMyDreams
Mon Feb 12, 2024 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Just lost my father (age 60). Questions to begin helping my Mom (age 61).
Replies: 22
Views: 3811

Re: Just lost my father (age 60). Questions to begin helping my Mom (age 61).

5) I’d like to get my mom a book or two on finances and investments. Think a primer on this stuff. She’s a smart woman, but just hasn’t had to manage any of this. I’m thinking it would help her feel more confident as I am helping her with decisions she needs to make and to help educate her, which I know she wants. Any suggestions here? 6) any other advice or suggested reading? After the Death of YOur Spouse , by Mike Piper (a BHer) has been suggested on BH before. General FP/Retirement planning, I liked Jane Bryant Quinn's How to Make Your Money Last https://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Money-Last-Indispensable/dp/1982115831 Taxes - if he did his own taxes, locate his previous years' returns. They'll guide you for this year, and will give you ...
by InMyDreams
Sun Feb 11, 2024 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Medigap Insurers
Replies: 21
Views: 2795

Re: Medicare Medigap Insurers

Healthcare professionals do not recommend Humana, denies legitimate claims for profit. That maybe true for their Medicare Advantage plans, but for Medigap, doesn't Medicare itself makes the pay/no-pay decision first? I agree that it makes sense to think that. My parents had a Medigap insurer that they were very happy with. Don't know what flipped the switch, but suddenly the MGap stopped paying, and started requesting a resubmission from the provider with the right codes. We actually hired a reimbursement specialist to deal with them (miracle worker, they'd just been giving me the run around). Not too surprisingly, they were bought out by another company, and things slowly improved. It really was a big influence on my choice. I wanted a re...
by InMyDreams
Sun Feb 11, 2024 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Medigap Insurers
Replies: 21
Views: 2795

Re: Medicare Medigap Insurers

Healthcare professionals do not recommend Humana, denies legitimate claims for profit. That maybe true for their Medicare Advantage plans, but for Medigap, doesn't Medicare itself makes the pay/no-pay decision first? I agree that it makes sense to think that. My parents had a Medigap insurer that they were very happy with. Don't know what flipped the switch, but suddenly the MGap stopped paying, and started requesting a resubmission from the provider with the right codes. We actually hired a reimbursement specialist to deal with them (miracle worker, they'd just been giving me the run around). Not too surprisingly, they were bought out by another company, and things slowly improved. It really was a big influence on my choice. I wanted a re...
by InMyDreams
Sat Feb 10, 2024 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Finding Medicare Advocate
Replies: 26
Views: 1865

Re: Finding Medicare Advocate

- deleted -
by InMyDreams
Fri Feb 09, 2024 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Parent requesting to have assets transferred out of their name
Replies: 46
Views: 3592

Re: Parent requesting to have assets transferred out of their name

Regarding the home. I have no intentions to ever sell it due to sentimental value. It will be a future consideration for my estate attorney and trusts structure for my children. Regarding her credit, it is already tanked and I am getting access to her credit reports. Vehicle loans, at least one of which was repossessed for non payment and a subsequent bill of 30k plus was what caused her to make the request to transfer all her assets and disclose that she had co-signed some papers. She is sending me all the paperwork that she has on these loans, which may just be notices of payment demands so I can review and see who the lenders even are. Still unwinding things. Check for liens on the property. Also, your county recorder may have a system ...
by InMyDreams
Thu Feb 08, 2024 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any tips as I enter agreement with senior facility for mom's care?
Replies: 21
Views: 2434

Re: Any tips as I enter agreement with senior facility for mom's care?

Always ask if there is a "move-in special". Might not be, especially if there's a wait list, but probably won't hurt to ask. My father moved into one Independent Living facility , and then moved onto another in about 5 months. He stayed there for 7 years. * First facility's recreation program wasn't much, tho it didn't look bad at first glance. Your Mom could look at the activities and circle the ones she might go to. Try to attend some. * First facility wasn't successful in retaining staff - really bad when they lost the chef they had a few months after move-in. Be sure to try meal(s) before renting. Ask residents if it's representative. Ask to seat at a resident's table for that meal. Food is really important in a senior living ...
by InMyDreams
Wed Feb 07, 2024 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How old were you when you hit the "No-Go Years?"
Replies: 77
Views: 13687

Re: How old were you when you hit the "No-Go Years?"

Ependytis wrote: Wed Feb 07, 2024 12:47 pm According to Peter Attia, M.D., it's possible to extend healthspan by developing reserves for strength, cardiovascular fitness, and stability. I recommend his book "Outlive."
From my county library:
Outlive (audio)
by Gifford, Bill

Publisher, Date: [S.I.] : Books on Tape, 2023.
Available: 0 (of 68)
Current Holds: 406


Outlive : the science & art of longevity
by Attia, Peter, author.

Call Number: 612.68 Att
Holds: 41
Available Copies At All Libraries: 0 (of 34)

I guess I'd need to get in line...