Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 07:16 PM Sep 2020

I don't get out much anymore.

While that is true,
I have two doctor appointments this coming week, one the following week, and one the week after that.

Then one more at the end of the month.

That’s five different doctors, three different medical groups, each at a different part of the city.

My copays will total around $275 for these visits.

Ain’t life grand ?

23 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I don't get out much anymore. (Original Post) left-of-center2012 Sep 2020 OP
It is a good thing that you can afford it Under The Radar Sep 2020 #1
$$$ left-of-center2012 Sep 2020 #5
Couldn't resist Lord Ludd Sep 2020 #19
That's nothing Ohiogal Sep 2020 #2
dental left-of-center2012 Sep 2020 #6
That's fantastic Ohiogal Sep 2020 #8
I know, I won't have a home (my 500 ft apt). BigmanPigman Sep 2020 #21
Trump's America, ain't it grand.... Ohiogal Sep 2020 #22
is that with an obama care policy? NJCher Sep 2020 #9
Yes Ohiogal Sep 2020 #10
that is not affordable NJCher Sep 2020 #11
Tell me about it! Ohiogal Sep 2020 #17
Stay safe out there. Miigwech Sep 2020 #3
Remember... Person Man Woman Camera TV LakeArenal Sep 2020 #4
Plus you will probably have to ride in elevators. I almost cancelled my routine rzemanfl Sep 2020 #7
that is an outrage NJCher Sep 2020 #14
A talking machine took my temperature near the entrance. rzemanfl Sep 2020 #15
Since March I have been nowhere but the hospital rsdsharp Sep 2020 #12
Since March I have been nowhere but the hospital rsdsharp Sep 2020 #13
This message was self-deleted by its author JoeOtterbein Sep 2020 #16
My adult daughter lives in a long-term care facility. She has many medical conditions No Vested Interest Sep 2020 #18
I've had mostly video visits since the pandemic started captain queeg Sep 2020 #20
I feel you lillypaddle Sep 2020 #23

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
5. $$$
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 07:24 PM
Sep 2020

My only income is Social Security.
From what I've read, I'm in the middle for the dollar amount.

I also get $25 a month in EBT (food stamps).

I live very frugally, in a sleazy apartment (What a dump!).

Lord Ludd

(585 posts)
19. Couldn't resist
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 08:32 PM
Sep 2020

She utters her famous line at 0:22



In addition to my monthly SS pittance, the VA kicks in a couple of C-notes to bring me UP to the poverty line. I also get free VA medical due to my impoverishment (no co-pays). Getting drafted & sent to Vietnam actually saved me in my dotage.

Keep hanging in there.

Ohiogal

(35,199 posts)
2. That's nothing
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 07:22 PM
Sep 2020

My co pay to see my family Dr. is $60

And to see a specialist my co pay is $120

And I have no dental or vision.

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
6. dental
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 07:27 PM
Sep 2020

I got lucky and found a dental clinic that bases their fee on your income.
My X-rays and initial exam was $150, and I paid $25.

Ohiogal

(35,199 posts)
8. That's fantastic
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 07:35 PM
Sep 2020

I’m trying to limp along until I can be eligible for Medicare but these f*****s want to destroy the ACA so now I have to sweat this out AGAIN. Why don’t Republicans want people to have affordable health insurance?

BigmanPigman

(52,358 posts)
21. I know, I won't have a home (my 500 ft apt).
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 08:44 PM
Sep 2020

once the ACA is killed. Right now I spend everything on medical and food and utilities. Too young for Medicare and too ill to work. I will lose everything I have saved in a very short time ...all to medical expenses. I will have to move in with my 85 year old mom for free rent. I am having so much fun being alive in 2020, so much fun I can barely stand it another minute. Woohoo.

NJCher

(38,255 posts)
11. that is not affordable
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 07:43 PM
Sep 2020

very, very high.

With Medicare, I only have a $10 co-pay for a doctor's visit and for a specialist, a grand total of $25. I don't pay a monthly fee for a supplemental policy because that part of my healthcare operates like an HMO.

Ohiogal

(35,199 posts)
17. Tell me about it!
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 08:01 PM
Sep 2020

My husband and my sister both have Medicare and I’m so envious!

LakeArenal

(29,861 posts)
4. Remember... Person Man Woman Camera TV
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 07:24 PM
Sep 2020

And I don’t care if they are in the right order. There are no extra points for that.
Another of Dump’s lies.

rzemanfl

(30,308 posts)
7. Plus you will probably have to ride in elevators. I almost cancelled my routine
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 07:27 PM
Sep 2020

appointment when I learned the stairwells were locked.

NJCher

(38,255 posts)
14. that is an outrage
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 07:47 PM
Sep 2020

Here in my blue state of NJ, when you arrive for your appointment, a masked person comes out to your car and takes your temperature. Then a minute or two later, they OK you to come into the building. There is no one else in the building except masked medical care employees. No waiting like back in the old days where you sat in a waiting room for 20-30" waiting to see the doctor.

I hear stories like these from my brother and other people in red states. I shudder. Every morning I wake up and am grateful we have a progressive governor and that the miserable republican wretch Chris Christie has been kicked to the curb.

rzemanfl

(30,308 posts)
15. A talking machine took my temperature near the entrance.
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 07:49 PM
Sep 2020

I sat in a socially distanced waiting room for 20 minutes. No magazines or TV.

rsdsharp

(10,291 posts)
12. Since March I have been nowhere but the hospital
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 07:46 PM
Sep 2020

(nearly six weeks — 5 days in early March and 5 weeks in July-August), and various Dr.’s offices. I’ve met my out of pocket not once, but twice. I had insurance through my employer through May, and then a Medicare Advantage plan after that. Still getting home health care visits, and I’ve been to the emergency room twice in the last three weeks for fevers.

I feel your pain.

rsdsharp

(10,291 posts)
13. Since March I have been nowhere but the hospital
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 07:46 PM
Sep 2020

(nearly six weeks — 5 days in early March and 5 weeks in July-August), and various Dr.’s offices. I’ve met my out of pocket not once, but twice. I had insurance through my employer through May, and then a Medicare Advantage plan after that. Still getting home health care visits, and I’ve been to the emergency room twice in the last three weeks for fevers.

I feel your pain.

Response to left-of-center2012 (Original post)

No Vested Interest

(5,211 posts)
18. My adult daughter lives in a long-term care facility. She has many medical conditions
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 08:30 PM
Sep 2020

requiring monitoring and care I cannot give her; however, she is mobile and goes out to medical appointments.
Her caregiver drove her into my driveway after several of her appointments, giving me the only chance we had to physically see one another during lockdown. That was a blessing to me and to her.

captain queeg

(11,780 posts)
20. I've had mostly video visits since the pandemic started
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 08:32 PM
Sep 2020

But three Dr visits in person not counting labs. Also have had a couple dentist visits, another one coming up. Another Dr visit in a few weeks which I think will be online but I’ll have to go into the clinic to get the blood drawn. I’ve felt pretty safe doing the ones I’ve had but I’m going to have to get a haircut pretty soon. They all wear masks and keep all their equipment clean (I did one awhile ago) but that makes me more nervous than the medical visits. I decided a little while ago all I can do is take whatever precautions I can. Not going to hide out in my house totally but I don’t get out much either.

lillypaddle

(9,605 posts)
23. I feel you
Sun Sep 27, 2020, 01:55 AM
Sep 2020

I, too, live on SS and nothing else. And I have too many doctors: GP, pulmonologist, cardiologist, and on occasion have seen an infectious disease doc, dermatologist, and a vascular surgeon. I have a UHC plan that covers my GP and zero copay, and specialists at $35. I pay $26/mo for it, and it covers all my meds, but I have to pay up to $4500 a year for some expenses. Recently I paid $110 for a copay for an MRI of my lungs.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Seniors»I don't get out much anym...