Son brought home the FLU, got it on top of the neuro problems, am still taking the GABAPENTIN and the new METANX, both are helping
the legs, instead of the pain all night it is less pain. Maybe both will work on me in time...SLow going...didn't know about the swallowing yet.
Am eating small meals and mostly soups and teas...Margaretob
@rwinney I was granted Social Security Disability when I was 55. I don't remember when I started Medicare, but I've been quite satisfied with original basic Medicare, a ppo plan. I have supplemental with IAC and supplemental prescription with Humana. Except for the deductibles, I pay nothing out of pocket. We found a good financial advisor to set up an annuity, and he also has taken care of our Medicare. He advises us each year of the best options and takes care of the paperwork for us. Maybe you know someone like Henrik who could walk you through this puzzle.
@jimhd Thanks Jim. I appreciate your advice. I am working with an insurance rep. I originally chose an HMO bc of medicine cost and potential procedure cost (should I end up back in Apherisis trying new things). The basic Medicare came with a 20% co-insurance which would have killed me should I opt for more procedures. PPO was high monthly premium. I explored Medi-gap to help with potential procedure cost (if on basic medicare) but needed to participate with an HMO before becomming eligible for medi-gap. It's all craziness to me honestly.
Now I'm so fed up with my Neurologist and researching a new one. Trying to shift my game plan towards rehab approach and learning to live a better quality of life vs. all these drugs and crap shoot procedures.
In the mean time...my glorious current Neuro dropped the ball by never submitting my updated medical records last Sept for my long-term disability and I've just received my DENIAL letter of benefits.
Some days it's beyond me to think what I do just to advocate for myself, as who else will, yet, I'm the sick one. So, the jumping through hoops continues and all I want... is to simply feel better and function daily with my family.
@birdierobin Ok, thanks. As of now...they don't take my Medicare HMO. Direct pay is 52k which is not happening. As a Medicare newbie, I have until March 31st to change plans to either basic Medicare or PPO plan. Those are the only 2 options or I cant go.
@rwinney Social security starts at 65 or you can get it also at 62 but if you still work you pay back 2 for 1 dollar you work have you gone to the s.s. office and talk to them With all your problems I would think you could get on it earlier . . I started s.s. at 62 but still worked to much so had to pay back.
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 27, 2020
Hi @margaretob, Thanks for the private message. I thought I would answer it here so that other members will also be able to comment if they have experience. In your private message you mentioned that you have started taking Metanx and it has given you some relief and now you can walk without your canes. That is really good news! You mentioned you wanted to learn more about Metanx. Here are some links that will help.
@rwinney Social security starts at 65 or you can get it also at 62 but if you still work you pay back 2 for 1 dollar you work have you gone to the s.s. office and talk to them With all your problems I would think you could get on it earlier . . I started s.s. at 62 but still worked to much so had to pay back.
Son brought home the FLU, got it on top of the neuro problems, am still taking the GABAPENTIN and the new METANX, both are helping
the legs, instead of the pain all night it is less pain. Maybe both will work on me in time...SLow going...didn't know about the swallowing yet.
Am eating small meals and mostly soups and teas...Margaretob
@margaretob - I am curious about your unusual way of writing with key words in all caps. I've noticed that it has a weird effect on me when I read a sentence. My burning question is: What is the purpose of the all-caps words?
@lioness Yes, I can get help but only by dropping my current Medicare HMO plan and going with either basic Medicare (20% co-insurance) or a Medicare PPO plan which allows me out of network.
@lioness Yes, I can get help but only by dropping my current Medicare HMO plan and going with either basic Medicare (20% co-insurance) or a Medicare PPO plan which allows me out of network.
@rwinney Oh in that case then you would have to either stay in network or find another insurance plan that has what you want . I have a broker for insurance and she finds the right insurance for me as to Dr ,meds, what ever else I need . Do you use a broker or do on your own?
@rwinney Oh in that case then you would have to either stay in network or find another insurance plan that has what you want . I have a broker for insurance and she finds the right insurance for me as to Dr ,meds, what ever else I need . Do you use a broker or do on your own?
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@margaretob Oh dear. I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you feel better soon. -Rachel
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1 Reaction@jimhd Thanks Jim. I appreciate your advice. I am working with an insurance rep. I originally chose an HMO bc of medicine cost and potential procedure cost (should I end up back in Apherisis trying new things). The basic Medicare came with a 20% co-insurance which would have killed me should I opt for more procedures. PPO was high monthly premium. I explored Medi-gap to help with potential procedure cost (if on basic medicare) but needed to participate with an HMO before becomming eligible for medi-gap. It's all craziness to me honestly.
Now I'm so fed up with my Neurologist and researching a new one. Trying to shift my game plan towards rehab approach and learning to live a better quality of life vs. all these drugs and crap shoot procedures.
In the mean time...my glorious current Neuro dropped the ball by never submitting my updated medical records last Sept for my long-term disability and I've just received my DENIAL letter of benefits.
Some days it's beyond me to think what I do just to advocate for myself, as who else will, yet, I'm the sick one. So, the jumping through hoops continues and all I want... is to simply feel better and function daily with my family.
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2 Reactions@rwinney Social security starts at 65 or you can get it also at 62 but if you still work you pay back 2 for 1 dollar you work have you gone to the s.s. office and talk to them With all your problems I would think you could get on it earlier . . I started s.s. at 62 but still worked to much so had to pay back.
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1 ReactionHi @margaretob, Thanks for the private message. I thought I would answer it here so that other members will also be able to comment if they have experience. In your private message you mentioned that you have started taking Metanx and it has given you some relief and now you can walk without your canes. That is really good news! You mentioned you wanted to learn more about Metanx. Here are some links that will help.
Rxlist.com - Metanx: https://www.rxlist.com/metanx-drug.htm
Metanx website - https://www.metanx.com/
One of the ingredients is B6 35mg. B6 section of the NIH link explains a little more why too much or too little gives neuropathy
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4199287/
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1 ReactionHi there. I've been disabled and on SSDI for over 2 years now.
@rwinney I thought you should have been . But you still cant get any help with medicare or rather HMO? What about Medicare advantage ?
@margaretob - I am curious about your unusual way of writing with key words in all caps. I've noticed that it has a weird effect on me when I read a sentence. My burning question is: What is the purpose of the all-caps words?
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1 Reaction@lioness Yes, I can get help but only by dropping my current Medicare HMO plan and going with either basic Medicare (20% co-insurance) or a Medicare PPO plan which allows me out of network.
@rwinney Oh in that case then you would have to either stay in network or find another insurance plan that has what you want . I have a broker for insurance and she finds the right insurance for me as to Dr ,meds, what ever else I need . Do you use a broker or do on your own?
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2 ReactionsBroker...working on the change.
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