AUTHOR: Julie C on 7/11/2026 FIRST: Wilbur on 7/13 | RECENT: joanm114 on 7/25
Comments
In some cases COBRA can be extended to 36 months for a spouse or dependent . One example of a qualifying event would be if the policyholder became eligible for Medicare- a younger spouse could have COBRA extended.
As you age, you'll be happy you did. One of my friends is in a group Advantage plan through her husband's former employer (large company so presumably they negotiated well). After a fall she was sent to a 1 star nursing home at a considerable distance from home. They injured her there and refused to take her to the hospital so she called 911. After that she was able to go to a 3 star nursing home near her home. (Thanks to her daughter, a nurse who lives out of state who intervened ). There are no 4 and 5 star SNF in her network . With Original Medicare you can go anywhere. Another friend was scheduled for a shoulder replacement. Less than 24 hours before the surgery , it was cancelled because her MA plan had dropped the surgeon from her network. It was several months before she could be re-scheduled and she was in terrible pain
From the comments I see on social media ,most people say they can't afford Medigap premiums . But for some others with serious medical conditions who have wanted to move from MA but are stopped by underwriting, this is a lucky break.
I retired early from a technical job with a long commute , and have been fully retired since. I think if you are just out and about in the community , opportunities will quickly find you. As only one example , I went to the bank one day , and when I mentioned I had retired , they said hey why don"t you come work here? My local YMCA usually has shifts for the front desk and you will meet many people that way - that will almost certainly lead to interesting opportunities. Or just going to the Y you meet other members. Going to the doctor or dentist can also lead to some work when you tell them you are retired. They still ask me once in a while .
Joan, I'm not sure what you mean about checking the online price after you get the price from the salesperson ? Can you explain further? In the past I looked at the inventory online , saw the advertised price and then requested a quote. At any rate, getting 3k off a Camry is very good . Calling the AG office - well done !
Comments
In some cases COBRA can be extended to 36 months for a spouse or dependent . One example of a qualifying event would be if the policyholder became eligible for Medicare- a younger spouse could have COBRA extended.
Post: COBRA insurance: No need to fear the bite
Link to comment from August 21, 2026
As you age, you'll be happy you did. One of my friends is in a group Advantage plan through her husband's former employer (large company so presumably they negotiated well). After a fall she was sent to a 1 star nursing home at a considerable distance from home. They injured her there and refused to take her to the hospital so she called 911. After that she was able to go to a 3 star nursing home near her home. (Thanks to her daughter, a nurse who lives out of state who intervened ). There are no 4 and 5 star SNF in her network . With Original Medicare you can go anywhere. Another friend was scheduled for a shoulder replacement. Less than 24 hours before the surgery , it was cancelled because her MA plan had dropped the surgeon from her network. It was several months before she could be re-scheduled and she was in terrible pain
Post: Medicare Advantage Part C — Not too soon to start planning for 2027
Link to comment from August 14, 2026
What a beautiful tribute to your sister. I am so very sorry for what you and your mother have endured in the past year.
Post: My Sister – A Reflection One Year Later
Link to comment from August 12, 2026
From the comments I see on social media ,most people say they can't afford Medigap premiums . But for some others with serious medical conditions who have wanted to move from MA but are stopped by underwriting, this is a lucky break.
Post: Medicare Advantage Part C — Not too soon to start planning for 2027
Link to comment from August 12, 2026
I had to look up what SWR stood for. In a former life I was an electrical engineer and it meant something else to me long ago!
Post: Inflation, prices, COLAs, retirement and the last 16 years
Link to comment from August 7, 2026
I retired early from a technical job with a long commute , and have been fully retired since. I think if you are just out and about in the community , opportunities will quickly find you. As only one example , I went to the bank one day , and when I mentioned I had retired , they said hey why don"t you come work here? My local YMCA usually has shifts for the front desk and you will meet many people that way - that will almost certainly lead to interesting opportunities. Or just going to the Y you meet other members. Going to the doctor or dentist can also lead to some work when you tell them you are retired. They still ask me once in a while .
Post: How Did You Find Paid Work After Retiring from Your Primary Career?
Link to comment from August 1, 2026
I have seen very few Crown vehicles on the road . Do you like it? I believe it is the replacement for the Avalon , which was a very good car.
Post: Buying a car in retirement
Link to comment from July 22, 2026
I wasn't considering an EV or hybrid but thank you for the excellent analysis .
Post: Buying a car in retirement
Link to comment from July 22, 2026
Thank you Bob- all excellent points
Post: Buying a car in retirement
Link to comment from July 22, 2026
Joan, I'm not sure what you mean about checking the online price after you get the price from the salesperson ? Can you explain further? In the past I looked at the inventory online , saw the advertised price and then requested a quote. At any rate, getting 3k off a Camry is very good . Calling the AG office - well done !
Post: Buying a car in retirement
Link to comment from July 22, 2026