AUTHOR: Julie C on 7/11/2026 FIRST: Wilbur on 7/13 | RECENT: joanm114 on 7/25
Comments
That's good news about GLP-1 lowering Lp(a). Research shows that GLP-1 also reduces joint inflammation independent of weight loss. Although I am normal weight , I was able to convince my doctor to let me begin trying it in July as I am on the maximum dose of Celebrex for arthritis without much relief.( I exercise daily which helps a bit ) The GLP 1 has indeed helped and I have reduced my dose of Celebrex. I'm hoping I can stop or just use occassionally.
The French companies seem to only care about their own citizens based on experience in the pharmaceutical business in the U.S. They only lay off the Americans.
That seems high for Medigap . I live in a high cost state and my husband and I pay about 7, 000 a year for both Medigap and an excellent prescription plan since he is on several expensive medications
If I remember correctly , State Farm has cut rates two years in a row in most states. They must have a huge surplus to pay a dividend . Enjoy it while you can !
I can't imagine why ! They don't write auto in Mass. except as a convenience for customers who move here. If they did, I doubt there would be a dividend . I don't think any mutual has ever paid one here .
It's so much better and easy to make your own lobster rolls at home . If you don't want to pay the price of shelled meat, grocery stores steam lobsters for free. Shell them at home, buy brioche rolls at the store. I now prefer Connecticut style lobster rolls ( sautee the lobster in butter) rather than cold lobster. Even if you bought the shelled meat at $60 pound, you could make 3-4 rolls , cheaper than paying $35 each plus tip.Make the Black and Tan at home too. I"ve also made lobster mac and cheese for a party (with a lot more lobster than a restaurant would) by getting steamed lobsters . It was a big hit.
Yes. Last week I had a podiatry appointment at a practice I've gone to for 20 years and they had a sign posted asking patients to please pay by check or cash if they can. My treatment is not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance, and the doctor has just raised his cash price from $75 to $80. They used to have bags with their practice name printed on them (if you purchase supplies) but they stopped that and instead the staff brings in used grocery store bags.
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
Comments
That's good news about GLP-1 lowering Lp(a). Research shows that GLP-1 also reduces joint inflammation independent of weight loss. Although I am normal weight , I was able to convince my doctor to let me begin trying it in July as I am on the maximum dose of Celebrex for arthritis without much relief.( I exercise daily which helps a bit ) The GLP 1 has indeed helped and I have reduced my dose of Celebrex. I'm hoping I can stop or just use occassionally.
Post: On Being a “Healthy” Person
Link to comment from September 12, 2026
The French companies seem to only care about their own citizens based on experience in the pharmaceutical business in the U.S. They only lay off the Americans.
Post: A bleak picture for retirement in the future?
Link to comment from September 7, 2026
That seems high for Medigap . I live in a high cost state and my husband and I pay about 7, 000 a year for both Medigap and an excellent prescription plan since he is on several expensive medications
Post: A bleak picture for retirement in the future?
Link to comment from September 7, 2026
If I remember correctly , State Farm has cut rates two years in a row in most states. They must have a huge surplus to pay a dividend . Enjoy it while you can !
Post: State Farm Dividend
Link to comment from September 5, 2026
I can't imagine why ! They don't write auto in Mass. except as a convenience for customers who move here. If they did, I doubt there would be a dividend . I don't think any mutual has ever paid one here .
Post: State Farm Dividend
Link to comment from September 5, 2026
It's so much better and easy to make your own lobster rolls at home . If you don't want to pay the price of shelled meat, grocery stores steam lobsters for free. Shell them at home, buy brioche rolls at the store. I now prefer Connecticut style lobster rolls ( sautee the lobster in butter) rather than cold lobster. Even if you bought the shelled meat at $60 pound, you could make 3-4 rolls , cheaper than paying $35 each plus tip.Make the Black and Tan at home too. I"ve also made lobster mac and cheese for a party (with a lot more lobster than a restaurant would) by getting steamed lobsters . It was a big hit.
Post: The Value of Scratch Cooking in Retirement
Link to comment from September 2, 2026
Yes. Last week I had a podiatry appointment at a practice I've gone to for 20 years and they had a sign posted asking patients to please pay by check or cash if they can. My treatment is not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance, and the doctor has just raised his cash price from $75 to $80. They used to have bags with their practice name printed on them (if you purchase supplies) but they stopped that and instead the staff brings in used grocery store bags.
Post: Americans and their credit cards
Link to comment from August 30, 2026
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