It's a constant battle !

[The emperor has no clothes]

We've been dealing with our health insurance company a lot here lately. Actually, Brenda has been doing 99% of the dealings, I mostly just pick up prescriptions and drive her to doctor's appointments. But it is amazing how much of a hassle it is just for simple things. A couple weeks back she had an appointment in Vegas. The cornea specialist prescribed some new stuff along with a strict regimen of when and how to use it all. He had us pick it up there at a CVS instead of waiting till the next day when we got back home. That in itself was quite an adventure, with drug deals going down in the parking lot, prostitute prowling the sidewalk, and a security guard monitoring the restrooms.
 But, back to the story at hand. Anyway, it was time for a refill on one of her meds. The insurance company wouldn't pay for a refill at our regular pharmacy, evidently because at the Vegas CVS they put on the prescription "next refill on Dec.8". The pharmacy lady said had the prescription been initially filled here, she could fix it. But because of another store doing it, there was nothing she could do. As Brenda was going to run out soon, it was imperative to get it filled. An afternoon speaking to insurance people did little good. Ended up having the Dr. call in another prescription to our store, and it will get filled tomorrow. But, holy cow ! What a hassle ! It seems most everything goes this way. It makes me think they just try to wear you down and hope you'll give up. I'm sure if it were me having to make all these calls and talk to all these people, I would have thrown in the towel by now.

Healthcare shouldn't be this complicated and difficult. 

[old2soon]

         At one time health care wasn't That difficult. As a suggestion try Wal Mart Pharmacy. When I was on the road all wally wurld did was call my home wally wurld for a refill okey dokey. At that time worked anywhere I happened to be. BUT I've been retired comin up on 11 years and the V A filling my med prescriptions now. RIDE SAFE.

[_Sheffjs_]

Healthcare shouldn't be this complicated and difficult. 

Big time!  Wait until end of life care as with my Mother 

[Jess from VA]

Earlier this year, I had an exceptionally fun root canal.  My dentist gave me a script for some of the new watered down hydrocodone (or whatever it was).  I needed it.

I go to the pharmacy (CVS), and I get the special treatment because it's the horrible addictive dope of the country (but not because of me) with added layers of security.  My jaw is swollen and I still have bloody gauze in my mouth (which one might think shows evidence of need).  After a while, I am called up and told the script has some minor spelling error (I didn't think scripts or any doctor's writing was supposed to be legible anyway; I think it's a graduation requirement from medical school that they all write like drunken 3d graders).  

They insist I have to go back to him and get a better script.  It's a healthy drive.  I ask can't we just call him.  No, that's not secure.  So I drive down the block to another pharmacy, and they don't see a spelling error.

I'm now getting ready to get a spot of basal cell cut off my face (I've been religious about sunblock, but this is so close to my eye, I don't put it there as it will get in my eye;  so beware).  So I'm at this giant dermatology clinic with my health ins. card and Medicare card, and the gal asks me who is primary.

Trying not to get angry, I reply..... how the hell do I know?  I was only a lawyer for 35 years and I can't figure any of this sh!t out.  Bill them all, someone will pay.  She giggled, and several of the folks waiting gave me the thumbs up. (BTW, you want to hang out with old folks, go to a dermatology clinic.)

I used to wonder why so many old men were cranky.  Now that I am one, I understand completely (our Medicare cards are our cranky old man membership cards).

[Serk]

it was far FAR better and simpler prior to March 23, 2010..... Beyond that, I'll bite my tongue...

...regardless I hope you and Brenda get it figured out soon.....

[John Schmidt]

Jess....I'm with you on the membership card. 

[Bigwolf]

Rob,
In my opinion, Medical care in this country has gotten insanely frustrating.  In the last few weeks, I have endeavored to change my Medicare and supplement insurances.  What a pita!  I feel your pain!

[Skinhead]

Thanks obama! (pbuh)

[Gavin_Sons]

Thanks obama! (pbuh)

Exactly 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks obama! (pbuh)

You are right ! We didn’t have insurance companies before Obama. 

[MarkT]

Adding to that, CVS stores are now "gun safe zones".  Reason enough to stay away.  Unfortunately I am stuck with them as it's mandated by my wife's insurance.  At least I don't have to walk in the store, use their mail order option.  But if I do, they are also in Target stores so they can't put the sign on that door.

[Serk]

Thanks obama! (pbuh)

You are right ! We didn’t have insurance companies before Obama. 

As the best doctor I've ever had said before he retired early because of Obama - I can deal with insurance, OR I can deal with the government... But you put both of them in bed together against me? That will destroy healthcare in this nation and I refuse to be a part of it.

[MarkT]

Thanks obama! (pbuh)

You are right ! We didn’t have insurance companies before Obama. 

As the best doctor I've ever had said before he retired early because of Obama - I can deal with insurance, OR I can deal with the government... But you put both of them in bed together against me? That will destroy healthcare in this nation and I refuse to be a part of it.

The last REAL doctor I had retired for the same reason.  Now I have a PA.  Haven't seen a real doctor in years.  As a consolation the PA is easy on the eyes. 

[Wizzard]

Thanks obama! (pbuh)

You are right ! We didn’t have insurance companies before Obama. 

As the best doctor I've ever had said before he retired early because of Obama - I can deal with insurance, OR I can deal with the government... But you put both of them in bed together against me? That will destroy healthcare in this nation and I refuse to be a part of it.

Exactly my feelings. Before Obama things were much better.

[Gryphon Rider]

It makes me think they just try to wear you down and hope you'll give up.

Isn't that standard practise for any type of insurance claim?  And once you learn their electronic claim system, they come up with a new and improved one, which I am assuming makes it less labour-intensive for them, and I (or should I say, my wife) have to learn the new ins-and-outs, or give up.

[The emperor has no clothes]

It makes me think they just try to wear you down and hope you'll give up.

Isn't that standard practise for any type of insurance claim?  And once you learn their electronic claim system, they come up with a new and improved one, which I am assuming makes it less labour-intensive for them, and I (or should I say, my wife) have to learn the new ins-and-outs, or give up.

You are probably right. Maybe it’s just more anxiety ridden vs. getting a damaged car fixed. It’s no wonder doctors need 20 office workers to deal with insurance companies. It seems like virtually every procedure has been initially denied, and then the doctors office has to explain the value of even simple things. It’s a good thing Brenda is someone who likes to talk on the phone. Were it me, I’d probably be in jail for cussing out 15 people a day.

[Skinhead]

Thanks obama! (pbuh)

You are right ! We didn’t have insurance companies before Obama.  

Oh, we had insurance companies.  We just didn't have all the new shithead laws that were part of the "Affordable" Care Act that your main man lied to us about.  We had to pass it to see what's in it, and most of us still don't know.  But I garandamntee you the insurance companies knew and know.

[Willow]

...  But I garandamntee you the insurance companies knew and know.

Maybe not.  The primary purpose of the so called ACA was to drive the healthcare insurance companies out of the marketplace to make government only healthcare not only practical but necessary.  "If you like your insurance company you can keep your insurance company."

[Detn8er]

...  But I garandamntee you the insurance companies knew and know.

Maybe not.  The primary purpose of the so called ACA was to drive the healthcare insurance companies out of the marketplace to make government only healthcare not only practical but necessary.  "If you like your insurance company you can keep your insurance company."

And....."The average family will save $2500.00 a year" All Lies. All Damn Lies. 

[bagelboy]

I didn't get the keep my doctor, and my rates went up 3 fold, and my deductible tripled also. Nothing good to say about Obama care!

[Serk]

Although I fear it won't, I do hope this will illustrate to the Head family the horrors that were unleashed upon the American people by the previous administration.

And regardless, I sincerely hope ya'll are able to navigate the mess we are currently in, even if we disagree as to how we got here (Or why) and are able to get her some permanent relief as quickly as possible.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Although I fear it won't, I do hope this will illustrate to the Head family the horrors that were unleashed upon the American people by the previous administration.

And regardless, I sincerely hope ya'll are able to navigate the mess we are currently in, even if we disagree as to how we got here (Or why) and are able to get her some permanent relief as quickly as possible.

The head family is well aware of healthcare issues. You all carry on with your anti Obama rhetoric. (Skin, notice the capitalization) Willow doesn’t care for that with our president. (Maybe it’s only the current president though)

[Willow]

And....."The average family will save $2500.00 a year" All Lies. All Damn Lies. 

It's one of the few times I have felt we are all incredibly below average.  

[Willow]

The head family is well aware of healthcare issues. You all carry on with your anti Obama rhetoric. (Skin, notice the capitalization) Willow doesn’t care for that with our president. (Maybe it’s only the current president though)

What the (I am strongly tempted to use fowl language here)?  I don't have any idea what that reference was about! 

Are you simply going out of your way to piss me off?

[The emperor has no clothes]

The head family is well aware of healthcare issues. You all carry on with your anti Obama rhetoric. (Skin, notice the capitalization) Willow doesn’t care for that with our president. (Maybe it’s only the current president though)

What the (I am strongly tempted to use fowl language here)?  I don't have any idea what that reference was about! 

Are you simply going out of your way to piss me off?

Maybe, your memory is slipping. You jumped all over Baldo for typing “trump” in the past. If I remember correctly you said you remove any future such typings. (Fowl as in chicken ?)

[Willow]

The head family is well aware of healthcare issues. You all carry on with your anti Obama rhetoric. (Skin, notice the capitalization) Willow doesn’t care for that with our president. (Maybe it’s only the current president though)

What the (I am strongly tempted to use fowl language here)?  I don't have any idea what that reference was about! 

Are you simply going out of your way to piss me off?

Maybe, your memory is slipping. You jumped all over Baldo for typing “trump” in the past. If I remember correctly you said you remove any future such typings. (Fowl as in chicken ?)

I guess I didn't notice the lower cased name.  For what its worth baldo has more than earned any moderation that comes his way.  I've met him.  He's all grown up and doesn't need a keeper.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

I guess you didn’t. I guess he doesn’t.

[old2soon]

      My ex worked at a handi mart in West Plains Mo earning around 12 bucks an hour. Prior to the a c a she could pay for her health insurance. After the A C A was law she could no longer afford her health insurance. Obama and his cabal LIED. RIDE SAFE.

[cookiedough]

Healthcare shouldn't be this complicated and difficult. 

Big time!  Wait until end of life care as with my Mother 

going to have to do that am sure in next few years or so with mom.  do NOT get me started.  researching tonight and for next 1 month visiting other asst. living places for my mom age 77 with alzheimers, yet again.  got letter from new idiot owners in charge of that place and they want to increase rate for NO good reason 600+ MORE per month and so far is private pay not running out of my moms (dad's money) yet.  I smell a rat here since am 99% sure not all of the 15 residents are going up 600 bucks since am sure 10 or more of the 14/15 there are govt. funded meaning that place gets about 1/2 or so from the govt. from people living there broke vs. what my mom (me) is paying out of personal funds.  am talking to the owner of the place thursday and right after that visiting another asst. living place and am sure 2-3 more after that hoping for good care and NOT the whopping 600+ new price effective Jan 1, 2020.  I was told by old director in charge who quit out of the blue having some riff with new owners few months ago is what I got out of it that moms rate structure is level II now goes to level III another 200 bucks then another 200 bucks after that based upon NEEDED care NOT just to pad the wallets of the new owners.  Going to the state of WI as well since talked to another asst living place just off the phone with her 7 p.m. tonight and that lady been in the line of work for 20+ years and is 99.99% sure what they are trying to do is illegal and unjustified just wanting more money out of me is all.  I am NO stupid idiot will look elsewhere but going to chat with owner over the phone this Thursday seeing what he has to say.

Also, along the lines of Medicare and seeing a dr. for those on medicare,  why does my moms health care clinic according to them they are following 'medicare rules'  bills out 3 separate office visits for a basic yearly 'well' check to the tune of over 600 bucks (about 200 per 3 office visits that is really one 20 minute office visit in reality)?  I do NOT get that at all if I go in for a well check, is ONLY 1 office visit for around 260 bucks or so being billed out vs. my mom on medicare gets billed out 3 separate office visits about 200 each?  What the F is that all about?   

back on subject:  all CVS pharmacy or you have to do is call in another prescription from your dr. or nurse practioneer, etc.   I  had that happen to me and the walgreens pharmacy at the time called the drs. office and got it taken care of over the phone within 5 minutes or so had a new prescription.  maybe try another more friendly CVS pharmacy or another pharmacy that is covered under your insurance plan? 

this is why I NEVER go to the dr. to begin with, gets my blood boiling EVERY single time I have to deal with crap like this which I will be soon with my mom yet again. 

[Jess from VA]

I think a call-in is probably OK if you're not getting hydrocodone or oxycodone.

They never think you are abusing antibiotics (or Preparation H) to get high on.

[Willow]

I think a call-in is probably OK if you're not getting hydrocodone or oxycodone.
...

I believe in most states it's anything that's classified as narcotic must be by paper.

[Oss]

and while we are at it

How about a dr writing an Rx that only will last 30 days 1 refill but you cant get an appt again for more than 90 days   She likes her CVS even tho they suck as cookiedough notices.

Daughter has been on those meds (only ones that work) for years and this pisses her (and me) off  every time.  Thinking of getting them from overseas in the future

Rob we wish Brenda the best, I know what she goes thru having my own  retina and cornea issues over the years.  She has a good spirit and hope all returns as much as possible far as her sight.

 Loosing sight even for a few weeks is tough to get through, even harder to ride the motorcycle

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

Sorry to hear of Brenda's ongoing issues... both physical and administrative! Modern living in a huge, dynamic, complex society certainly does have its complications and challenges, though, and aging ain't for wimps either for sure... Still, hopefully things will take a turn for the better soon, and we all can get back to... other issues! Please give my regards and best wishes to your spousal unit for me, and tell her I hope we can share another bus ride together again some time...

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks guys  I’ve never been a worrier, I always left that to Brenda. But I’ve got to admit, this has got me concerned. We have another visit in Vegas Friday, hopefully another baby step in the right direction will be in order. On a selfish note, I’ve been thinking about the possibility that her riding days might be over. I talked her into going to the Prescott BBQ a couple months back. And it was excruciating for her. 

God willing things will improve. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers, it has given me much. 

[cookiedough]

[/quote]

The last REAL doctor I had retired for the same reason.  Now I have a PA.  Haven't seen a real doctor in years.  As a consolation the PA is easy on the eyes. 
[/quote]

am sure you do not mind when she says 'cough'   

[9Ball]

Until our elected representatives have to buy their healthcare coverage the same as we have to then nothing will get better.  They don’t see the same problems or feel the frustrations as those they represent.

It’s good to be king.