Friday, April 16, 2010

Retirement preparation ..............


I just realized that I haven't posted all week. I apologize. I've been busy getting things in order for Hubbie's retirement. We talked to several investment firms and decided on the one we want to handle our pensions and 401Ks. Once that was done, I started looking for health insurance. I decided that as long as we are healthy, we are better off to go with a policy that has a high deductible and less coverage. I can't see paying $1,400.00 a month to continue the coverage we have through Hubbie's employer, since the only thing we used his insurance for last year was one doctor visit for each of us and our prescriptions. None of the policies I've been looking at pay for prescriptions you are currently taking during the first year.


I went to my doctor Tuesday and had my annual physical. Before I dropped our insurance I wanted to make sure I'm healthy. Luckily, all my tests came back normal. I discussed my medicine with the doctor. We dropped one prescription completely, changed one to over the counter medicine, and changed two from more expensive medications to generics that are $10.00 for a 3 months supply at Walmart. That will lower the cost of my medicine from $370. a month to about $30. a month. That's a big difference. I'm sending Hubby to the doctor to get checked out and to get his prescriptions reviewed.


Everything is so green and pretty now. The azaleas are bursting out in blooms. The pollen is still falling, but it is not as bad as it was several weeks ago. This is such a pretty time of year. I want to spend all my time outside.

11 comments:

Linda said...

Sounds like you are making good progress. Both our children have high deductable insurance. We don't dare do that.

If suddenly one of you is diagnosed with something serious will this choice be a problem for getting better coverage?

I certainly don't blame you for not wanting to pay $1,400 a month for insurance. That's robbery.

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

The policy I'm looking at has a $2,250 deductible, but has a $4,000annual out of pocket limit. So in the case of serious injury or sickness I won't have to pay over the $4,000. Of course, it won't pick up much of the expense until we reach the out of pocket limit, but it is $800 month cheaper.

Gilly said...

That is such a pretty buttefly, is it s Swallowtail of some sort?

I am so thankful for our NHS, even if it is creaking at the seams! I get free prescriptions for all medications because I am over 60, as does Mr.G (only he had to wait until 65!)

And free treatment. :)

Arkansas Patti said...

The thought of buying insurance is daunting. I was always covered by my employer and slipped right into medicare.
If I had to pay $1400 a month I'd have to greet at Walmart.
Eat well and exercise, we can't afford the alternative.

KathyA said...

You are so very wise to do all of that now! And it seems you are making all the right changes. I'm lucky that the school system still pays most of my health insurance.

rachel said...

You have such a scary health insurance system! Our health service is, as Gilly says, a bit creaky and slow at times, but we all get to use it.

Oddly, I haven't needed to see my doctor or request a prescription since I turned 60 and no longer had to pay the prescription charge (the medication is always free). Let's hope you two remain healthy and fit from now on!

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

I feel your health ins cost pain. That is the reason I went back to work (35) hours a week. I was paying $703/mth for just me (no dental either). Now I have excellent ins and dental for just over $100.00 mth, PLUS I get a paycheck...LOL

They had raised my medical 19% from last year.

Your flowers are lovely.

Beth said...

Your photo is so pretty. My one little azalea bush isn't flowering yet, and I'm sure temperatures in the 30's last night didn't help.

You're really smart to get everything in order, to prepare for retirement. We pay over a third of what we make for health insurance, so I certainly feel your pain there. I'm glad you were able to find an affordable policy---it sure isn't easy these days.

CountryDew said...

I am glad you are healthy! That is a terrible amount to pay for both insurance and medication.

Sweetflutterbys3 said...

Sounds like you both are on top of the insurance and health care situation. I can't believe you were able to get your meds down to that low. That is amazing.

Snippety Gibbet said...

What an awful lot to consider. I'm not looking forward to having to buy my own insurance. Maybe the government will have some big help by the time I arrive at retirement's door.

Your yard and azaleas look gorgeous. I'm so sad to see mine starting to fade along with my irises. = ( jan