Branching Out a Little (Being a Senior Citizen in Florida II)

After I got the mail today I decided that I needed to contact my Doctor's office. No, the mail didn't make me sick exactly, but I did receive a third letter from a Medicare Administrative Contractor requesting information. These letters are my fault, I neglected to show my new Medicare card to the people in my Doctor's office on a recent visit, and my number had changed by one character. So now Medicare is wondering if someone has picked up my old number and is using it to defraud the system.

It was good that I did call, I think that the problem is a step closer to being resolved now that the billing department is aware of what's happened on my end. The problem will likely result in a delay in their payment, so it behooves them to do something.

I also talked to the person in billing about how obtuse the instruction on the forms was and she suggested I write a letter to the editor of the local paper to help others who might run into the same problem. I opted instead to revive my blog on the local paper's Patch page and post my thoughts there. If you'd like to read it, it's here

Being a Senior Citizen in Florida I

Last year when I returned to Florida I had already applied for Medicare and had a certain number of days to obtain Supplemental Coverage.  Fortunately I had some good friends who could refer me to an agent who helped me make a decision by the deadline.

What I'm finding one year later is that this was one of several areas where my decision making skills were taxed. It was quite difficult for me to decide how much was a reasonable amount to have to pay for different services; how it would all work together and what the bottom line would be.

This year I have reached full retirement age and have begun receiving Social Security Benefits. The bottom line has become a lot more clear. My real needs are more evident.

On my return, there were many things I felt very strongly about.  Some of those things I put into practice immediately, other things I put on hold.  Now I'm finding it's time to make some changes.  I'm really glad to be able to think a bit more clearly and not have strong emotions guide me so much.

One by one, step by step, little by little I'll get there.