OLD or NOT?

How do you judge whether or not you are old? Your age? Your body aches? Being tired? Forgetting things—ALL THE TIME? Gray hair? Or is there anything else?

Sometimes, I feel my age and sometimes I don’t! But on Monday, I got my Medicare card and although I can’t wait to have Medicare, my 86+ year-old Mom said, “Gosh, I never thought I’d live long enough to see one of my kids go on Medicare!” Welp…that may have made me feel just a little old.

Seriously though, I am grateful for the Medicare that will become activated on June 1, the month of my birthday and I’ll be so ready.

When I got divorced, I was working at Mt. Notre Dame and I was able to get onto the Archdiocese plan. It was all new to me, but I was grateful to have coverage, since I knew COBRA was so expensive. That worked fine…until I quit my job at MND.

Before that happened, I had to find a policy. Since I am a USAA member (through my Dad’s service!), I decided to try and get a policy through them. They had several short-term options and instead of doing a lot of shopping around, I decided to sign up with them. So, for almost three years, I’ve been paying a relatively high premium each month. The policy was a 6-month policy with a very high deductible. It was a policy that expired at the end of the 6-months, so meeting the deductible was nearly impossible in the time frame, except when I broke my fingers. I’m grateful that I qualified and also grateful that I never had anything major happen.

In addition to general doctor visits, I have monthly meds and those added to my expenses each month. So, when I finally start with Medicare and my Medicare Advantage coverage, I’m going to be happy with my savings and good coverage.

Although Medicare used to be for “old” people, I know now that 65 is the new 50… It’s okay to wait until 65 to get Medicare!

Now, on those days when I have aches and pains, or feel like I’m getting old, I remember that I’m not really old. I’m glad the rules allow me to get the Medicare options because I’ve worked hard and put into the system for a lot of  years.

Since Greg has retired, I’m also starting Social Security…WOWZA…Now I’m really old!! LOL!!

It’s a little scary navigating some of these things alone, but I’ve had good people helping me and I’m feeling really good about my efforts.

I know that I’m on the “backside” of my life, but I’m still going fairly strong in a lot of ways and so I can’t say that I’m old. I have a lot of living to do and I have a lot of Italian spunk waiting to be tapped into. So…bring it on!

As 65 gets closer, I’ll keep my new Medicare card in a safe place, and I’ll save some of my medical plans until after June 1…like new glasses and using my quarterly allowance for over-the-counter meds and supplies. Do I sound giddy??? Gosh…do old people get giddy!!

It's ten o’clock and I have to work tomorrow, so this old gal is headed to bed! See you next week!!! xoxoxxo