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Post by lorando (NW PA) on Jul 22, 2024 9:56:57 GMT -5
Good Monday Morning, soutxed. Ha! The niece who asked about who everyone was voting for must have been bored, and wanted to stir the pot. We're so polarized now, I think I'd take a pass on that one. Yep, I open & close the building every week among other things. Luckily we're too small to have cliques or complaining, and almost everyone has multiple duties to keep them busy. You're in good company as far as occasional brain fog goes. There are mornings when I turn on the computer and then have to stop and think about how to do routine things. I'm having trouble lately with MLB Network. It keeps switching back and forth from the game to the MLB home site every 10 seconds or so. Had to turn it off yesterday. Hopefully it's a temporary glitch.
Good Morning, Sneakers. To answer your question, yes, the Episcopal Church has both Catholic and Protestant DNA. We use the term, Via Media (the middle way) to describe it. I've even heard it called "Catholic Lite" by non-Episcopalians. Our Eucharist is very similar to the Catholic Mass, with the same creeds, readings, and prayers, but with a more Protestant view of Communion. Episcopal beliefs are often compared to a 3-legged stool - a balance of Scripture, Reason, and Tradition. After the American Revolution, we broke away from the Church of England, since the King was historically the head of the Anglican church. But a bishop in Scotland agreed to consecrate a few American priests as bishops to keep the line of succession going back to the original church of Rome. (Episcopal) We’re more socially liberal than the Catholic Church, with men, women, gay, married or unmarried priests and Bishops, a more liberal view of divorce, and less centralized authority, like a Pope. It doesn’t have as many rules or claim to have all the answers (that three-legged stool thing again), and the people of each parish have more say in selecting their priests and setting policy (within reason). We have the same 7 sacraments as Catholics, but two are unbending- Baptism and the Eucharist (Communion); the other 5 are available, but not mandatory. Hope this helps. To each their own! Hope I explained this well. I'm no expert!
Hi, Patty. Hope you can get those copays under control. Health insurance doesn't seem to do much good if you can't afford to use it. Sneakers, soutxed, and Ed seem to have some good ideas for you to explore.
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Post by sneakers (Metro Houston) on Jul 22, 2024 10:20:08 GMT -5
Questions for Sneakers: I am a bit older than 65. Does that mean I could not get Medigap insurance? If I could get a Medigap plan, does this go by age?
I know Part A is hospitalization insurance. Part B is medical bills (office, telemedicine, etc) Part D is prescriptions.
Right now I have Medicare Advantage. Part A is free. Part B is what you mentioned ($174.70). Part D I don't pay for so I guess with Original Medicare I would need to. And then Medigap would be separate too. Remembered you're in Taxachusetts. One of the three states that doesn't have the lettered Medigap plans. They have Medigap there but it's their own unique system. So you won't be able to get a Plan G there, but they have some other way to distinguish the plans that are offered.
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Post by sneakers (Metro Houston) on Jul 22, 2024 12:54:28 GMT -5
Sneakers--You are right about medical costs higher in areas where the income in lowest. Two counties have the lowest per capita income in the state if not the country. A McAllen hospital that is owned by doctors and a millionaire, has some of the highest rates in the country. Made the national news because of that some years ago. Also known for ordering more tests than medically necessary. Probably because they have the highest rate of bad debt.EMTALA is a necessary here. Some local GOPS complain that hospitals treat illegals for free, but they, like the schools, cannot legally ask citizenship. It's how AJ gets most of his healthcare.Not surprised at your mother's reaction about you attending a Catholic church. She said not to be impressed with the ritual.Caretaker sister when living with us discouraged wife from attending my Methodist church. Said does services don't count in God's eyes. But then the whole time she lived with us she never went to mass with wife. She seems to think it onl counts when she attends the SP church. Some people have the strangest ideas. Wonder what she would think about me attending church virtually? It would be hard to respond to the altar call. Fortunately, you only get baptized once unless you believe in credobaptism and come to a gradual process to the faith. Baptized once at about ten (shivered afterwards) and once at 33 (pastor said the baptism wouldn't be like last week's and it wasn't. It was hotter than I like).Anglican church calls their services mass. I've already read Lorando's explanation. It sounds halfway Catholic and halfway Methodist. Except the Methodists have four sources of things to do (I can remember "STER" from my church tramping days) and Anglicans have only three of them.
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Post by sneakers (Metro Houston) on Jul 22, 2024 13:35:36 GMT -5
Good Morning, Sneakers. To answer your question, yes, the Episcopal Church has both Catholic and Protestant DNA. We use the term, Via Media (the middle way) to describe it. I've even heard it called "Catholic Lite" by non-Episcopalians. Our Eucharist is very similar to the Catholic Mass, with the same creeds, readings, and prayers, but with a more Protestant view of Communion. Episcopal beliefs are often compared to a 3-legged stool - a balance of Scripture, Reason, and Tradition. After the American Revolution, we broke away from the Church of England, since the King was historically the head of the Anglican church. But a bishop in Scotland agreed to consecrate a few American priests as bishops to keep the line of succession going back to the original church of Rome. (Episcopal) We’re more socially liberal than the Catholic Church, with men, women, gay, married or unmarried priests and Bishops, a more liberal view of divorce, and less centralized authority, like a Pope. It doesn’t have as many rules or claim to have all the answers (that three-legged stool thing again), and the people of each parish have more say in selecting their priests and setting policy (within reason). We have the same 7 sacraments as Catholics, but two are unbending- Baptism and the Eucharist (Communion); the other 5 are available, but not mandatory. Hope this helps. To each their own! Hope I explained this well. I'm no expert!
That's a good explanation, even though you don't consider yourself an expert.
Though the Methodists have a four-legged stool. I can remember the acronym "STER" from my church tramping days. I think "E" is "Experience" but that was back in 1987. But I was too much into credobaptism to feel happy as a Methodist.
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Post by edindetroit on Jul 22, 2024 14:26:09 GMT -5
Ed--Don't feel bad. So many don't understand insurance. As a result, they get taken advantage by some crooked agents. One BIL had that happen when he had to quit work. They bought insurance which was not taken by any of his doctors or the favorite hospital. Neither of their children could help them. A nephew after a year with the bad insurance got them something that was helpful, but by then they were deep in medical debt. Had to sell BBQ plates for a couple of years. I think you mean Patty
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Post by patty7841 on Jul 22, 2024 22:03:49 GMT -5
In general, I thought I knew more about insurance than I actually do. I use to work in both medical and dental offices. So I was familiar with insurance plans. Have they changed. Of course!!! The policies cost several hundred dollars now, and the coverage is worse. Higher copays and deductibles.
Many people do not understand Medicare though. There is Medicare Original and Medicare Advantage. In taxachusetts, the healthcare is a total disaster just like the White House. I won't go into detail.
I just got a text from a place where I am going to have an MRI on Wednesday. I am told to be prepared to pay an estimated copay of $146.00. I am going to pay the amount when I get a bill in the mail. Nobody pays estimates. There has been fraud by many medical places as far as stealing debit card information, altering checks, etc. but I will be paying by a money order. I just need receipts. I cannot tolerate the medical world and never thought I would get as sick as I am now. I worked my whole life and things really are bad for me. I am still working but part time.
That is correct. Taxachusetts is soooo bad to people 65 and over. Under age 65, you can make what you want and still collect Mass Health (Welfare) and Food Stamps. When you are 65 and over, the government wants the sick people to die off. Having said that, a person can only have 2K in a savings or checking account and no more. If you do, you no longer are qualified for any government handouts. I think things will only get worse in 2025.
I know people who have their own businesses. If they are paid cash, they don't report those earnings. The only time they report what they earn, are credit card and check payments as they can be traced. They are highly discouraged by business owners. I know someone personally who has a livery business. He just bought a new car for over $50K. He gets his medical insurance and collects his food stamps every month. Does not pay a dime to get medical care. He is 62 years of age. Nice ride.
The hospital in McAllen who is owned by doctors and a millionaire must be Steward Owned. All of Steward's Medical facilities in taxachusetts, are being bought out due to some millionaire from a TX based company, who never paid the bills for these facilities and caused them considerable financial hardship.
Have a good week Everyone!!!!
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soutxed
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Post by soutxed on Jul 23, 2024 8:03:58 GMT -5
Lorando--That is a great description of the two churches. The local Episcopal Church is across the street from my Methodist church. On occasion we have done some things together. In the Methodist church, we have Bishops and one is the presiding Bishop. But they are elected by the people (indirectly). We have an annual conference meeting by region, each church sends clergy and layity in equal numbers. I was a delegate for our church for 15 years. Among others things, every four years we the conference elects delegates to the world wide conference. That group then appoints committes by region to choose Bishops. So basically, unlike the Catholic church, our power is from the bottom up, not top down like the RCC.
Sneakers--You are right about people have their own ideas. Dureing covid, the SP church had no one to do virtual streaming so it was a not an issue. She and her husband tried to watch the Catholic channel, but said they got nothing out of the mass there. Neither had the technical ability to watch on the phone or computer. Local station had the mass by the bishop, but it was not on the Satellite channel. Caretaker sister didn't enter the discussion about the Presidential election. Ed had some comment about not understand insurance.
Patty--The hospital is locally owned, no corporate structure there. A former student had an issue with a local business that only takes cash. But they don't report income.
Went to gym, then prayer group. When I got to the gym, I found the lost keys in the pickup. Hidden under a cap. Ten minutes later, wife found her sunglasses. So a good Monday.
Right before we left, we had an inch of rain in 15 minutes. Drainage was good here. More rain is expected all week. Suppose to get new windows today but wonder if the rain will stop them.
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Post by lorando (NW PA) on Jul 23, 2024 10:17:51 GMT -5
Good Tuesday Morning, Patty. Like you said, I'm one of those people who don't really understand medical insurance as much as I should. You nudged me to look into my coverage a little bit, at least for the basics. So thanks. Mine is the State Retirement Medicare PPO plan and I think it's pretty decent. Also a Part D drug plan. No mention of large copays that I could find. Office visits for Primary Care or Specialist is $10/visit, and Emergency Room copay is $25. I wonder what else I should be looking at as far as costs go. I hope you get some ideas on how to lower those add-on fees. Do you think living in Massachusetts is the biggest problem? Sounds like it from the comments.
Hi, soutxed. Thanks for the good info. Our two religions have more in common than I realized. Conferences, conventions, and the power structure sound very similar. We're celebrating our 200th birthday, along with the Methodist and Unitarian Churches, all on the Town Green. 1825 was a booming year here. I think John Brown opened his tannery here the same year. When I stopped into an Episcopal Church for the first time in 2005, I met the rector, a young guy, who was kind enough to guide me along and suggest different books to read, covering the gamut of authors from ultra conservative to super liberal. When we talked about them, I appreciated that he didn't try to force his beliefs on me, and let me form my own opinion. Well, three years later he became our bishop (youngest in the country) , and last month he was elected the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, starting in November (youngest in over 200 years). Took a short walk (2mi) early this morning around 7AM while it was still cool. Seemed like all the other walkers, and even the construction guys working on a new house on the next street, were just happy to be outside enjoying the early sun. LOVE MORNINGS!
g'morning, Sneakers. Thank you. Today's chores will be to wax the car and download updated maps into its GPS. I washed it and blackened the tires yesterday, so hopefully the fumes from the tire black have dissipated in the garage overnight. This will be my second update of maps out of three free downloads that come with the car. I remember the last time was not easy, and my computer was a year younger. It's seems to be slowing down at age 10. Opening files is like pulling teeth. No fun watching that beachball spin. I watched the Yankees play an afternoon game yesterday, and tonight starts the Subway Series against the Mets.
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Post by sneakers (Metro Houston) on Jul 23, 2024 19:16:38 GMT -5
g'morning, Sneakers. Thank you. Today's chores will be to wax the car and download updated maps into its GPS. I washed it and blackened the tires yesterday, so hopefully the fumes from the tire black have dissipated in the garage overnight. This will be my second update of maps out of three free downloads that come with the car. I remember the last time was not easy, and my computer was a year younger. It's seems to be slowing down at age 10. Opening files is like pulling teeth. No fun watching that beachball spin. I updated the Ford SYNC in my Escape a couple of times. It was pretty easy. Stick all the files on a USB stick, plug the USB stick in the USB port, start the vehicle, and wait a few minutes.I watched the Yankees play an afternoon game yesterday, and tonight starts the Subway Series against the Mets. Watched the first couple of innings of the Astros against the Athletics last night. Decided to go to bed as I was sleepy because I got up about four in the morning. Then, I got short of breath and went to the ER. Going to try the late (starts at 8:40 PM) game between the same teams tonight. I was up to almost four o'clock this morning then I slept most of the morning.
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Post by sneakers (Metro Houston) on Jul 23, 2024 22:07:34 GMT -5
Haven't written since Sunday night late.
Monday morning, my sleep was disturbed by frequent comfort stops. Decided to get up about four in the morning.
Went in the business room and turned on the ABC 13 morning news. Promptly fell asleep and didn't need to make a comfort stop for a while. Woke up after the news was over and switched to CNBC.
Listened to CNBC and only occasionally looked at the video until eleven o'clock in the morning.
Watched the usual weekday lunchtime newscasts until one o'clock in the afternoon.
Had two salami sandwiches with HEB Super Duper Butter Bread and an eight-ounce can of HEB Peach Slices.
Turned back to CNBC when the news was over. Watched it until the stock market closed, then switched to KPRC Channel 2 from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
Michelle got out and got the snail mail. We had an awful lot of it. The offer for the loan at 66% APR hit the shredder as did the pool service company ad.
Supper was served about seven o'clock. We had nachos.
UPS delivered the Amazon Alexa Smart Plug late in the day. I carried it in the bedroom and set it up. It was easy to set up, but the default name was "First Plug." I straightened that out this afternoon and now I can turn it on and off with commands like "Turn Nightlight On" and "Turn Lights Off."
Listened to SiriusXM from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Then, I turned on the Astros-Athletics game.
Watched a couple of innings and got very sleepy. So, I took my bedtime pills. But instead of going to sleep I started gasping for air. Put up with that for a couple of hours and called 911.
I asked the ambulance to take me to Houston Methodist but now they're overrun with COVID-19 patients. So they suggested the HCA freestanding emergency room in Friendswood as an alternative. I went there and got right in.
My nurse was named Alexa. Just like the Amazon devices. She had a thing hanging from her badge lanyard that said "God is Love." We got to talking and she asked what my favorite verse is. I said "God is not willing that any should perish, but all come to repentance." She asked me where that was in the Bible and I said that I usually search for it on the computer. (It is the second half of 2 Peter 3:9.)
I got ready for a comfort stop but Alexa left the room and they had no call button. I thought that since I have on a diaper, I just as well use it for more than occasional dribbles. I ended up leaving a wet spot on the stretcher.
My shortness of breath went away after a while and I had 97% on pulse oximetry. So the doctor decided I could be safely released and not be admitted to the main hospital in Webster.
The staff got an ambulance to take me home. It arrived a bit after 3:00 AM. When the ambulance pulled in the cul-de-sac, Chalupa dog started barking and woke up AJ and Michelle.
Put on dry clothing and diaper and went to bed. Slept until about 7:30 AM. Went in the business room and turned on the FOX 26 morning news.
Took the trashbag out of the trashcan and dumped the paper shredder shreds in the bag. Then, I gave it to John.
Made a stop in the bedroom and fell asleep until 10:40 AM. By that time, the FOX 26 morning news was over. I switched to CNBC for about twenty minutes.
Watched the usual lunchtime news broadcasts. I needed water to take my pills and I asked AJ to get it after he told me not to go in the kitchen for a break. He got the water but he was in a huff about it. ' Got my lunch after one o'clock. An eight-ounce can of HEB Fruit Cocktail, three slices of Nature's Own Honey Wheat bread (including the heel), two slices of bologna, and four slices of HEB Colby Jack cheese. Put another trashbag in the trashcan when I had lunch trash to throw in it.
Watched CNBC until the stock market closed. Then switched to the KPRC Channel 2 news until it was over at 6:30 PM.
Home health nurse came a day later than usual. It wasn't the usual one but it's one that I have occasionally. He bandaged up my foot so the bandage will not come off without a lot of work.
Listened to SiriusXM Classic Vinyl from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Michelle brought in supper. Two grilled cheese sandwiches and some Pizza Rolls.
Watching the Astros-Athletics game. Athletics up 5-1 in the fifth inning.
It's almost 10:00 PM and I am thinking of bed.
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Post by patty7841 on Jul 23, 2024 22:49:08 GMT -5
Bad Medicine again ---- Had an MRI appointment tomorrow (Wednesday) that was arranged last week. I worked retail today (Tuesday) barely able to walk due to no feeling in right leg due to sciatica and other health issues. Went from front to back store with a carriage all night. I don't bring my phone to the front end when I have no pockets to put my phone in. I looked on my phone about 7pm (break time) to find out that MRI got canceled about 6:30 pm today (Tuesday). High migrant populace in the area. Get treated first and foremost. It is disgraceful here. I spent the last 20 minutes seeking a new place to get this MRI completed. Will not reschedule another appointment at that place that canceled. They have canceled me before. They seem to prefer the migrants with state Insurance as opposed to a high paying client. Done with. Going to call the place that has hours until 10 pm Monday thru Friday and also on Saturday from 7am - 5pm. I hope to get in there soon.
Enjoy the rest of the week Everyone!
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soutxed
Champion Member
Posts: 5,061
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Post by soutxed on Jul 24, 2024 8:53:57 GMT -5
Patty--Wonder how so many migrants are in Boston area. Don't recall Abbott sending a bus there. Florida Governor sent some to Martha's Vinyard. Sorry you had that appointment cancelled. Are you allowed to talk on phone (if you have a pocket) when you are at the register or dealing with customers. We had an HEB checker talking on her phone while checking our groceries. Wife told her to hang up and pay attention to what she was checking.
Sneakers--Sorry you ended up in the freestanding ER. Wife and I prefer that to the main ER as it is always crowded. Glad you are feeling better. My sleep is interrupted by bathroom visits, though last night only once. But heard the toilet dripping and thought we needed to call the plumbers again. But it wasn't dripping this morning. Our Escape uses the Google map from the phone. Have to connect phone. Can be a pain when I want to change destination. On the Edge, I could do it using voice commands.
Lorando--Are there some procedures with a high co-pay. Ours has $125 for certain radiology procedures. Hospital has $125 a day for 5 days then 100%. Astros moved back to 2nd place as they cannot beat Oakland. The Bishop of the UMC conference was a former pastor at our church. First time I talked to him at conference as Bishop, I called in by first name. The older delegate from a nearby church said I was rude. When I told him I known him for 30+ years he understood.
Supposed to get windows installed yesterday, but due to the prediction of rain, the installer decided to wait until next week. At our house we got no rain until early this morning.
Decided to go see "Twisters" and really enjoyed movie. Great special effects.
Mowed the lawn last night with no problems. Also installed new lights for driveway area. The previous string had burned out bulbs which I could find replacements. Got new string with LED lights. Works great.
Headed to gym then will go get Enchiladas at local Mexican restaurant. They are the best in south Texas.
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Post by lorando (NW PA) on Jul 24, 2024 9:36:30 GMT -5
Good Morning, soutxed. Mmmm. Enchiladas! I still look for the Old ElPaso Enchilada kits in the small Mexican food section of the grocery store, but no one seems to carry them. They come with the tortillas, sauce, and seasonings, and you just add ground beef and cheese. I suppose being where you live, using a store bought kit would be unthinkable. It was that way when I lived in NJ, when it was considered a crime to use spaghetti sauce in a bottle. I agree with your wife about the checker on the phone. I always make eye contact and try to be friendly, but expect to at least be acknowledged.
Hi, Sneakers. Sorry you spent time in the ER yesterday. Not surprised that Covid is on the rise in the southern states. It's your indoor season. I'm sure our time will come when our outdoor and open window season ends in the fall. Finished waxing the car, Rain-Xing the windows, and cleaning the leather interior, BUT didn't get to the map update. Today will feature stormy afternoon possibilities so the update will have to wait another day. The engine needs to be running during the update, so I don't want to get it wet so soon after spending time cleaning it.
Hello, Patty. Do you use a cane or walking stick normally? Losing feeling in your leg sounds like it would increase your risk of falling. Hope the new place comes through with your needed MRI.
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Post by sneakers (Metro Houston) on Jul 24, 2024 11:37:34 GMT -5
Sneakers--Sorry you ended up in the freestanding ER. Wife and I prefer that to the main ER as it is always crowded. Glad you are feeling better. I wonder how the freestanding ER here manages to stay in business. Both times I went there I could pretty much tell I was the only patient there.My sleep is interrupted by bathroom visits, though last night only once. But heard the toilet dripping and thought we needed to call the plumbers again. But it wasn't dripping this morning. I sleep about two hours before the first comfort stop, and then about ninety minutes between each one. I have a couple of hospital urinals in the bedroom that I use to avoid having to push the walker out in the hall.Our Escape uses the Google map from the phone. Have to connect phone. Can be a pain when I want to change destination. On the Edge, I could do it using voice commands. My SYNC Version 1 in the Escape connected to your phone and made a toll-free call when you gave it directions. After a while, Ford starting charging $50 for a year of service. Then, they dropped the service. Talk about planned obsolescence.
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Post by sneakers (Metro Houston) on Jul 24, 2024 12:59:18 GMT -5
Not surprised that Covid is on the rise in the southern states. It's your indoor season. I'm sure our time will come when our outdoor and open window season ends in the fall. Hospitals around here have been busy ever since Hurricane Beryl went through a couple of weeks ago.Finished waxing the car, Rain-Xing the windows, and cleaning the leather interior, BUT didn't get to the map update. Today will feature stormy afternoon possibilities so the update will have to wait another day. The engine needs to be running during the update, so I don't want to get it wet so soon after spending time cleaning it. We retired people have 168 hours a week to do things, but we end out running out of time to get everything done.
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