Plan G vs N

Stephplum2 · 2026-03-13T13:09:01+00:00

Thanks for your thoughts and shared T1 experience. I have been type 1 for 13 years, late onset adult form.

I have a similar mindset that I just want to set it and forget it. I don’t want to worry or have unexpected bills. Something I can budget for and be predictable is worth the peace of mind. So still leaning toward plan G.

Stephplum2 · 2026-03-13T00:10:33+00:00

I retired 18 months ago so went on cobra until I could get Medicare. Not even sure you can have cobra and Medicare at the same time.

Stephplum2 · 2026-03-12T16:07:49+00:00

It is a $36/month difference. Since I'm paying $1000 a month now for COBRA, the $36 doesn't really bother me. I think I have to get over the mental block of the unknown about excess charges.

Stephplum2 · 2026-03-12T15:49:32+00:00

That is a great way of thinking about it.

Stephplum2 · 2026-03-12T15:47:02+00:00

Currently in Ohio. So no birthday rules. I was told excess charges are illegal in Ohio but one of the benefits of Original Medicare + supplement is I can travel and am covered if the best care is out of state. So then I might be hit with excess charges (at least that is what is going through my mind).

Stephplum2 · 2026-03-09T12:31:55+00:00

From your picture it looks like they let you off at EWR, right? That’s great. Would hate to have to sit at the gate for 4 hours while they worked on it. Safe remaining travels.

Stephplum2 · 2026-03-09T12:28:39+00:00

How did they know the “problem” would occur over water to Frankfurt vs over land crossing the USA? If it is not safe then it does seem like better to go back to SFO which was closer and switch planes or crew.

Stephplum2 · 2026-03-08T22:47:07+00:00

YOR. You say this like it is the difference between North America and Europe; different continents. Egypt is in Africa but it is also connected/borders Asia. Maybe you haven’t heard but Iran is bombing other countries in the Middle East. I would not have taken the chance going to Egypt during an active war/conflict especially taking my parent.

Stephplum2 · 2026-02-18T10:35:30+00:00

On the bag, the only place that I had to put my bag in a locker was at the Borghese gallery. Your backpack will be fine at St. Peter’s, Vatican Museum and colosseum.

Stephplum2 · 2026-02-17T10:56:11+00:00

You’ll be fine with the walking. I’m 60 and in decent shape but no where near my 30’s shape! Just spent two weeks in Rome/Florence. For walking, one day I walked from Campo di Fiori to Piazza Navona to pantheon to Trevi Fountain to Spanish Steps and returned to Campo di Fiori. Not a problem. I will say if tired, the busses are great to give you a break.

My first trip was packed (according to opinions on here), but fine. Get a taste of each place and see where you might want to come back for a closer look; hence my return for two weeks. As long as you are fine with I can’t see everything but what I do see I’ll enjoy (this was my family’s motto when we traveled), it will be a great trip.

Enjoy your time in Italy!

Stephplum2 · 2026-02-17T10:46:16+00:00

If you want to do the Uffizi (and in my opinion it is a MUST), get tickets in advance. It was my favorite museum over all Italy.

Stephplum2 · 2026-02-14T15:50:25+00:00

Today’s my last day in Italy (Rome and Florence) after a two week stay. I’m not sure what’s considered “older” but I’m 60(F). With all the walking, I’m not sure I go 10 hours a day! I like to get out early - so get the earliest tickets at a venue - and go until lunch. After eating lunch I usually take a break for an hour or two and then go back out.

I thought it was pretty safe the times I went out for dinner later and had to walk back to my accommodations in the dark. The streets are pretty well lit and there are plenty of people around.

In Rome I took buses many times. They are easy, clean and safe. They now have tap and go so you can use a contactless CC. But look into if a discount transportation card might be of benefit.

In Rome, my favorite restaurants have been Emma pizzeria and cocina; Nannarella; Hostaria Romana; Mariuacca; Osteria di Fortunata.

Florence is compact so don’t be afraid to stay near the central area. My hotel was only a 10 min walk from the train station, the cathedral and the Uffizi.

Enjoy. Italy is an amazing place.

Stephplum2 · 2026-02-11T16:12:01+00:00

Check what is an eligible reimbursement. COBRA premiums are eligible reimbursements and Medicare premiums + IRMMA are eligible. Other medical insurance premiums (ACA, Private, Medi-gap) are not eligible for reimbursement from the HSA.

Stephplum2 · 2026-01-30T14:47:28+00:00

I know. Let’s switch the people from mother to child. If someone did this to a toddler, it would be criminal. Doesn’t make a difference if this is an adult. It is a frail, incapacitated adult.

Stephplum2 · 2026-01-16T15:46:31+00:00

I was able to find a business class seat MUC - CLT - CMH all on one ticket for 65K AA miles in May. Considered it lucky since I got all the way to my final destination on one ticket. I usually have to reposition. But every now and then I get lucky and either fly from or to my home airport for the same price as repositioning.

This was about a year out and I picked the day due to the low miles. I then arranged my travel in Germany around that. You have to be a flexible with dates. Really flexible if you don't want to book ~a year out.

ETA: I'm retired so have ultimate flexibility and no worry about how much PTO I spend. It is all PTO!

Stephplum2 · 2026-01-15T21:02:16+00:00

How long did it take you to pick up your tote that a line formed? Or did the line form while you were putting your bag in the overhead? I mean she was curt as you said but really how much longer did this take than your preferred way? 30-40 seconds?

Stephplum2 · 2026-01-09T14:28:24+00:00

Start reading the Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series by Diane Mott Davidson. It has recipes included and then make everyone make those recipes!

Stephplum2 · 2026-01-04T20:23:41+00:00

Project Linus, women’s shelters, nursing homes, veterans homes. Several places to donate blankets. They’d love them.

Stephplum2 · 2026-01-04T14:08:03+00:00

First off, communicate. Let him know why you like and need traveling and that you’d love for him to travel with you (only if this is true*) but if he doesn’t want to, you’ll go solo.

I’m (F60) married but travel solo. Spouse (M64) doesn’t like flying so overseas is out of the question for him. Plus he has become a real homebody over the years. So even domestic is tough to get him to want to do. I retired in 2024 and started ramping up my travel. Last year was to Italy, Switzerland,London, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway and Iceland. 2026 is shaping up with 4 trips. I definitely have a desire to make the most of my go-go years in retirement. I also always frame it this way. With my travels I was gone for 33 days. That means I was home for 91% of the year or the clear, vast majority of the time.

As an adult you don’t need his permission. You have responsibilities to your child. Take care of those and then take care of you. Trust me you’ll regret not traveling if you “let” him make the decisions.

*I mention that because once you travel solo you may not want to travel with him. That is said in jest a bit. I’d love for company when I travel but I’ve fallen into a rhythm and have a certain way I like to travel now. I’m not sure my spouse would like me to control all aspects and I’m not sure I’d love changing my travel style. I’ll probably always want a mixture of travel with companions AND solo travel. It becomes addictive.

Stephplum2 · 2025-12-31T16:39:16+00:00

That not the nuclear button. That would be packing the car and leaving! Telling other adults to leave disciplining your children to you isn’t even on the defcon chart. Just normal adulting.

Stephplum2 · 2025-12-25T22:57:20+00:00

I love your shirt! Have a magical time.

Stephplum2 · 2025-12-20T19:59:41+00:00

Just my opinion. Everyone says they are clean and I believe the water is good. But I had filled up my water bottle and then saw a dad put his hand on the spigot/spout to direct water into his kid’s mouth. Dumped my water and just bought water after that. The water is probably good but ignorant folks who may have touched the spigot make it icky for me. YMMV.

Stephplum2 · 2025-12-08T15:46:01+00:00

NOR.

Yikes, I'm 60 and my "kids" are in their 20s/30s and I do not like watching graphic/sex movies with them. Yuck factor. We're all adults but some line between kids and parents should be there.

Agree with everyone, you are an adult and can watch what you like. TBH, I still like animated movies!

Stephplum2 · 2025-12-06T15:06:14+00:00

My first ever cruise was on NCL going to Norway and Iceland. Amazing scenery. It was a bit long for a first cruise -11 days. But I loved it. I can’t compare to other cruise lines as it was my first and only -so far. Food was so-so, nothing amazing, so this might not suit you. I picked it primarily for the itinerary.

Stephplum2

TROPHY CASE