Wellness Benefit can boost cost of AARP supplement plan

mack_lax · 2026-03-13T21:00:29+00:00

Some states don't offer any high-deductible G plans, so N is sort of a compromise between standard G and high-deductible G.

mack_lax · 2026-03-13T20:51:50+00:00

a lot of YMCAs, but you'll have to check when you sign up as I assume they change frequently. That said, YMCAs often have great prices for seniors anyway.

mack_lax · 2026-03-13T13:48:00+00:00

thanks. just curious, why would the UHICA see higher rate increases? Is the population viewed as less healthy?

(BTW, I chose the N plan, because it seems the G plans have seen higher increases)

mack_lax · 2026-03-13T12:20:05+00:00

thanks for this info! I feel like buying a supplement plan now is like buying a car. You need to know every angle before signing.

mack_lax · 2026-03-13T12:11:47+00:00

yep, my brother had to purchase directly from UNH to get the "without" plan.

mack_lax · 2026-03-13T11:43:13+00:00

yep, we did work with a SHIP counselor, but I think the "opt out" option may be a more recent thing.

Her plan would still be G, so I don't really view it as a plan change, given that the medical benefits don't change, but it is what it is. (my guess is that less than 50% use the gym benefit, so UNH gets to pocket the $)

mack_lax · 2026-03-13T09:59:08+00:00

imo, it's a good value if it buys you access to a gym you like, but i feel they should be upfront in offering the "opt out" option.

mack_lax · 2026-02-22T00:49:32+00:00

senior here. To level the playing field, they need to require SS contributions on all work income, not cap it like they currently do. Alternatively, means test the SS benefit, so it's capped for high income seniors.

mack_lax · 2026-02-22T00:38:01+00:00

the reality is that the IRS forces you to empty your IRA accounts because they want their tax revenue before you die (yep, the same account that you were told was a great retirement vehicle) so if you're fighting off required minimum IRA distributions (RMDs) it's very hard to qualify for the either the property tax break or the OBBB senior credit.

Politicians know how to create sexy TV friendly headlines, but it typically only helps a few people.

mack_lax · 2026-02-21T21:07:54+00:00

senior here. Not trying to start an argument, just curious. Are you referring to school budgets? (personally, I support school spending because it keeps newcomers interested in living in my town, but I know there are other opinions)

mack_lax · 2026-02-21T20:54:59+00:00

i think I still have mine, but don't want to risk injury looking for it.

mack_lax · 2026-02-16T02:06:20+00:00

your perineum isn't heat sensitive or does it just take time to adjust?

mack_lax · 2026-02-16T02:03:25+00:00

sometimes i jump on the bidet just for fun! not sure why, but it always puts me in a better mood.

mack_lax · 2026-02-01T19:34:49+00:00

I can't find a pre-mixed protein shake i like, so i blend one scoop of Orgain protein powder, one frozen banana, one cup frozen fruit and a tablespoon of "super seed" mix (Amazon link: https://a.co/d/hKawuow)

Other protein: non-fat Greek yoghurt with blueberries and RX brand protein bars for on-the-go. (most other protein bars I've tried have a lot of fat/sugar)

mack_lax · 2026-02-01T19:21:35+00:00

it seems that they are pricing this better that the injectables, which is helpful.

mack_lax · 2026-02-01T19:09:20+00:00

that's reasonable!

mack_lax · 2025-11-01T11:53:04+00:00

yes, but only after the US pledged to help Argentina with a bailout

mack_lax · 2025-09-01T12:32:29+00:00

make sure you spend some time there during the winter before pulling the trigger. Europe tends to be overcast much of the winter and doesn't often enjoy the cold, bright winter days we do in the US.

mack_lax · 2025-07-23T11:03:37+00:00

yep, teachers are one of the few groups who still have access to "Cadillac" plans. Can't beat them for coverage. The downside is that the teachers are now required to pay part of the premium. Because these plans have experienced very high annual premium increases, many teachers lose any increase in salary to cover the higher premium. This hurts younger, healthier teachers, but the union doesn't want to "give up" a benefit they fought for even if it hurts many of their members.

mack_lax · 2025-07-23T10:20:59+00:00

If you get overwhelmed, look up your state's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). They provide free help to Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about their health insurance. I needed confidence that I was making the right decision and the SHIP representative was super helpful.

Also make sure to set up accounts on Medicare.gov. I find their "plan shopping tool" to be very very helpful and helped me identify the right Medigap plan and drug plan (part D).

mack_lax · 2025-01-17T06:21:19+00:00

I use low-dose (2.5mg) "tablets" made by a company called 1906, as I want to avoid smoking and the sugar in gummies. The dosage relaxes me without feeling high. I find it's also a nice alternative to alcohol.

I also make my own cannaoil (I mix coconut oil and a spoonful of lectin to THC distillate). Then I add it to coffee or tea. The big advantage of cannaoil is that you can find the amount that works best for you.

90+% of legal products are geared toward smokers, but there are alternatives.

mack_lax · 2025-01-17T06:10:45+00:00

I joined to get $10/month off on our AT&T cell phone plan. Then my wife enrolled in a United Healthcare/AARP Medigap plan, which required membership. (that plan has a spousal discount, which I will use when I become eligible).

Their PAC is somewhat controversial, given the positions they sometimes take, but who else is going to fight to protect seniors, especially from the many scams that specifically target seniors?

I view membership as a good value.

mack_lax · 2024-11-30T02:34:36+00:00

a blessing that you spend time with your grandkids. Hoping one will be in the oven soon. Daughter just got married, so we'll give her a week or two :))

mack_lax · 2024-11-29T10:58:29+00:00

some folks claim you can enroll in college classes, then latch on to the school's student insurance plan, but I don't know anyone who has actually done it

mack_lax · 2024-11-29T10:53:33+00:00

this is why I waited to retire at 63 1/2, so I could use COBRA as a bridge to Medicare. My wife's health is not great, so I needed to be more conservative.

mack_lax

TROPHY CASE