The Hidden Costs of Medicare in 2006 - An AnalysisWritten by FixMyHealthcare.com
Nearly one year after congress passed Medicare and prescription drug plan, both sides are still debating its supposed benefits, or detriments. Unfortunately, many of people who will be affected by Medicare changes still don't know where to turn.What follows is an initial analysis of what will happen January 1, 2006. Our conclusion: Regardless of whatever else you're hearing, Medicare Part "D" prescription drug plan has many loopholes that are harmful to seniors with low to moderate incomes. The Analysis: First, you will pay a monthly insurance premium of $35 per month, or $420 for year. Secondly, first $225 you spend will make up your deductible – no help from Medicare Thirdly, next $2,000 in coats ($226 to $2,225) is 25% your cost, 75% Medicare. Fourthly, and this is referred to as donut hole, you have to pay 100% again for all dollars spent between $2,225 and $5,100 – no Medicare help. Lastly, any dollars spent for prescriptions above $5,100 in one year will be 5% yours, 95% from Medicare – this is called Catastrophic Coverage. Your 2006 Medicare Coverage Costs:
| | Care Packages for Students! Written by Lee Mellott
I am crying tears of joy mixed with great sadness as my oldest daughter prepares for her freshman year of college at University of Maryland in fall. She has already told me I am to send care packages. So it was neat to receive a school sponsored offer in mail "aiming for 100% participation" for care packages they were selling! What could be more fun for her and easier for me than ready-made packages with my "personal, handwritten note" delivered directly to her dorm.At least that was what I was thinking until I read details on "favorite with student" goodie boxes – more boxes you buy better value. The Welcome Package includes Nerds candies, strawberry twizzlers, fruit candies, potato chips, caramels, Laffy Taffy, atomic fireball candies, Tootsie pops, peanut chews, toffee popcorn, chewy fruit gems etc. Oh yeah there is a mini sports bottle, stationary set and sewing kit in there too. With exception of first package, none of other boxes contained anything but candy, munchies and other faux goodies, except Halloween one which boasted a bendable skeleton and a plastic spider friend! So mom will be making and sending her own care packages! If you have a child going off to boarding school or college, it's easy to make and fill care packages – and certainly more personal.
|
