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Enough already....I Give UP!!!!

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Old 10-12-12, 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by gregf83
Sorry to hear about your troubles. That really sucks.

That said, I was under the, perhaps incorrect, assumption that once you reached 65 in the US medicare benefits kicked in. Is this not correct or were you planning to retire before 65?
I don't think COD was planning on "retiring" at any specific time. His company, Kodak, is in bankruptcy and either closing or dismissing many folks, COD among them. It is not a matter of choice. I don't believe COD is near 65.
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Old 10-12-12, 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by DnvrFox
I don't think COD was planning on "retiring" at any specific time. His company, Kodak, is in bankruptcy and either closing or dismissing many folks, COD among them. It is not a matter of choice. I don't believe COD is near 65.
I see. Was I correct in assuming that once you reach 65 insurance is a non-issue?
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Old 10-12-12, 05:22 PM
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Originally Posted by gregf83
I see. Was I correct in assuming that once you reach 65 insurance is a non-issue?
Well, it (Medicare) certainly is an issue in the US national political scene. Additionally, many folks (me included) carry a Medicare supplement or opt for a HMO Medicare plan - the cost, choice of and option for is a big issue for many. Additionally, proposals to change the eligibility age to later years is also an issue.
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Old 10-12-12, 05:41 PM
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Loyalty gets you the shaft.
There's more to life than a Kodak moment!
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Old 10-12-12, 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by DnvrFox
Well, it (Medicare) certainly is an issue in the US national political scene. Additionally, many folks (me included) carry a Medicare supplement or opt for a HMO Medicare plan - the cost, choice of and option for is a big issue for many. Additionally, proposals to change the eligibility age to later years is also an issue.
Thanks!
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Old 10-12-12, 06:28 PM
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Taking a break from learning how to write Cover Letters and such.

For those who are wondering....I'm 61, the bride is 58 leaving me six more years before we can realize the full benefits of our Medicare Insurance. Going without Insurance is not an option as her maintenance meds retail for $50,000 annually. They retail for half of that in Canada and I don't know what the cost is in Europe. The Federal Judge refused her quest for Social Security Disability, twice.

It's on me to provide for the girl. I'll do it or die trying.

By the way, she advised me to take a long bike ride tomorrow. I'm looking foreward to feeling the wind blow by as I silently cruise the area trails.
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Old 10-12-12, 06:55 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by cranky old dude
By the way, she advised me to take a long bike ride tomorrow. I'm looking foreward to feeling the wind blow by as I silently cruise the area trails.
I don't have anything else to offer, except I'm leading the club's Ten Parks Tour ride tomorrow, Sunday October 14. We meet at Cobbs Hill Park at 9:45 and roll at 10am sharp. The official route is 58 miles, but I add a little side trip for lunch at Sea Breeze. That gets us up to a metric.

EDIT: Carp! I'm all screwed up Today id Friday, that makes tomorrow Saturday, not Sunday. I have to sub at Winton Branch tomorrow.

Still, the invite for Sunday stands.

The Ten Parks Tour is a signature Rochester Bicycling Club ride, and represents Rochester and Monroe County in the New York Bicycling Coalition's Best Rides of New York State.

This ride starts and ends at Cobbs Hill Park in the city and connects nine more east side city, county and town parks. From the hills of Mendon Ponds Park in the south, to the beach at Durand-Eastman, the route winds through city neighborhoods, suburban streets and rural roads, with an optional lunch stop at Sea Breeze and final pass up the Genesee River gorge and through downtown Rochester.

PDF Map and Cuesheet

The route can be split into southern and northern portions for a shorter ride.

Meet at Cobbs Hill Park by the pond and tennis courts (corner of Culver Rd and Norris Dr) at 9:45. We roll at 10am sharp.
I run the ride like our "sweeps" rides, in that I lead from the back, and no rider is left behind.

Bikerjohn is coming on his 'bent. I also invited the Deputy Mayor who rides a V-Rex.

Last edited by tsl; 10-12-12 at 07:02 PM.
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Old 10-12-12, 07:07 PM
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Originally Posted by gregf83
I see. Was I correct in assuming that once you reach 65 insurance is a non-issue?
Medicare is basic. It doesn't really cover everything. There are a variety of complicated supplementary plans offered by private providers to reach something like full coverage. And these still cost hundreds per month.
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Old 10-12-12, 07:09 PM
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Looking at that map brings back a lot of memories. Never rode in any events, but we covered most all those roads just riding around when I was a teen. Haven't lived in Rochester since then and stopped riding after I left. Now that I've started again, I'd love to visit and ride the old routes.
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Old 10-12-12, 07:48 PM
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Maybe you could earn some cash with a bike repair business? Don't get mad - get even!!
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Old 10-13-12, 12:39 PM
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So sorry to hear of your latest blow, Cranky. Hang in there. Perhaps, you are getting signs that it is now time to seriously consider your "harebrained scheme." My most positive thoughts are being sent to you and Mrs. Cranky.
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Old 10-13-12, 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by cranky old dude
Taking a break from learning how to write Cover Letters and such.

For those who are wondering....I'm 61, the bride is 58 leaving me six more years before we can realize the full benefits of our Medicare Insurance. Going without Insurance is not an option as her maintenance meds retail for $50,000 annually. They retail for half of that in Canada and I don't know what the cost is in Europe. The Federal Judge refused her quest for Social Security Disability, twice.

It's on me to provide for the girl. I'll do it or die trying.

By the way, she advised me to take a long bike ride tomorrow. I'm looking foreward to feeling the wind blow by as I silently cruise the area trails.
I wanted to send a PM but I don't have enough posts, so here is what I wrote:

I presume you have an attorney representing your wife in her SS Disability application. If not, you should definitely get one. In my prior job I had some connections in this field. If you need a name of a good firm I can get a contact for you.
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Old 10-13-12, 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by mystang52
I wanted to send a PM but I don't have enough posts, so here is what I wrote:

I presume you have an attorney representing your wife in her SS Disability application. If not, you should definitely get one. In my prior job I had some connections in this field. If you need a name of a good firm I can get a contact for you.
+1

I know folks who specialize just in this area - how to write the application, etc., and your wife's medical condition may have changed since the last app. This is your best route.

And after 2 years on SSDis, she qualifies for medicare.

https://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dapproval4.htm

"We automatically enroll you in Medicare after you get disability benefits for two years. The two parts of Medicare we enroll you in are hospital insurance and medical insurance."

Last edited by DnvrFox; 10-13-12 at 06:08 PM.
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Old 10-14-12, 07:34 AM
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I'm going to step a wide circle around the politics here and just add my best wishes for the best outcomes in all your trials.
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Old 10-14-12, 07:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Dan Burkhart
I'm going to step a wide circle around the politics here and just add my best wishes for the best outcomes in all your trials.
+1
Big up
Here, here.
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Old 10-14-12, 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Dan Burkhart
I'm going to step a wide circle around the politics here and just add my best wishes for the best outcomes in all your trials.
+2
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Old 10-14-12, 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Dan Burkhart
I'm going to step a wide circle around the politics here and just add my best wishes for the best outcomes in all your trials.
For the most part I think this forum has done really well avoiding political rancor, very noteworthy given the time of year and all. A few ideologues can't help themselves, but to the rest of you I thank you for allowing BF 50+ to be a place of refuge from the political storms.
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Old 10-14-12, 06:08 PM
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COD

There is not much I can say or do to make your situation any better---------it just plains sucks. I would however have your wife reapply. I have heard that almost everyone is turned down the first or second time. Best advice is keep trying.
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Old 10-14-12, 06:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Dan Burkhart
I'm going to step a wide circle around the politics here and just add my best wishes for the best outcomes in all your trials.
Good plan
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Old 10-14-12, 06:11 PM
  #45  
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Originally Posted by Dudelsack
For the most part I think this forum has done really well avoiding political rancor, very noteworthy given the time of year and all. A few ideologues can't help themselves, but to the rest of you I thank you for allowing BF 50+ to be a place of refuge from the political storms.
+100000000000000 or so.
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Old 10-15-12, 04:45 AM
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There is bicycle content in this post...near the end.

First of all, thank you all very much for your sincere concern and suggestions. It's only fair that I post an update,

Insurance Situation as of this morning.....

* After a week away from the Plant due to severe joint pain and swelling, I'm back on the job.
* I believe COBRA regs. require me to continue in the plan I'm in when I apply for COBRA coverage.
* I have been carrying "Family Coverage" as one daughter is in Grad school. As I understand COBRA regs., I would be elegible for COBRA coverage in the Family Plan....$1500/month.
* I'm seeking info about switching to two person coverage either at my retirement date (11/01), during the open enrollment period assuming I qualify to take part in the November open enrollment period as a retiree under the Special Termination Plan, or at the termination of retiree health coverage on 12/31.
* The Rochester HR office can't answer these questions so I'll be calling the toll-free national HR office.
* If I can work it out so as to get COBRA coverage under the two person policy I'm in a very good financial spot for 18 months.
* The reply I got from my Senator's office was that the newly adopted Demonstration Group Kodak Retiree plan is still being prepared. The law is in place, the law expires on Dec 31, 2013...the details are still being worked out and hopefully will be ready by year end.
* It's kinda hard to make decisions based on all these unknowns.



Job Situation....

* My neighbor works in an Optical Equipment manufacturing facility that is currently looking for a Stock Clerk candidate.
* He mentioned my plight to his management and the VP requested I send my cover letter and resume directly to him. I did so on Saturday and am hoping for a phone call today.
* I also applied on-line to a job at a nearby Chemical Plant. The brother of a girl I work with is a Group Leader there.
* There is also a Manufacturing Plant about 40 miles away that I have many qualifications for, and they're looking to fill a position. I intend to drive down there on Wednesday with my Cover Letter and Resume as it's an "apply in person" posting.


Health Situation.....

* My extremely low percentage of free PSA in my blood work indicates a strong posibility of an aggressive form of Prostrate Cancer.
* My biopsy is scheduled for Oct 25th, I don't expect results untill Nov 1st or so.


My fears.....

* Well yeah, I don't wanna have Cancer.
* Since both jobs are temp. to hire menaing I need to go through a probationary period of usually 90 days prior to becoming an employee with benefits, I doubt that I would successfully complete any probationary period if I needed to take time off for medical treatments, or surgery.


My last resort backup plan.....

* Start-up a one man business.
* It would be the idea I broached as an April Fool earlier in the year
* Hire myself out as a Bike Guide and run a small repair business from my garage, just flat tires and simple stuff.
* Join the City Chamber of Commerce.
* Hopefully qualify for group coverage as a dues paying member of the Chamber of Commerce.
* I would never realize a profit but the health insurance would come in around $1,000/month for two person coverage.

Always trying to be a man with a plan!!

Last edited by cranky old dude; 10-15-12 at 04:56 AM.
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Old 10-15-12, 05:00 AM
  #47  
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COD you are obviously someone who has spent a life "playing by the rules" and contributed to the betterment of our society. You deserve better as do so many of us. You have my best wishes. I just wish there was something more I could do to help.
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Old 10-15-12, 05:29 AM
  #48  
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Lenny,
I hate all the crap you are being dealt by the retirement gods, I have you and the missus in my prayers.

Bill
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Old 10-15-12, 06:01 AM
  #49  
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Originally Posted by qcpmsame
Lenny,
I hate all the crap you are being dealt by the retirement gods, I have you and the missus in my prayers.
+1
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Old 10-15-12, 06:32 AM
  #50  
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Who pays for this Demonstration Group Kodak Retiree plan? You? your company? or the taxpayers of America?
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