I'll start with some good news, my niece is engaged! He is a wonderful young man and we are all thrilled. He asked my brother for his approval before he asked her, which I know is considered somewhat "old fashioned" today, but it's just the kind of guy he is. I am so happy for them!
I think I mentioned a while ago that I have osteoarthritis in my neck and upper spine. Unfortunately, it has spread to my right hip, knee, and hand. For the past 6 months the pain was really increasing, so I had some scans done and it confirmed that it has progressed. So far I have been able to manage it with mostly OTC meds, heating pads, and careful stretching. My doctor has now given me a prescription strength NSAID, recommended some supplements, wants me to start a round of physical therapy, and incorporate more anti-inflammatory foods into my diet. I also have an appointment with a specialist. All of these measures are necessary, but also costly. Co-pays for PT will be $25 a visit, as will any specialist visits. And my food budget will need to be increased. Salmon, fresh berries, avacado, EVOO, tumeric, dark chocolate, there is a long list of preferable foods and they are ALL expensive!. And the cost of supplements. It all adds up quite fast. This isn't a condition that gets better, it will continue to get worse as I age, so I must do everything I can to manage it to keep quality of life. I can do it!
So, how to pay for it all? I recieved a tax refund of $3280.00 (state and federal) which I already recieved. It came fast this year! I usually just sweep the entire amount into savings, but this year I will pull from this to pay for any additional health expenses, including a larger food budget. I had been at a self-imposed $100 a month, but I'm bumping this up to $150 and see how I do.
I also received an e-mail from Verizon that contained information about a government program that can help reduce internet costs if you qualify. I am well under the income guideline, so I applied (submitted all the required documentation) and was immediately approved. I will recieve a $62 a month credit on my monthly bill going forward. I did not have to change my current service. There is no expiration date on this program so it may be in place for a while. I didn't know anything about this program until I recieved the email from Verizon. When I called Verizon to get set up the representative provided stellar customer service! She was very kind, friendly and knowledgeable. This will help a lot with my upcoming increased medical costs.
The weather in Maryland where I live has been rainy, windy and chilly, but we have had no snow all winter which is very odd for us. It is just so bizarre to see California get pounded with snow and we have had zero.
I hope everyone has a great week and Happy St. Patty's Day if you celebrate!
March 14th, 2023 at 09:37 am 1678786629
I’m glad you mentioned the internet access subsidy for those with lower income. I’ve seen a lot about it online, and Medicare actually notified me, but those who need help to access the internet might not be online! So we need to spread the word. I wonder if your Senior Center might include a notice with food deliveries?
This is a benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act. Another benefit people might not realize they got is that the Shingles vacinnes are now covered by Medicare. I paid @$400 for mine and I know that put it out of reach for many people. But free is doable!
And the 87,000 new IRS staff (not all being hired this year) seem to be helping to speed up refunds - I see many people posting that they received their refund quickly. That was part of the Inflation Reduction Act too.
March 14th, 2023 at 07:56 pm 1678823783
I have arthritis in my neck and upper spine as well, just diagnosed at the beginning of the year. I'll be interested to hear how you are getting along with it.
March 19th, 2023 at 11:32 pm 1679268766
April 21st, 2023 at 01:31 am 1682040705