04-05-2022, 06:01 AM
(This post was last modified: 04-05-2022, 06:03 AM by FlyingClayDisk.)
(04-05-2022, 04:34 AM)kdog Wrote: Before I retired at 56, I had a Cadillac golden healthcare plan through my union at no cost. BCBS $300 deductible and $ 600 per family. But, it was was going to cost me $1700 a month to keep it, which was half my pension. I said screw it and are taking our chances. We are both pretty healthy and I never used it anyways. So far, it has been cheaper for regular doctor visits and blood work. Keeping my fingers crossed though.
There's an old saying that goes...'when your right pocket is empty you get up and walk away from the casino'. Unfortunately, what I fear you've done is taken all your winnings from your left pocket, after a non-stop winning streak your whole life, and stuck them back in your right pocket...and walked right back into the casino, and sat down at a one-armed bandit with the worst odds of winning, at a game where no skill is involved, only pure luck. And, as we all know, "pure luck" truly are the worst odds of all.
Prior to age 56, you were playing a casino game where a career of skill kept you in the game and winning.
After the age of 56, you are now playing a game where you are dependent solely on luck alone.
It wasn't about whether you had great insurance or not, but rather that you were more in control of your health than you are as you grow older. Just two years ago, at the age of 57, I was still 'indestructible' (or so I thought). Two years later, due to factors beyond my control (or were they?), I feel like I might as well be 95 years old and knocking on Peter's door. Life has this funny way of catching up with you. Your twilight years are best not spent playing a game where the odds are stacked logarithmically against you each successive year.
I certainly wish you the best though! I mean that. My willingness to take risks decreases annually now; one could say I'm past my risk vs. benefit 'apogee'...and just praying the chutes deploy before I pancake!