If it weren't for Medicare I would be destitute. I have never worked for a company that provided me with any retirement benefits or medical assistance in retirement. I was working full time (in MS) when the worst of the economic downturn hit in 2008 and I was laid off in 2010. I had contributed to a 401K and an IRA for over 20 years and my 'savings' were devastated first by the 'plunge' in 2001 and then again in 2008. Needless to say, I lost my nest-egg and resigned myself to working for the rest of my life. But I got breast cancer while I was working which is why I was the first one my company let go. I survived for almost 2 years on COBRA and unemployment just so I could get close to my SS eligibility of 66 yrs old. Unemployment ran out and I had to take SS early at 65 and 4 months which cut my benefits by $79/mo. I did the math and decided that I could wait no longer so I signed up. That was in 2012. Medicare doesn't pay for everything so I took out a suplemental medical plan and now my medical insurance (Part B, Part D, and Supplemental) is around $280/mo, far less than COBRA. So, yes, I am grateful for Medicare and I think we should make it available for everyone. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEDICARE!
ANONYMOUS COMMENTS WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED. And neither will racist,homophobic, or misogynistic comments. I do not mind if you disagree, but make your case in a decent manner.
If it weren't for Medicare I would be destitute. I have never worked for a company that provided me with any retirement benefits or medical assistance in retirement. I was working full time (in MS) when the worst of the economic downturn hit in 2008 and I was laid off in 2010. I had contributed to a 401K and an IRA for over 20 years and my 'savings' were devastated first by the 'plunge' in 2001 and then again in 2008. Needless to say, I lost my nest-egg and resigned myself to working for the rest of my life. But I got breast cancer while I was working which is why I was the first one my company let go. I survived for almost 2 years on COBRA and unemployment just so I could get close to my SS eligibility of 66 yrs old. Unemployment ran out and I had to take SS early at 65 and 4 months which cut my benefits by $79/mo. I did the math and decided that I could wait no longer so I signed up. That was in 2012. Medicare doesn't pay for everything so I took out a suplemental medical plan and now my medical insurance (Part B, Part D, and Supplemental) is around $280/mo, far less than COBRA. So, yes, I am grateful for Medicare and I think we should make it available for everyone. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEDICARE!
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