It doesn’t take much. This used to be a lot of money, but now, it’s a mere pittance.

We started out by putting gas in the car — $55.75. We couldn’t put it off any longer. Peter Pump was beeping. That only happens if we are running on fumes.

I had to do something about breathing. My asthma has morphed into emphysema. It will keep getting worse if left untreated. I couldn’t afford an inhaler, but BlueCross — our Medicare Advantage provider — is offering one at $84 for a three-month prescription.

But I had to figure out how to pay the rest of our deductible because the inhaler is a Tier-3 medication. It’s the only level at which our deductible kicks in. I didn’t have the money, but at least BlueCross will let me pay it off in three parts — if I order it from Express Script, their mail provider.

I’ve been avoiding using the mail to get medications. Deliveries are problematic. Yesterday, I gave up. Using Express Scripts will give me all my blood pressure medications without a copay. That will save me about $100/month. Several other medications will cost a lot less too.

The money for the prescriptions came out of my account today — not a great day for more withdrawals — another $85. Plus $12 at the pharmacy, $40 at the grocery, and $20 in cash because we didn’t have any. Well, that’s not true. I had $2 plus change. Also, there was another $200 to Amazon for items we need which cost less than half what they would if bought locally. There is more we need, but it will have to wait. We’re out of money.

We don’t have the same expenses every month. I get most medications every three months. I buy Boost for Garry two boxes of 24 bottles every other month. Things like generic medication — allergy pills, generic Excedrin, vitamins all last several months. For some reason, though, all of these things seem to come up at the same time.

Long term savings are great, but we have to get through this month. There are 11 more days to go. Ouch.

Meanwhile, I’m hoping the right inhaler will help me breath and the problems with my kidneys is the result of one of medications I take for blood pressure. It’s such a common medication, too. I don’t think anyone even thought about whether it was compatible with other things. Also, it was not prescribed by my family doctor, but by my cardiologist. When you have a lot of doctors for different things, no matter how careful you are, slip-ups happen.

I have been dealing with medical stuff all month. There’s more to go. I have teeth that need filling and I probably need new glasses. I can’t afford either, but if I have to choose, teeth win. Not seeing is inconvenient, but infected teeth can kill you.

All of this is at least partly an explanation of why I’ve not been doing much online. I haven’t had time or energy. Hopefully, before summer ends, things will be going better.

Categories: #Health, #HealthInsurance, #Medicare, Anecdote, medication

Tags: #Medicare, Deductibles, expenses, Marilyn Armstrong, Medicare Advantage, medication