I've often found that venting a bit about the things you aren't happy with, clears your mind and makes space for more positive thoughts to surface, so first let me share something about this year that I'm not happy with...
I am not feeling one bit positive about the costs of medical care and health insurance in our country, and this isn't even taking the new administration into consideration. My husband has private health insurance because the business he works for is too small to carry group insurance at a price they can afford. Because of his age his monthly insurance premium is high, much higher than it is for someone in their thirties, putting a strain on our budget. Near the end of last year we were notified that his monthly insurance premium will increase by $196 beginning in February. Needless to say, we can't afford that and there are no easy options that will meet the legal requirements.
I have been uninsured since my job ended, because the cost of COBRA insurance was exorbitant and although unemployed I do not qualify for an Affordable Care Act discount due to my husband's income. There will likely be an income tax penalty assessed or my not having insurance the last four months of 2016. It is also highly likely that neither one of us will have health insurance in the months ahead because it's not financially possible. I am concerned about the medical risks of doing this, and I am angry that our government never implements plans that truly helps the working class. I am sick to death of funding for those who can work but do not, while we have both worked years and years and must do without.
Okay, now I have that little rant off my chest, let's move on to what I see as positive for the coming year...
Probably what I most look forward to most are the anticipated changes in the lives of both my son and my daughter as they take the relationships they're in to the next level. There is nothing that makes a mother happier, nor her heart more at peace, than to know her grown children aren't alone in the world, that they have someone who loves them and takes care of them, someone who brings joy and meaning to their life.
My son has become involved with a wonderful woman who has a young son, and they intend to combine their households in the second half of this year. For the present time they do a lot of cross-city commuting on the weekends.
My daughter has been in a relationship for about five years now and engaged for the last two. They've finally decided to go ahead and tie-the-knot, tentatively in March, then she will sell her home and join him in Texas, tentatively in May.
We all know that life and plans change everyday, so I will watch and wait and hope that all of this works out in a way that will bless their lives. I am happy with the life partners they've both chosen, I think they are well suited to each other. I'll keep you posted when/if events actually unfold. And from that point it's up to them to make it work! :-)
I am not feeling one bit positive about the costs of medical care and health insurance in our country, and this isn't even taking the new administration into consideration. My husband has private health insurance because the business he works for is too small to carry group insurance at a price they can afford. Because of his age his monthly insurance premium is high, much higher than it is for someone in their thirties, putting a strain on our budget. Near the end of last year we were notified that his monthly insurance premium will increase by $196 beginning in February. Needless to say, we can't afford that and there are no easy options that will meet the legal requirements.
I have been uninsured since my job ended, because the cost of COBRA insurance was exorbitant and although unemployed I do not qualify for an Affordable Care Act discount due to my husband's income. There will likely be an income tax penalty assessed or my not having insurance the last four months of 2016. It is also highly likely that neither one of us will have health insurance in the months ahead because it's not financially possible. I am concerned about the medical risks of doing this, and I am angry that our government never implements plans that truly helps the working class. I am sick to death of funding for those who can work but do not, while we have both worked years and years and must do without.
Okay, now I have that little rant off my chest, let's move on to what I see as positive for the coming year...
Probably what I most look forward to most are the anticipated changes in the lives of both my son and my daughter as they take the relationships they're in to the next level. There is nothing that makes a mother happier, nor her heart more at peace, than to know her grown children aren't alone in the world, that they have someone who loves them and takes care of them, someone who brings joy and meaning to their life.
My son has become involved with a wonderful woman who has a young son, and they intend to combine their households in the second half of this year. For the present time they do a lot of cross-city commuting on the weekends.
My daughter has been in a relationship for about five years now and engaged for the last two. They've finally decided to go ahead and tie-the-knot, tentatively in March, then she will sell her home and join him in Texas, tentatively in May.
We all know that life and plans change everyday, so I will watch and wait and hope that all of this works out in a way that will bless their lives. I am happy with the life partners they've both chosen, I think they are well suited to each other. I'll keep you posted when/if events actually unfold. And from that point it's up to them to make it work! :-)
Health insurance! Ugh. I don't know what the answer is, but something needs to be changed. Our son is struggling to pay his own as well and it's outrageous. He so desperately wants to move out on his own, but between taxes, car payment and insurance, that's pretty much his income at 22!
ReplyDeleteExciting things are happening in your family. Sounds like it's going to be a good year.
I don't know how any young people can make it on their own now, which is really sad because they need and want their independence. My husband earns a good wage and yet we still struggle to make ends meet. Yes, I am very excited about what this year is to bring! :-)
DeleteSomething does need to be done to make health insurance available to all at reasonable cost. How that will be done I don't know. What I do think is that the insurance industry and medical community need to work together with input from informed citizen forums. Don't know how to make that happen.
ReplyDeleteWonderful news about your kids! Even when there is dark times in life there is light that shines.
I agree with you, those with the power to make changes in the insurance industry need to work hard together to formulate a plan that can provide quality medical care for everyone at a reasonable cost. I have seen too many cases of people dying in our country that would not and should not have happened, but insurance didn't adequately cover what they needed, or they didn't have any insurance.
DeleteYes, that is awesome news about my kids, I am a happy mama! There are always, always reasons to be thankful! ;-)
Yea for your kids lives working out better than I know they have been in the past!!! That DOES make a mother's heart so happy, knowing your kids are happy. Honestly, this just thrills me, for you. Big smile here.
ReplyDeleteHowever, my heart is heavy for your insurance woes. I spent a good portion of my last post bitching about my health insurance company and now I feel awful when you are doing without. Being un-insured is not good. It keeps us from doing many of those things that we know we should do... and for good reason, who can afford to actually PAY for any kind of health care? I will pray about this problem for you, there must be an answer somewhere. I know that many are in your shoes, and I'm afraid that many more will be soon..... I AM worried about the upcoming administration and their "undoing" of Obama care. No, I never loved that solution to the problem but I worry the demise will only be that much worse. Selfishly, I have concerns, too.
Much Love --- Big Hugs.
J
XO
I am smiling ear-to-ear about what God has in store for my kids lives, Jamie. They have both gone thru a lot and I feel like life is moving into better places for them. I am so blessed with the people they've chosen, that will make all the difference. Ian's girlfriend is an Aquarian! I told him he should have known better, he laughed. :-)
DeleteHealth insurance in this country is a disaster, too little, costing too much, or none at all. It's all bad, and it's shameful. Quality medical care should be something we can find a way to provide at a bearable cost. I am praying on it too, I don't know the answers.
I've never been so glad to be Canadian, then when I hear Americans talk about health care. It's unfathomable to me that a country that calls its motto "land of the free" would let people literally die over money. I don't understand why USA cannot adopt something similar to our own?? How can you let your citizens grow old, sick and die and not take care of them. Clearly I feel your rant loud and clear - LOL.
ReplyDeleteBut your good news is good news indeed!! It sounds like many good things in store for your family, and really --- those are the greatest blessings.
I completely agree with you, if Canada can do it, why can't we? Too many good, hard-working people are going without adequate medical care, it's scary and it's wrong. I've known people who died this way. I am angry about it. Praying for better solutions to come!
DeleteMy kids with good relationships, what more could a mother ask for?!
Your happy news makes me smile! As for insurance, we will be facing trouble for #1 Son when he turns 26. He either has to sign up at work or get it on his own. Bigger Girl won't be far behind, either.
ReplyDeleteBoth of my kids are older, and now ready to make good relationship choices for their future. I am holding out hope that this will all turn out happy for them, they are on the right track!
DeleteI don't know the answers to the insurance disaster in our country, but I do know something needs to be done. It has to be affordable and available. Penalizing people for not having it is insane!