 |
 |
Hi, fellow list members-- I was a member of this list a couple of years ago, seeking answers to questions for my parents, who have Parkinson's. I am returning with an urgent question about health insurance. My parents want to terminate their secondary Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Medicare Primary) coverage and substitute for it Tri-Care for Life, which is available only to military veterans on pension. What are list members' recommendations? Mom phoned me today and told me that they were thinking of changing. Dad is a retired federal employee, so they must decide by November 15. Mom and Dad have phoned all their doctors, who say they will continue treating them under Tri-Care for Life. Mom and Dad tell me that they are tired of all the paper work demanded by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. When I got them to enroll in Blue Cross/Blue Shield about six years ago, it was the opinion of many on this list serve that Blue Cross/ Blue Shield would be their best bet for their situation. They had big problems with their previous HMO when they were in the hospital, so we would like to be careful. Please give us any advice on experience you have had. For background on my parents' PD: My parents, ages 86 and 79, have been treated for PD for the past six and four years, respectively. My Dad has been diagnosed with the tremor dominant-type PD, takes Sinamet, and is lucky enough to still be able to swim regularly and drive some. Mom has been diagnosed with PN; two neurologists suggested that she may have the PD variety, where the muscles stiffen. She does not wish to pursue further diagnosis, because she has had great difficulty tolerating drugs and prefers to stay on the least amount of Sinamet that her family practitioner prescribed. She is frail, has balance problems, and uses a walker. Despite their health problems, they are very happy living independently in an apartment in a continuing care retirement community. Thanks in advance for any advice list members can provide. --Suzanne ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn