Peaceful

I am bound and determined that today will be peaceful and without drama.  It's is Saturday and the day before Mother's Day.  I also forgot this week that Tuesday would have been Momma and Daddy's 59th wedding anniversary.  All the stuff that has been going on it just slipped my mind and I kind of think Daddy's because he never said a word.

The new word on all that has happened is that the heart institute place did not have the insurance right, that since he has he own insurance it is a Medicare replacement.  What, I am so confused because the other hospital place filed through his Medicare.  They will have to re-request through the insurance to okay his test, 3 months after his heart attack.  GOOD GRIEF.  I sent an email to Sis and Bro saying that we have to have a family meeting to clarify it all and Sis to explain because insurance is what she does.....deep breath.  In, out, in, out....where's my easel!

Bad Day

Yesterday was horrible, just horrible!  I started my day as usual; up, coffee, eat protein, exercise, shower and then to the office.  Except in between shower and then to the office I had a phone call.  It was from the StFHS about Daddy's health claim.  I had called them Monday to give them Daddy's health card info so they could run it yet again to cover that dang $1300 bill they keep saying he owes.  I mean the guy has Medicare and private health insurance, he should not have anything out of his pocket yet we are still dealing with something that happened in September of last year.  We realized that they were not using his private health insurance as the secondary.  Anyway, I called them Monday and thought it would be handled.  So this morning the guy, Joey, told me that Daddy's health insurance said that his health insurance was not in effect in September when he had his stroke that it didn't start until February this year.  WHAT!  He has had constant health insurance with the same company since Momma died, eight years ago.  I then sent an email pleading with my sister to help with this crap because she works for the insurance company and this is what she does but instead she just sent me a text back just saying, "you need to call ***Health Insurance." That was all, no help, nothing just you do it.  Good grief.  I decided I would deal with this later, like another day.

Then after lunch my phone rings and it's Daddy's doctor office, his old doctor that is no longer practicing because he has cancer but Daddy is still with the system and the new doc he sees is part of the group.  They call and they need to see Daddy's insurance cards before his echocardiogram tomorrow that brother is taking him to.  They need the cards "TODAY!"  So, guess what I do, I jump in my car and go to Daddy's to get the cards take them to the office.  I live in Tulsa and Daddy lives in Broken Arrow so it is a small trek for me.  I go to Daddy's and he is not there.  CRAP.  I wait and finally he shows up.  He has been to his friend Jay's to visit.  I get the cards, copy them for my files and then I take off to the doc's office.  I have to admit I am not good remembering to get a person's name and phone number that I talk to.  I know I am bad, bad about that.  Anyway, I go to the office that I have been to before and the doc's name is on the little placard yet this office does not.  I can't find because of course he is no longer in the practice.  I go from floor three to two and find someone who can help, where all his patients are now, yet they are a bit confused about why I'm there.  They get the stuff into his records and then leave.  My cell rings just five minutes later and it's the girl who says that Daddy doesn't have an appointment there.  Then asks if it is at the heart institute, yes I say.  She says they don't have reciprocate info with them but if they call tomorrow she will fax the stuff.  I said well, brother will be with Daddy tomorrow and will have all his info and cards.  I don't care it is in the system...or is it.  Then back to Daddy's and I call the other health system that is dealing with his September stay in the hospital and realize that I've given them the wrong insurance info.  Fix that problem and they will refile...hope it works this time.

Is my day done, oh no not at all.  

I run back to the office and wrap up what I was doing there and then head home for a nice drink and relax.  I am home no longer than 5 minutes when my cell rings and it's Daddy and he is upset.  He wants to know if the heart institute has called me.  I said no, why.  He said that they want their money upfront before tomorrow for his procedure and the guy was apparently was not nice to Daddy and he was not nice back.  He was so upset.  It's funny that brother and I just talked about that.  That they will try that tactic first thing but you don't have to fall for that and we WON'T!  I told Daddy that brother would take care of it tomorrow and not too worry.  I hang up, lay the phone down and then my cell rings.  I think it's the heart institute and so I don't answer it.  Then the house phone rings and I let it ring.  Then my phone starts again.  Great, I answer it.  Let me first tell you that tomorrow was a problem for me in scheduling because I had a GYN appointment for three months and I NEED to go in then they scheduled Daddy's echocardiogram on that day at close to the same time and then The Hubby is taking a small trip and needs to get to the airport at the same time.  So scheduling was tricky.  I got bro to take Daddy to the doc, The Hubby had a ride and I could make my appointment though sad to not see The Hubby off.  Now back to the ringing phone.  I answer the third ringing batch and it was my GYN doctor office and the meek girl said they needed to reschedule my appointment to June 10.  I WAS NOT NICE to the poor girl.  I was so angry that I could tell my blood pressure was up, up, up and I wanted to cry.  I mean I have been trying to make it all work and I put out fires all day long and then this.  The good thing is that I will get to take The Hubby to the airport and see him off, but I'm still PISSED OFF!  

Family Drama

I guess that I have sat long enough reading old blogs posts that I have cooled down.  My morning started not in a good way.  My dad is still having the problem with the hospital sending him a bill for his stay in September for the stroke.  We have determined that the hospital did not recognize that he had a secondary insurance and they were supposed to rerun it, apparantly they had not done.  I called them again on Monday and talked to a very nice guy who took my, Daddy's, info and said he would look into it.  This morning I received another call from another very nice guy who tells me that Daddy's insurance was not enforce when he was in the hospital in September and in fact did not take effect until February this year.  REALLY.  Daddy has had the same insurance since Mom died, 8 YEARS AGO!  Good grief.  I was pretty hot but told the guy I would have to check into it. 

This is not what I am angry at really.  I am angry at my sister.  I guess I need to to quit expecting any, ANY help from here when it comes to our father.  I emailed her, PLEADING that I need help with this insurance bog I'm in.  I ask help with her because she is in the industry and she works for the dang company!  She also knows how to navigate all of it and frankly, I just don't have time right this minute.  I am so frustrated by her unwillingness to be of any kind of assitance in dealing with our father.  I just don't get it.  I am really pissed at her right now, really pissed.  

Life Goes On

What a beautiful Saturday morning, well except is a bit CHILLY outside.  The sun is trying to glow through my window and I will enjoy what I can get.  The plan today is to apply paint to canvas, at least that is the plan.  Later today little Rio will join us overnight while her parents enjoy a night celebrating their anniversary.  How can you resist that sweet face.  Oh sometimes you can when she asserts her independence and angry!  But I do love that little girl.

Yesterday I went to Daddy's to check on him.  It had been a couple of weeks because I was sick with that tummy trouble and certainly didn't want to give it to him.  He looks better I think.  I spent most of my time on the phone trying to figure out some of his bills from his last stay in the hospital and skilled nursing care.  I asked him to get my sis to deal with it as she's much better dealing with insurance (she's in the business) but oh no she told him to let me do it.  Of course, since she doesn't want to do anything to help.  Great.  

Let's see if I can make this story short.  He got a bill for $1300. so he immediately sent in a check.  About a month goes by and he receives the bill again so he assumes that it was lost.  He doesn't call the bank or check to see if the check cleared, or just WAIT, no he writes another check from this particular checking account which does not have enough money in it.  The check bounces and is a $15 penalty.  He then receives a REFUND check for $1300.  I told him to put it in the bank and let's see what happens.  Of course then he receives a bill for $1300.  (head banging on the table)  I called and they were confused too and said that it was going to have to be reviewed by the head honchos but we also realized that the hospital was only billing Medicare, that he also has a secondary insurance from when Mom worked and he has continued to carry.  He should not get a bill AT ALL!  

Daddy said he really messed up and was confused by it all.  He has a stack of bills on his little table and I HOPE he is paying them all.  I'm sure he is but I am concerned.  I told him that if he ever wanted to not have to do it anymore that I would take over but for now I think he's good.  I see it coming to that conclusion sooner than later.  I have to realize that he will be 78 and even though that is really young Daddy sees himself as 90 and just kind of has given up in a way.  I see it and it makes me sad.  He could be having a great time cause he could have 10-20 years left if he LIVED LIFE!  Get out, get social, have fun.  I have a friend who is 72 years old and my gosh you would think she is 50.  She still wears tight jeans, laughs, drinks champagne, and wears stiletto heels!  Embrace life, and do it all!  Daddy has acted like he's on his deathbed since he retired at like 50.  He has given up.  I will NEVER give up!

ADDENDUM:  Found this little piece on Facebook and thought I would add to my post.  Regrets.   It is what I am always saying!!!!! 

Random 5 Friday

Random 5 Friday is at hand.  If you would like to join in then please our host, Nancy at A Rural Journal to see how it's done!

• I read the local paper every single day and the most interesting section for me are the obits.  Not that I'm morbid but I read to make sure I DON'T know anyone listed.  I'm also struck by the fear that I will someday grace these lists of the dearly departed and as time passes the time gets nearer and nearer.  The ages of a lot of them are at least 58 -70 years old and I realize that I will soon be 58!  EGADS!!!
• Insurance, we all have some sort of insurance don't we.  We have life insurance, health insurance, auto insurance, fire and casuality insurance, liability insurance, worker's compensation insurance, general liability insurance...oh I could go on forever.  We met with our "insurance" guy yesterday for the business insurance and I am struck by the absurdity of just having to have insurance.  Really it is for the "What If" in your life, be it home or in business.  Frankly, we have had a couple of instances in our business to use the "What If" factor in insurance.  I think the only one benefiting in the industry are the insurance companies on our "What If" fear.  
• The wind lately blowing around is just about to drive me crazy.  I am hoping it is helping to blow away this stupid never-ending winter that just keeps hanging on.  It is almost April and we are still having below freezing temperatures!  Enough already.  My hammock is calling my name please.
  
• This random stuff is kind of hard.  When I think of something that is random enough to write about I'm usually in my car with no paper or pen and no place to write it down.  
• Anyone want some zebra finches.  About 3 years ago a friend called me, since she knew I already had birds, to ask if I wanted some zebra finches.  The story was that a lady friend of hers daughters had given her 4 zebra finches for Mother's Day and she absolutely, under no uncertain terms, HATED them and was going to let them out the front door.  Well, for one thing the little guys are African and not meant for Oklahoma, maybe the summer but not the winter.  Especially the winter we've had here.  I fell for the story and took the little fluttery things in and quickly discovered that there were two males and two females.  Thank goodness I had lots of cages to separate them.  I love birds but I'm really ready to find them some new homes.  I'm tired of taking care of them but will continue because that is what I signed on for but I really would like to find them another home.  Have to get hard at work at that be it the zoo or Craig's List or maybe an assisted living center!  

Ring Around The Insurance/Doctor Hell

Last week Daddy called me a little after I had left from one of my usual visits.  He was very upset because he had received a phone call from a collection agency.  WHAT!!!!!  That was not good.  Daddy pays his bills the minute they hit his doorway and I do too, and since I am in charge of his finances right now we both were very confused.  It was a medical claim.  First of all we are confused because Daddy has good regular insurance and Medicare which most generally covers everything except for an occasional deductible.  We also have had his mail forwarded to my house until September because he can't walk to his mailbox, and I'm paying his bills, what few of them he has.  He said that they had been sending bills and they have been sent back.  They apparently don't forward those bills.  I told him that if they called back to mail them to his name c/o of ME.  Well, on Friday afternoon I received a letter along with a photocopy of the bill.  The letter said he owed over $750 and that the letter was from a medical collection agency.  The bill showed charges and insurance payments with a balance not covered for about $350.  My first question would be where is the extra $400 that they say he owes.  Plus, it is from the hip doctor we have been seeing, one who is in charge, at this moment of Daddy's care.  One who we've seen, been in his office, many times since the charges stated on the statement.  They did not say a word on any of the visits.  Plus, Daddy has been in a hospital, special care hospital and nursing home for about 3 months, which THEY KNEW!  Plus they have his phone number and my phone number which THEY HAVE NOT CALLED, NOT ONE TIME!!!!!  Can you tell I'm pretty pissed right now.  Tomorrow, Monday morning, my phone line is going to be on fire because I am very angry and getting angrier by the minute thinking about it.  Whew, there goes the damned blood pressure.  These doctors or their offices or the insurance companies and whatever else do not talk to one another.  Good grief, I am dealing with a house in complete disarray, picking out tile and colors and general construction mess.  I'm trying to work and keep up with those books, plus my finances and Daddy's finances.  I'm taking his trash out at least once a week, buying his groceries, cleaning his toilet and doing his laundry along with mine.  I'm helping to keep his appointments plus mine, usually shifting mine to accommodate his.  I'm emotionally tired right now and getting to be physically tired. 

Not What We Thought

Thursday night while at the Tulsa Blogger Meetup B and I received a call from The Hubby that A had taken a spill at her rock climbing place and hurt her foot.  She was told it was a severe sprain but she was concerned that it was worse.

Unfortunately she was in the process of changing her health insurance over and had canceled one but not started the other...(Slap head here!)

The Hubby told her NOT to take the ambulance but have someone else take here to the emergency room. 

Yesterday she went to some kind of a foot/orthopedic doc and they did another x-ray.  Low and behold there was a break.

This is her right foot, her driving foot.  This will put a a hamper on her work as she drives to students homes and teaches piano.  I think she will, after a couple of weeks, be able to take the boot off and drive to and fro.  She is terrified that the Tears For Fears tour to Austrialia and other may be out of the question for her but since it is April I think she will be able to go.  Poor kiddo.  Now we are in the process of beginning the new health insurance.  Too bad this won't be covered but we will get by.  It is an expensive lesson I must say but it is life, live and learn.  Frankly I'm tired of The Hubby saying things like "I told you so."  He is driving me crazy with this stuff but it is what it is and can't be changed.  Life goes on, day by day.  She will heal and in 6 months will be back on to life as she knows it and so will I.

A Usual Thursday

This is just a usual Thursday.  Workout, shower, play with Clayton, work, lunch, afternoon delight, work, home, nap, drink wine, fix dinner, drink wine, watch Survivor, drink wine, play on the computer...yes it is a usual Thursday, or a usual day, less the extra wine.  Not much going on in life but the mundane but I like it just fine.  I'm not going to work tomorrow and will hopefully get to sleep in a bit, not long as I have to get up and let the cleaning lady in.  Then I will meet my friend C at the Brush Creek Bazaar for the afternoon.  As I said there is not much here today and I'm not sure why but my mind is kind of blank. 

I do have a thought though about health insurance.  Yes, I may get a little political.  I really don't know which side this is all on and I really don't care.  All I care about is the betterment for the American people, or just people!  This probably comes from my recent visit for the untrasound on Monday.  I had to pay a $500 deductible for it and we will see how the insurance pays for it.  I think, yes I THINK, that if the insurance companies would attend to the fact that paying for preventive medicine/care, then we would effectively save money, but wait, I think the insurance companies have a vested interest in keeping us sick so we can buy more pharmecuticals from the med companies which influences the insurance companies...OH IT IS SUCH A VICIOUS CIRCLE!  Where will it all end.  Is is driven by greed.  YES, I say it is.  Rise up and take a stand against...Oh gosh, I've had a whole bottle of wine tonight.  That is not good.  Oh well, maybe I'll get some traffic on this little babble, do you think.