My dad got laid off today

[The Straight Story]

He is 73, and they said his insurance ends at midnight tonight. And as an added kick he got a Christmas card from the company in the mail today....

So I am out of work and struggling here, now dad is too, and my brother may get the axe (he worked with dad) when he goes back to work on Monday (He is off this week as he had surgery on a tumor on his back, still awaiting the test results on that).

Stressed out, broke, personal issues, holiday season is sucking major ass this year.

arrrgh!

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Oh man! This "not a depression yet" sure is hitting your family hard. *hugs*

[The Straight Story]

21. dad is the kind of guy who will just literally die if he isn't working

which is why he hasn't retired, he needs the reason to get up and such since mom isn't alive anymore into nagging him in to doing things :)

My brother and I are more worried about his health, mental and physical, then any other issue at this point.

[GreenPartyVoter]

22. If you can't find him work, how about getting him a volunteering gig? :^)

[The Straight Story]

23. Good idea, thanks (nt)

[qwlauren35]

31. He needs volunteer work. I promise, it's out there.

Find a way for him to teach or mentor someone in what he already knows.

Get him into something in which he feels obligated because someone is counting on him.

Oh... and get him Unemployment, so he doesn't worry about money too much. At 73, he's entitled to benefits.

My mom had to quit her part-time job this year, at age 82. But she keeps soooooo busy with volunteer work, exercise, and just the challenge of getting around at age 82, that she's not missing work as much as she expected to.

I am convinced that there are many, many young boys/men who would benefit from learning from your dad, especially about the power of a strong work ethic.

[bdamomma]

2. oh, that just sucks to be blunt.

if it helps we are here for support.:hug:

[marketcrazy1]

3. I am sorry

I hope things work out, try to keep your chin up!! I too am out of work ( 3 months now ) not eligible for unemployment, kinda sucks! but we can get through this!! hang tough!!

[Frustratedlady]

29. I thought they extended the unemployment coverage?

Boy, they have this country so screwed up, maybe we need a depression to bring make everyone equal again. When I hear rich people complain, I get so angry.

I'm so sorry for you and your family. I hope things turn around for you all and that the holidays are special.

[AndyA]

4. I'm sorry.

I'm sending good thoughts your way. I hope things take a turn for the better soon.

[aquart]

5. I'm so sorry.

It's just as bad as you think it is. I only hope that, for you and yours, this is the worst it gets. But I hope that for all of us.

[LiberalEsto]

6. That's awful

Sending you good vibes & blessings! ))))))

[AzDar]

I hope this doesn't sound too trite, but I honestly think it's always darkest right before the dawn.

My Dear, I hope your dawn is thisclose.

Sending good vibes your way...


Darlene

[ShortnFiery]

7. I'm so sorry to hear about the struggles of your beloved family.

I hope and pray that you and yours will find peach and comfort before the New Year ... and especially good jobs! :hug:

[TomInTib]

8. Damn, TSS, when Life rains on you, it flat-out pours.

You and I just might end up living under the same bridge.

[bkkyosemite]

9. So sorry! Positive thoughts for you and yours.

[yardwork]

10. It's a good thing that your father has Medicare. One last safety net.

[Born_A_Truman]

11. I hope things get better for you and your family

You have really been through it. :grouphug:

[sandnsea]

12. Yeah it sucks

My husband is in the middle of hepc treatment, after 2 years of diabetes, heart attacks and triple hernia surgery. I need an ear surgery because the bone is decaying rapidly now, which will be a perfect match to my broken front tooth. Our clients have no business and can't get credit so they can't pay us so I don't know how long I will have a home. My daughter may have to take my grandchildren to another town because her husband is a contractor and has no work. Yeah. Life sucks sometimes.

I'm going to enjoy my family while I can.

[DesertFlower]

13. your dad is 73 and he doesn't have medicare?

many companies force their employees to take medicare as their primary medicare when they reach 65.

[dflprincess]

14. But you still need a supplement

there's a lot Medicare doesn't pay for. Is there a state program your dad might qualify for to supplement his Medicare?

[Cleita]

15. In my state Medical picks up the supplement, but

some of my friends who are on it tell me they have problems getting doctors that accept it.

[dysfunctional press]

42. i don't have a supplement...my doctors have never charged me any extra.

:shrug:

i had refused to sign up for the drug plan- hoping for something better to come along with a new administration(and that was since well before most people had even heard of obama), but now that my meds have gone over $200/month, i'm enlisting come the 1st of the year.

[RebelOne]

18. My company is quite large.

I will be 70 in January and still have the company insurance. I don't want medicare right now as long as I am able to work. Medicare does not cover dental or eye care, which I now have.

[DesertFlower]

19. i understand.

i'm 67 and my husband is 61. i did not take medicare because his company's medical insurance costs less and covers more.

on edit: his company does know that i have medicare part A (it was automatic) and i will have to use that as my primary insurance if i'm hospitalized.

[tammywammy]

27. Well, then if you got laid off or quit, you can take COBRA for 18 months.

[dflprincess]

36. I was laid off when I was 50

at that time the COBRA was going to cost just over $300 a month. I don't know many people who are able to afford COBRA when they've lost their job.

[RebelOne]

45. Well, if I am laid off, it would be a lot cheaper to go on Medicare. n/t

[The Straight Story]

30. He said today he had to get part B

to cover prescriptions. I guess maybe he had part A already.

[Suich]

32. Maybe I missed it, but

why can't your Dad go on Social Security?

:shrug:

[The Straight Story]

33. I think he is going to

but knowing how long it takes the government to get shit done....

[Suich]

34. It didn't take me long at all...apply ASAP!

Good luck!

[bkkyosemite]

41. Part B covers doctors Part A hospital ...Part D prescriptions...

[annabanana]

16. aw jeez, TSS. . You just can't seem to catch a break here....

You have GOT to be getting to the "nowhere but up" point pretty soon, No?
I wish I could help.

[The Straight Story]

17. Yeah, when it rains it freaking pours here

Life sucks and I am out of beer.

[sandyj999]

20. I am so sorry. n/t

[Hepburn]

24. I am so sorry....

... and right now, things seem to suck all over the place.

For anyone who is having trouble right now....:hug:

I hope from the bottom of my heart that things turn around for the best!

[Oregone]

25. When do people claim the Social Contract is in breach?

Just saying...life is sucking for many.

Sorry to hear.

[formercia]

26. That sucks big-time.

It had to get better. How could it go much lower? Bummer.

[roguevalley]

28. I don't know what to say. Men of his generation were workers and

being without work is a blow to the confidence and self-image many have. Tell him that we are with him in spirit, for what its worth. I am sick to hear about this for you and your family. Hang in there, honey. This cannot last. It just can't.

[applegrove]

35. Vibes. This too shall pass.

[mwooldri]

37. 73 and was still working....

.... God this country sucks at taking care of its senior citizens.

Hugs to you and your dad and family.

My wifes' grandparents would be in lovely retirement by now but the company they worked for in the early 1990s went totally out of business, taking their retirement plan along with it in an attempt to save the company. As such, my grand-father-in-law is now working a hard manual labour job, manufacturing insulation, in his late 70's. my grand-mother-in-law was also working, at the same place, until she became totally disabled. The insulation company does take relative good care for them; they did something creative with their pay to maximise their social security benefits (my grandfather-il is a few years older than my grandmother-il, and they still offer some health coverage.

Pensions should be better protected. Medicare is there but needs to be improved. Yes I know there's drug coverage now but even so just before it came in, my wifes' grandmother on her dad's side had to move out of her house and move in with her daughter - and rent out her house - to cover the cost of her medicines. I'm sure the Medicare benefit helps a bit... but still to be out of pocket for medicines is IMO absolutely disgusting.

My grandparents, and my parents, all in the UK, DO NOT HAVE AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. My grandfather on my dad's side had long term heart problems and emphysema for years until he passed away a few years ago. I know for a fact that my aunt, who took care of my grandfather, when she went to the drugstore came back with many bags full of medicines. A Medicare Part D wouldn't probably begin to cover the cost (he'd probably would exhaust his coverage in January!). I can tell you that he paid absolutely nothing out of pocket for those drugs.

[malaise]

38. If you lived in Jamaica we'd take you to the natural

springs at Bath, St Thomas for what we call a 'bush bath' to change your luck.
You've been having a rough time :hug:

[whistler162]

39. Do you have something else?

We have had a 'bush bath' the last 8 years and it has changed our luck.

[malaise]

44. hehehehhehehe

Well folks here have always called it a 'bush bath (because it's in the bush) but we could change the name and call it a rural shrub bath. :rofl:

[sarcasmo]

40. Self Delete.

[pnwmom]

43. Your dad gets Medicare, right? I know that won't help you and your brother.

Losing medical insurance (along with a job) is one of my big worries for my family, too.

So sorry to hear about all your troubles. Hang in there!