There it is.  I watched it and stood up straighter.  I watched it and felt empowered.  I watched it and realized how far we've come and how far we have to go.  

Look at her walk across the set.  Look at her blow that horn.  I sat in her kitchen years ago, applauding with others as a few notes and then a few more emerged.  America really is beautiful; just listen to her and try to disagree.

All of Tucson was united for those weeks and months and now, if you ask someone if they were in town when Gabby was shot, they'll tell you why they were on their way to that corner but something came up.  It's our town's where were you when moment.  

Martha McSally is running ads caling Mark Kelly a millionaire who scammed the taxpayers.  I call him a man who loves and admires his wife.  She's well worth the adoration and the respect.  She inspires me, each and every day.

Good Bye, Silver Sneakers

Much of TBG's bike class at LA Fitness was up in arms yesterday; their memberships were no longer valid under the old rules.  Money was to be exchanged, accounts were to be updated, and spleen was vented. As of January 1, 2019, the AARP recommended, Humana Medicare Supplement plan, the one that everyone gets, no longer covers Silver Sneakers in Arizona.

Somehow, Humana managed to alienate a cadre of voluble, venerable, athletic subscribers with the stroke of a pen. 

According to my very busy Medicare Consultant (who, once I manage to attract her attention, is delightful, competent, thoughtful, and snarky), Humana's actuaries didn't think that customers used the benefit, although she was at a loss as to how they came to that conclusion. My clients certainly use it.

Use it or lose it - Daddooooo said it to Nannie, I said it to G'ma, and AARP says it to me.

I've typed about the absurdity of eliminating a provision designed to cut costs by keeping us healthy before.  I typed about situating G'ma in the apartment with the furthest distance to cover between her bed and her dining room because all the medical personnel agreed on one thing - those who move, live. 

Without impediment, I could follow my yogi and visit my grandchildren and work out with friends. My insurance company and I were working together.  I would do the work, they would pay the bill.  I looked at it as a contract between me, my health, AARP, and Humana.  We all cared about keeping me around and intact for as long as possible.  We all agreed that sitting still was a bad idea. 

I reveled in the fact that, for once, every part of the program was on the same page.  And as I reveled, Humana decided to eliminate that benefit in Arizona. 

No more open access.  A discount where before there was no fee.  Something called Silver Fit which is less helpful and more annoying. 

Good Bye, Silver Sneakers.  I'm sad to see you go.