Aging with Finesse

09/21/2025

It's been awhile since I cross posted my blog here -- check it out!
https://drmaryflett.com/whats-different/change/

03/23/2025

Sunday ponderings:

Change has always been a part of life, but lately, it feels like the pace has accelerated beyond our ability to process it. Just this past week, the president shut down government agencies including the Department of Education, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and began work on dismantel...

02/09/2025

This from Becker's: "7 Payers Cutting Jobs" - "Payers" means insurance companies who play healthcare claims. Why are they doing that? It was hard enough before January 20, 2025 and DOGE antics. It will be even harder now. Here is a list -- according to Becker's, they will be updating this list regularly. (Eye roll)

Highmark Health laid off 208 employees in Pennsylvania and New York in January at its subsidiary enGen.

GuideWell, the parent company of Florida Blue, is laying off 3% of its workforce across 29 states.

Arkansas BCBS will lay off about 75 employees, or around 2% of the company's workforce, by March 21.

BCBS Michigan is offering buyouts to more than 700 employees as it targets hundreds of millions of dollars in administrative cuts. The company laid off 64 employees in August.

WPS Health Solutions is laying off 313 employees in Monona and Madison, Wis. starting Jan. 21, 2025 due to competitive pressures and federal contract losses.

Government Employees Health Association (GEHA), a federal employee health plan provider, is terminating 453 employees in Lee's Summit, Mo. between Dec. 31, 2024 and April 13, 2025.

Aetna began laying off more than 600 employees at its Hartford, Conn. headquarters in 2024, most of whom worked remotely. Layoffs will continue through June 2025.

02/09/2025

Sunday blog: https://drmaryflett.com/first-you-cry-learning-the-hard-news/change-2/

11/21/2024

Check out my latest blog: Getting to Both/And

I don’t know about you, but I have been muddling through a Spiegel’s catalogue amount of feelings now that the election results are final. On the local level, many of the issues I feel strongly about came out as I hoped. On the national level, I am working through disappointment, trying to figur...

10/28/2024

Concerned about losing your local Walgreens or CVS? These chain drug stores are closing lots of local pharmacies with the claim that they are dealing with theft losses as well as low reimbursement rates for their primary job -- handling medication needs! Common explanations for the latter include Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) being greedy in rates they contract to pay the pharmacy. Don't bring out the Kleenex just yet. Who owns these PBMs? Well, CVS, Optum, and Walgreen's (sold to Catalyst Health Solutions).
In plain English, there were lots of hands in the cookie jar, all being put into one mouth.

10/27/2024

My blog this week deviates from my typical form and delves into a bit of humor -- hoping it brings a smile to your face . . .
https://drmaryflett.com/dear-aaron-sorkin/

10/26/2024

On the WaPo and its editorial decision: I am NOT going to cancel my subscription to the Post. But I am disappointed in their (or his, if indeed this was Bezo's) decision.

I keep wondering if there isn't a different way -- I can't see Bezos impacted by this protest, and yet I understand the righteousness of the response --- but, honestly, it seems as if we are shooting ourselves in the foot --- if the WaPo closes, where will the investigative journalists go and how will readers find them?
As a Boomer, my need to protest, (march, boycott, send letters to the editor) is part of my psyche. But those avenues of protest don't seem to accomplish much any more -- in this new era of podcasts, influencers, and decentralized news distribution, I am without direction.

10/25/2024

Aging is a world-wide event, and so is ageism. Our friends across the pond are a bit ahead of us in addressing the issue -- here is a new ad from Age UK -- it is powerful:

As the leading charity for older people, Age UK is determined to change how we age. And we need you to be part of it.

10/24/2024

Yesterday (10/23/2024) I was sworn in as a California Senior Legislator (Assembly Member). Today I am voting on proposals put together by over 70 aging adults throughout California, who serve as CA Senior Assembly Members or Senators, and represent the 33 Area Agencies on Aging. This is democracy in action. This is what sustains me in these challenging political times: Citizens coming together to improve the lives of all aging adults. If you haven't already, please make sure you VOTE!!!!!!!!!

10/23/2024

Here's an eye-opening article from healthline news on the changes happening within Medicare Advantage plans -- BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!

In 2025, fewer Medicare Advantage plans will be available. Some health care providers will stop accepting certain Medicare Advantage plans. There will also be a drop in the number of Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

10/23/2024

Open Enrollment task for today -- take 5 minutes with yourself and think about your health in terms of how well you are functioning. Have you been putting off surgery? Do you need hearing aids? What are your limitations? Then think about the likelihood of any of these things changing over the next year. This will give you a better notion of the kind of healthcare you may need in 2025. If things are pretty stable (barring the unexpected), then pay attention to your coverage for medications and be done with it.. If things are changing for you, take a look at what you need to do in terms of getting pre-approval for referrals to specialists or procedures, so that when you get the denial, you don't freak out and you have a back-up plan.