In the year 2000 upon turning 65 I selected Avmed as my H.M.O. provider.  The first year they allowed me $3000 per   quarter in precription allowance with an average deductible of $10.00 to $20.00 this was more tan enough to take care of  my needs. After my annual exam it was determined I had a lot of things wrong with me, such Diabetes, High blood pressure, an Irregular Heart beat, Prostate Cancer and others to numerous to mention.

The H.M.O. allowance was sufficient for us to live the lifestyle we chose.  Season tickets (42 games), The ability to go to dinner before every game. going to the theater often,and going out with our friends quite often.
In years 2001 &2002 the allowance dropped considerably to $1,250 per quarter. We felt by tightening our belt we would be close to our budget. First we gave up the Theater, changed our Hockey to 13 games and of course our eating out dropped .  Fortunately  Walgreens was able to provide genarics for most of the prescriptions and keep the cost down. I also skipped  taking  my  medication occasionally  so I would not go over the allowed amount.

One problem is we do not know what the charges are only the deductible.  For the year 2003 the allowance was to be approximately $250.00 per quarter. This not being acceptable me I switched Foundation now Vista  at $250.00 per month. we are in the process of adjusting again. We do not eat out before every game. If we do eat out we are making sure we have a doggy bag to take home, When a company offers to show their product and are feeding us we always go even when we are not interested.  meals at home have changed to items that you can many meals out of such as soup, spaghetti, meatloaf etc. with portions getting smaller. I also have skipped taking my medication more frequently.  The biggest concern is if my wife should precede me is how I will survive as it takes my wife's money management skills to make it work. One thing I don't understand if the manufacturers complain about their costs why are they running commercials on TV. when it expensive to produce them and air time is very costly?  We can only get a prescription from our Dr. so it is his/her choice.

Respectfully  Yours,

Gene Sweed