GOPer brother's 64 b-day is today, so my mother called him to wish him a happy b-day!

[imanamerican63]

He is the oldest of us 9! Lives in his own little world and complains about how the Democrats are still stealing from him, for what? I don’t know! Now he never paid his taxes until his late 30’s or 40’s (not sure how he got away with that one?). He now is retired from his job! He is pissed that he isn’t 65 yet, because he can’t get Medicare now, so he can have cataract surgery! Umm! I thought Medicare and Medicaid were an entitlement? But he wants his entitlements before his time?

[Archae]

1. "All for me, none for thee..."

I had relatives like that.

Most of them have died.

[Poiuyt]

2. Medicare??? He must be a SOCIALIST!!!!

[imanamerican63]

3. Good point!

[634-5789]

4. If that was my brother, he'd be DEAD TO ME. No pity, no cares.

[Walleye]

5. It is strange how they never connect their political opinions to their own personal situation

[Diamond_Dog]

6. Hahahaha

When my sister turned 65 she was all upset that she was “being forced into Government Healthcare”!

Now she loves her Medicare! Go figure!

[gratuitous]

9. You should remind her of that from time to time

Not every time you're in contact, but every now and then, as you inquire after her health, drop in a mention of what a great program Medicare is, or how nice it is for governments to take care of their citizens. Doesn't have to be heavy-handed or snide.

[SheltieLover]

7. Amazing, isn't it?

[BeckyDem]

8. It is terrible, isn't it? So many like your brother utilize what they say they hate about government

Really sad. You have my sympathy.

[BobTheSubgenius]

10. "Keep your government hands off my Medicare!!!"

Remember that? F’ing imbeciles.

[leftieNanner]

12. But if he doesn't have any health insurance at all

Or less than optimal insurance, that cataract surgery might cost him some $$$.

Had both of my eyes done and it was magic! I've worn glasses (or contacts) since I was 2 years old. Now? I only need Costco readers! YAY!

[imanamerican63]

15. You nailed it!

Doesn’t have insurance or if he does? It doesn’t cover?

[TeamProg]

13. I've of the PERFECT BIRTHDAY GIFT idea!

A mirror.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

14. Medicare only pays for a basic lens in the eye, after the cataract surgery.

If you should have anything more than that, you'll be paying extra anyway.

I got cataract surgery at age 63, before Medicare. Ten years ago now. I was working and had decent insurance. Can no longer recall what I paid out of pocket, but it was worth it. After being extremely nearsighted my entire life (couldn't read the blackboard in first grade) it's now a joy to wake up in the morning and I can see!!. Yeah, I need reading glasses, but my distance vision is amazing. I feel like I can read small signs on distant hills.

Given that he didn't pay taxes for so long, are you sure he will actually qualify for Medicare? Too many people righteously avoid paying taxes, and then are shocked, just shocked to discover they can't get Social Security, or Medicare without paying the full premium.