HuskiesHowls
HuskiesHowls's JournalFiled for Social Security benefits today
I will turn 66 this month (Full Retirement Age), and I have an "Adult Disabled Child" (Social Security Administration's term for an adult who was awarded disability payments before age 22 and is still receiving them). It seems I'm lucky where I work, as no one else has the skills that I do, so they don't want me to retire anytime soon, they'll make concessions for me and I'll keep working for a couple years.
In researching retirement the last year, I learned about "file and suspend". I wanted to find out if this would affect my daughter, so I did some checking and yes, she could file against my benefits, meaning more money for her. As we should all know, file and suspend is going to go away at the end of April this year.
When I went to the local office today, and filed in person, I learned that what I was doing--filing so my daughter could file against my benefits--is NOT considered "file and suspend". It was explained that file and suspend is only when a married couple does it, so that one spouse's benefits can continue growing.
What I did, is considered something totally different, and is NOT GOING AWAY. At least, at this time. In talking about it, SSA is still coming down with information on how this is going to be implemented, and making rulings, so the situation is still fluid.
I found it interesting, and just wanted to share what I learned today.
CMS schools Braindead
I just finished talking with my daughter, who is disabled, and receives Medicare and Medicaid. She told me that the mental health supplier for central Iowa is closing its doors on Jan 1, as Braindead has been saying that the MCO's will be taking over then, come hell or high water. AND, she told me that the organization that takes care of medical and dental payments for Medicaid is closing its doors on Jan 31.
Today, CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) informs the state that because things are not well enough organized, the change can't be made until March 1st -- if they make sufficient progress. http://iowapublicradio.org/#stream/0
As of right now, she tells me that there are only 2 hospitals that have signed contracts for services with the new MCO's, and neither one is in Des Moines. She also tells me that the 2 BIG clinics that she goes to have not signed contracts, or even been in talks with the new companies.
It will be interesting to find out how Medicaid is going to be administered in Iowa, without companies to run it. This is going to affect a LOT of people. And all of it is because of one man, who "knows better" than anyone else.
I do hope it gets a lot of people thinking about just how great 
our "record holding" governor is.
Hmm...Des Moines Register endorses Braley
In June, for the Republican Primary, they endorsed Joni Ernst. And now, after all the ads and rhetoric, and her not meeting with them, they come out for Bruce Braley.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/editorials/endorsement/2014/10/25/bruce-braley-endorsement-us-senate-better-choice/17907819/
It would appear that something has caused them to have a change of heart, or maybe they just now saw the light.
Trooper gets his due---3 months later!
Just heard on tv that the trooper driving Braindead finally got his ticket. It only took 3 months....I wish it worked that way for me.
http://whotv.com/2013/07/26/governor-speeding-ticket-issued-review-complete/
It only cost him $181, but cost the agent who caught him his job. Nothing beats the equality in Republican governments.
My son's birthday was yesterday.
No, he wasn't born yesterday, he turned 37. That was a momentous day for me, many years ago, and I spent some time last night reflecting on that day and some of the effects it has had on my life.
The best memory of the day is when I actually saw my son, and beheld the wonder of a newborn, the miracle of a new life, the feeling of "Oh, my God, this is wonderful". Just the totally awe-inspiring moment of what could be. And, at the same time, one of the bigger regrets of my life--I had never held a newborn before, and I didn't hold him when I had the chance that first day (he went into surgery later that day, and it was 2 weeks before we could hold him).
I remember my brother because of the time we spent together that day, and and what he meant to me (he passed away later that same year). I thought about the love we had for each other, but never let show. I don't remember ever hugging my brother, or getting a hug from him. As far as that goes, I don't remember any type of expression of affection for each other, other than sharing good times together.
From my brother, I thought about Dad, and to one things in my life I am proud of. I don't remember my father ever showing affection for me, or my brother. He wasn't raised in that way, and he carried it over into his adult life. The good memory is the night I gave him a hug, and told him how much I cared for him. Only one hug, and he didn't know what to make of it, but it made me feel good, and I hope it made him feel good, too.
I have to say how proud I am of my son. He has brought a lot of joy, a lot of changes into my life, and has made me a better person for being here.
I just can't believe how long ago he was born!!
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Gender: MaleHometown: Central Iowa
Member since: Mon Oct 25, 2004, 07:44 PM
Number of posts: 711