<p>I always thought as much. Time to lower those cig taxes.</p>
<p><a href=“http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004164306_health05.html[/url]”>http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004164306_health05.html</a></p>
<p>Because they die sooner, barrons.</p>
<p>So, that is why health insurance for my preferred 22 yr is so expensive. Great program choices too, expensive, expensive, and expensive. But he could have taken 50% coverage and high deductible for half the cost.</p>
<p>I know that. I read the article. I said they were cheaper. That’s it. And what’s so great about a few years at the end anyway–I mean 80 or 84–how much you really going to get out of 4 extra sickly years. That’s why I want to retire early and enjoy a few good years while I can. People who wait until 70 are stupid IMHO.</p>
<p>Have you started to cost out Health Insurance for retirees prior to medicare and after medicare eligibility?</p>
<p>Not yet. When I took a year off I bought a short-term limited coverage policy and it was not too bad $$$ wise. </p>
<p>What bugs me is that the health nazis are always citing how much smokers and fat people are costing us for healthcare and I always thought that was BS. Now it is. BTW I neither smoke nor am I obese although I could lose 10 pounds.</p>
<p>Well, I’m looking to retire early, too, but my plan is to be so incredibly healthy in midlife that I set myself up for the best possible old age. I know some folks in their 80s who are spry and relatively healthy because they are slim and exercise and eat moderately. I think retiring early, if one can swing it, might add good years to old age because it’s the stress of middle-age that leads to most of the chronic problems. Stress causes overeating/drinking and many addictions, plus it inflames every part of your body. I think working part-time or volunteering is important though (post-retirement). The key is to stay fit as long possible and not be too materialistic.</p>
<p>Makes me think: euthanasia for all at the age of 70, Saves on both Social Security and health care. No need to worry about either fixing SS (the boomers will be hitting 70 before the SS crisis really hits), and no need to worry about health care mandates. What a plan!</p>
<p>No, the beauty of this is it’s totally up to the individual. Just quit making the unhealthful feel like lepers. They are doing you and me a favor. Not to mention the savings in SS payments.</p>
<p>My husband retired in July at age 60. They pay for his health coverage, but not for dependents. $800 a month for daughter and me. I am afraid to get her a college policy because once off the retirement plan, we can never get back on.</p>
<p>We unfortunately already have euthanasia:</p>
<p>Only in Oregon. I looked up the temp policy I had before. About $200/mo for $2500 deduct 80% coverage with doctors and pills covered too. Not too bad.</p>
<p>^Not anymore.</p>
<p>You intended to live until 70?! I’m looking at 40, and anything above that is gravy.</p>
<p>marite: I read your post and immediately thought of Soylent Green. ;)</p>
<p>barrons: That’s an interesting study, the results of which are almost hard to believe. I’ll look forward to reading any follow-ups to this study.</p>
<p>momof2inca: I agree. I’ve been a consistent exerciser for at least 30 years (swimming and/or running at least 5 days a week). I don’t run as much anymore but still swim several times a week. In the last few years, I’ve been doing pilates and yoga, too, which I love. I had a physical last year, and while everything looked great, my doctor wanted me to see a cardiologist, only because I have a long history of heart disease in my family. So I went, and he wired me up and put me on a treadmill. He kept me on it for what seemed like forever. He was asking me all sorts of questions while I was on it, and he put it on an incline, made it go faster-- after a while, I said, “Is this getting harder, or is it just me?” He finally turned it off, and then they checked to see how fast my heartbeat dropped back down to a normal level. Afterwards, he told me that he kept me on treadmill much longer than normal, just because he wanted to see how long I could stay on and still keep up the conversation. He said he’d never seen anybody in his office at my age who was in such amazing shape. “One thing is for sure,” he said. “You’ll never die of heart disease.” For a minute, that sounded great, and I was elated; but now all I do is worry about all the alternatives. :(</p>
<p>Tobia: Just you wait until you reach 40, your kid is still in middle school, you’ve just gotten a raise…
I use 70 because that’s when one gets the full SS benefits.</p>
<p>Janieblue:
I’m pretty healthy… except when I’m not. But blame it on genes rather than lack of exercise (and see LTS’ thread about the unfairness of life). One thing I’ve learned is to refuse to be made to feel guilty for falling sick.</p>
<p>wow, janieblue… that’s pretty impressive about the treadmill test! Good for you. :D</p>
<p>marite: Sorry; my post wasn’t an attempt (veiled or otherwise) to attack (or make feel guilty) those who don’t exercise. I described my own experience to emphasize that no matter how healthy I am and how consistently I exercise, the end result is that it will most likely protect me against heart disease (no small feat, since heart disease is a major issue in my family), but nothing more. The cardiologist’s double-sided comment emphasized just what you’re saying-- you can do all the right things-- but, in the end, something’s gonna get you-- probably when you least expect it. So, yes, I agree-- I’m “pretty healthy,” too-- “except when I’m not.” ;)</p>
<p>Thanks, janieblue.<br>
As a result of my family medical history, S1 has had to have annual check-ups since turning 20. S2 will follow suit in a year or so. Neither has had a day’s illness. But their cousin was tested and was found to carry the gene that led her father (my brother) to have cancer when he was in his 20s and to die of it in his early 50s. Eating sensibly and exercising is no bulwark against genetics. It does not mean one should not exercise or eat sensibly. It’s lucky we all like broccoli, because no amount of broccoli will change our genetic make-up.</p>
<p>$800? Geez. My mom has health insurance through BlueCross Blueshield and I think she pays $2400 a year or so for me, my sister and herself, and my dad, comprehensive coverage, minimal copay. Although it’s through the federal government so it’s cheaper.</p>