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mrs rockman (widow of vet)
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Posts posted by mrs rockman (widow of vet)
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Most Dental Insurance ends up being a Dental Discount and not much more than that.
Agreed...
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Dental insurance Programs may be worthwile if you are someone who makes maximum use of the exam and prevention benefits that are covered at 100%. If you put aside money and wait for something to come up, the something that comes up may be very expensive to treat. Another advantage of insurance is that a network dentist has agreed to a certain fee schedule. With insurance, you may $350 of the $700 the dentist has agreed to take from the insurance.Without insurance, you'll pay the dentist's full fee, $1000 or more.
Yes, I can see your point. I guess it really depends on the amount of the premiums and are there any dentist near you that are in the plan. When you have a very good dentist, you really hate to switch if you can help it.
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There is a lot of published information on what the terms of the dental insurance program will be. Just Google: "ChampVA dental pilot" You'll find the the specifics of the benefits, the VA has asked insurance companies to submit bids to provide.
The key in the request for the "proposal" is the term: "The program must be completely self-supporting," In other words, enrollees will be bearing all of the cost of the entire program, including the insurance company's profit. It is going to be very similar to TRICARE Retired Dental Insurance Program. It will be premium based. Some things will be covered 100%, most will have co-pays. The VA also submitted a Cost Impact Analysis to Congess for the program. Cost to taxpayers was estimated to be just a few hundred thousand dollars a year, just enough to hire a couple of GS employees to manage some administrative tasks.
Unfortunately, anyone waiting for this program with high expectations is in for a let-down.
Thanks. I did not hold out too much hope and that is why I went on a scheduled my dental work for tomorrow. Usually when you have dental or vision premiums, the premiun cost may or may not be worth the benefits that it pays. Rockman never did take either one of these out when he worked at the prison ( and I made sure I said "worked", not a "guest" there). We put aside so much each month just in an insurance fund to help pay for those things when or if they came up. I will look up the site anyways.
Celia
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What a remarkable person, Ed Freeman! You were the "only" way those veterans had a chance of getting out and getting the medical attention they needed. My hat is off to you!
Ed, God is taking care of you now!
Celia
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Indeed Celia....I cant believe the bogus reason the VA told me why we widows cant use ebenefits....
They said because DOD doesn't know who we are.....
So, where do they think the widows go when their beloved dies?... I could tell VA where they should go..Oh! that would be sooo cruel..ah!, so I am cruel and it sure does feel good!!
Well just tell them,VA ....ridiculousPS I made a homemade card for the man I love this Valentines day but I sent the Secretary one I bought at TOPs....
He has had a very bad few weeks......I included a nice note to him because I have griped to him from time to time.
I think he has done remarkable things as the Sec, but somehow his great ideas get SNAFUed and then it takes time for them to be unsnafued....
As difficult as it is to be a widow Celia, my husband always told me to find someone else to love if he died and although I never dreamed it would happen to me for almost 18 years, I have found how right he had been. He would sure approve, too, of who it is.
I am at peace with thatDavid told me a long time ago that if he died, he wanted me to remarry one day... I just always laughed and said that I had "the best", why would I want anyone "less". I cannot ever forsee remarrying or falling in love again, but I know you should never say never.
I am glad that you are happy,
for love does make one feel so good! I am glad you are at peace with it and knowing your husband would have approved, just makes everything better!I am just now seeing this post. I happened to look on My Content and found all sorts of replys-oops!
Celia
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I received a call from B&B Medical Services out of Houston on Friday morning. They told me that they are going to be in my area on Monday February 25 and would like to arrange coming to my home with the Cpap machine. It has been a relatively quick process for me, considering the number of veterans still waiting. I would have thought that the Va would contract locally....... since I live 116 miles north of Houston, but ....... ? The Sleep Lab also called me on Friday.
That is great. I did not know B& B did that kind of thing. David had all his oxygen and supplies from B & B. We live 90 miles from Memphis and we had to drive in and it was so very hard on him to make that trip. They really should have brought it out to him. I am so glad that you do not have to make the trip. Let us know how it is all working out for you.
Celia
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Celia, if you hear anything let me know. I do know that if you do some dental work they should back pay, maybe.
I surely will. Right now I do not know if we will be paying a monthly premium or just a co-pay. I hate to go on Monday, but I really do not have a choice. Then it will be..one penney..two penney..no more pennies when I start paying the dentist! I do not know if they will be reimbursing us or not-we will see-that is if we ever see the program up and running.
Oh well. like David always said "it is what it it is".
Celia
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Just a morning update.. what do you kinow..the AO Review newsletter just came in my mail-how oddly strange. Now that adds up to 3 in total!
celia
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Amazing! I received a copy yesterday! That makes a total of three since 2005!
Chuck75, just like you said..if veterans are well informed then they will know they can file certain types of claims and then the "almighty??" VA may have to compensate them for those claims. They are basically hoping that the veteran just goes away and just dies. Then this will save them heap steep amounnt of moolah! Little do they know. we are not giving up with what is due to all of us!! I think David got maybe two issues in all, but it sure looks "fishy" that he got no more issues after the first claim was filed..
Celia, mrs. R
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Kudos to me- I got it working.
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Celia,
Glad you've done your homework and YES - for sure we need to treat ourselves a bit
here and there.
Sure wish there were something more available for your dental work that needs to be done.
Life is coming together for you - a different life without David, but still a life for you
that I feel sure he would want you to live and enjoy, to the fullest amount possible.
If I read and understood it right - getting the car was his way of trying to be sure you
had good, dependable transportation after he was gone - so you be sure to have someone
keep a check on all the fluids and changing them, etc . .
Maybe you and the car will be able to take a little trip and have a little adventure sometime
before too long, maybe fulfill something you've always wanted to do : - )
Here's a big cyber hug for you !
Carlie,
Yes, you are right. The car was his way of making sure that I did not break down on the road...his protection for me still lives on.. each day that I get into the car and go somewhere. I still look over at the passenger's seat, pat it, and say "David, I love you, sweetie pie". Then after I say that, I can drive.
Let me tell you something. Just last night I was in the next town (about 15 miles or so) and I was on my way to West TN Hospice to hear a very good speaker on grief. On the way to town, I had this very strange and uneasy feeling come over me and thought then to turn around, but I wanted so badly to go hear the guy. It was on "Moving along after a Loss". My low tire pressure light came on just as I was in town. Of course you know you cannot find many places to check your air and it was raining cats and dogs ( and they were Big cats & Big dogs). I pulled over and had this bad feeling again about going on. I turned around and headed back home and wanted to get to the Ford dealership before they closed. About 3 miles down the road, I felt more uneasy. I decided to pull in to Walmart and have them check the pressure for me. I was already "ready for them" with "no, I do not want to buy any tires, just air me up for I am on my way to my dealership". I was low and they aired me up, no chrage and no asking for me to buy a tire. I went by my dealershiip and talked to them. They said to show up and 7:45, which I did. I was going to make an appointment for my oil change for next week, but they went on and did it all for me. They didn't find a nail or anything, but told me to watch it. They even told me after the rebates, I was paying less. They gave me a discount which was so nice of them. They all knew David and was so patient with him when we shopped for our car. He could be a real "pistol" or a real PITA, but he knew what he was willing to pay and he stuck to it. You go David!!
After we bought the car, we got in the mail from our Ford dealer to come in and they would give us so much on a trade in. Bear in mind, they already had the trade in when we got our Foocus. So, Rockman went in there with the letter in hand and asked for that money. Surely, he said, that if you send me the letter, you will honor me with the cash. You can tell what the ending of this story is.
By the way, the guys just got through getting my insulation in my attic. For the first time in 17 years, the temperature is actually a litle more than what I set it for. The guy even insulated some in my bath closet where the hot water tank is. He also got up on a 8' ladder and checked an old return air vent to see if had been blocked off and then asked for a rag and cleaned the entire vent cover. You see, my ceiling is 11' high.
I am soooo sorry that I kept rambling on. I just started typing and I kinda got carried away.
I promise I will close now and I am sending a big hug back your way.
Thanks for all of your supporrt.
Celia
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Carlie, thanks. I had always wondered how to do it and now I do. I knew that it was something simple. Now watch me not know what I want to put there now I know how. Future reference point.
Have a great day!
Celia
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I see that so many members have quotes or their scd ratings below their postings and I would like to know how you can add that to your posting. Thanking you in advance,
Celia, Mrs. R
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This just makes me want to SCREAM- such an injustice!!
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Great - Great news.
Try to be absolutely positive you want to put the that much cash on the car
before doing it. Check any and all outstanding bills first to see what is to your
best advantage financially - and try to keep a little nest egg if possible.
WOW - I know he's smiling a big grin in heaven today !
Carlie-
You are always very good in helping people think about spending their money wisely and this is such a good thing!! The only thing I owe right now is my car. Now, after Monday, I will owe a sizable amount for my bridge work. I have it set up for 24 months same as cash.Too bad Champva has not added the dental yet. I do not believe in paying interest unless I absolutely have no choice (ie a house). I am so thankful that I can see the light on the rainbow on becoming debt free!!
I am very careful to make sure I have monies tucked back and do not go into it for just plain "I feel like spending some cash today" days. If it is not in my checking account, then I do not need it.
I use the envelope system and for example I put XX amount of $'s in an envelope each month for my utilities (and all other normal monthly expenditures). If my utillities are way less than the allloted amount, then I carry it over to the next month. This way if I get a real big utility bill one month, then it is there waiting for me. When I happen to accumulate plenty of reserve, then I will I take out some and "treat myself" to something that I would not ordinarily buy myself. You need to treat yourself from time to time just to know you can and to feel good.. no, feel great!!
I know David is smiling. I know he would want me to be able to get through this difficult time and this helps me face each day. It is so hard and no one really understands what you are going through. People are afraid to talk to you, for they do not know what to say, so they just say NOTHING! You know, I can get through this and I am a SURVIVOR!!!
Thank you Carlie for all the work that you do here and all of the research and help you bring to the table.
God Bless you, Carlie!
Celia
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Has anyone heard anymore about the if or when the dental informaton will be mailed out? I called Champva about three weeks ago and the bids were still out. They said that it woud be shortly. I could really use it. I have major dental work on Monday, so I guess I will have to self pay.
Celia
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Celia,
Can you tell me where you saw about lung diseases. I have IPF and am fighting them now.
Flatbroke
It looks to be a yearly, because Vol 26 No.1 Winter 2012I think i saw something about next issue was Winter 2013.
It comment: This is the 49th Agent Orange Review that VA has published. This issue was completed in winter 2012 and does not include developments that occurred after that time. For past issues of the newletter and other information, please visit our website at
Flatbroke,
I am so sorry to hear that you have IPF and I wish you the best on all fronts.
First click on the above link from SP4RVN1971. Then go to the Publications and Reports at the left.
Under Newsletters- click on Latest Issue (winter 2012).
It has it listed under Other Features.
You can then go to the top and download the full issue.
It does have they are looking at COPD listed. I wonder if they look at COPD if then they would ever go a little further and look at IPF. They show the research study on the ACC Group, but I would think that if you were heavily exposed to AO, it would be the same. At least maybe it is a start. Who can ever tell with VA?!?
VA kept asking Rockman if he was exposed to all sorts of chemicals, but when he said AO...Oh no, that cannot be the cause. I say BULL!!!
I hope that this a help to you and that I have not steered you in the wrong direction.
What meds do they have you on and let me know how you are doing.
Celia, Mrs. R
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John999
AO should go down as the single worst friendly fire incident in US miltary history. We were killed in Viet Nam we just didn't die there.
Rockman would always say that he died 40 years ago and this is so true of so many Veterans!!
Celia
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Great to hear, Celia!
Chata & I have been enjoying many fun adventures in Rockman's honor this prospecting season.
Get that heat fixed!
Kelly, I am still floating and am so greatful for all of this!
I have been wondering how your season had been going, but just never did get around to checking in on you. I know Rockman would have been honored with this!
Misty (aka Mitty Girl or Misty Bisty) says woof woof to Chata. Misty is my 13 year old border collie and has been so conforting to me. When David was not feeling well, Misty would not leave his side. Dogs realy sense how you are doing, whether it be physicaly or emotionally. They are the best medicine you can get.
When David passed away, Misty would lay by the bedroom door waiting on him to come out. She just did not know what to think about it and grieved so much for him.
Then last month, I had to put down Lady Bugs, my Shih Tzu of 15 years. That was hard, but it was the most humane thing to do. Now then, Misty still looks for Lady Bugs. Misty would not go for walks without Ladybugs. I tell Misty that it is she and I now and I will take care of her. She knowS when I am sad and just gives me kisses.
I did get my heat fixed and that is a good thing.
Have a good day!
Celia
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I am so happy you got it done. Rockman lives on through you. Now you can relax and live a little.
This process is not an easy one to undertake, but once you are successful you end up with an education that is more valuable than most people can imagine.
John
John, thank you and yes such a relief comes over you when everything is finally finalized!
I thought once I was awarded my DIC that I would want to be through with research here on Hadit, but you know it just does not work that way. It is addictive in that the more you learn, the more you want to learn. I feel like I owe it to David to keep on researching and I do not get tired of it.
I know I could not have done all this without HADIT!! A big thank you!
Celia
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Here is a big congratulations coming your way! Now you can rest some and enjoy your well deserved win!! I am so excited for you Sparkle. Also getting your SSD in three months is another great win for you! Enjoy the new grand baby. You are getting blessed from all sides!
God Bless,
Celia, Mrs. R
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I wonder how I could go about getting a copy of this issue. We used to get updates a long time ago. It seems like after we started filing claims, we quit getting any copies. I think that they did not want people to be informed.
Now, I see they are looking at chronic lung disease among Vietnam Veterans. That sure would include David.
Celia
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I'm not a big talker, but a big cryer. Depression I fight every day, some good and some bad. I'm sad for you and proud for you!!!!
Stay on line with Hadit, we need surviver like you!
God bless
Ralph, you just hang in there and I know God is helping you get through each day. Rockman also dealt with so much depression and PTSD and I felt so helpless a lot of the time. I knew when he needed to be by himself and with his own thoughts.
When you said that you were sad for me and proud for me, it made me want to cry, but to cry in a good way not in a bad way. I just want to make sure you know you did not upset me at all!!!
I play to stay here on Hadit, but I am such a small part and there are so many good people on here that makes this entire Hadit Place really work!!
God Bless You also!
Celia
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Celia, This is great day!!!! I'm so happy for you!
God Bless you!
Ralph
Thanks Ralph and I know that God is good and I know he blesses you!
Celia
Rip
in Fallen Comrades
Posted
In 1970, Rockman spent his 21st birthday in Vietnam.
Celia