jkjacq
Ruby
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Post by jkjacq on Apr 16, 2021 7:45:39 GMT -6
lemondrop, They were just talking about that. That we are going to have 12m data soon because of the trials that were started last summer. I mean everyone knows you have to get a tetnaus booster every decade or so, so a booster within ~1year shouldn't freak people out. And again THANK YOU again for sharing your knowledge.
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Post by greykitty on Apr 16, 2021 7:48:52 GMT -6
I hope any future COVID vaccines will be covered like flu shots. Right now, as a contrast, I believe, the Shingrix vaccine (two series shingles shot) is not covered by Medicare Parts A or B; I was looking at one Plan D (meds coverage) and for someone in the deductible stage, Shingrix is approximately $173/dose, as it's a Tier 3 drug. Fun for people on a limited budget, of course. And of course it's the shingles shot most preferred by providers, IIRC. I suspect if there's any future direct out of pocket cost to an insured for a COVID 19 vaccine, it will be kept very low - someone in budgeting is probably thinking about that? There are a few vaccines currently covered under Part B so hopefully they would put it on that list and add no cost sharing. We have a modifier we put on covid Part A and Part B charges now to indicate no cost sharing so the processing of claims like that is possible and could continue in the future. And, yeah, I know what you mean. I have to give a recommendation that our providers start sending their senior patients who need a TDAP outside of injury situations to CVS or what not to get it. Medicare won’t pay us if we give it for maintenance so we are giving it for free (not on purpose) but if the patient got it at CVS they would cover it. That will be a fun conversation. 😬 Yes, I wish Classic Medicare were even more inclusive, or at least easier to understand, for many subscribers - as well as people looking at what Medicare for All might be. To be clear, I personally am not a huge fan of Medicare Advantage, although I know many think it's the best thing ever, and for many the trade-off between provider choice and savings is not a major factor for them. But I cringe when I hear of those getting close to Medicare age not realizing Parts A&B are only a start, that the monthly premium for Part B is tied to income (fair enough IMO, but can be a surprise), and that it's very important to review coverage and monthly costs for Medicare supplements and for the drug supplement (Part D). And that underwriting can enter the picture if you suddenly decide you like someone else's supplemental plans after that first year. And if choosing MA, being really sure you understand its benefits and limitations. I know too many elders who still have to choose between taking meds, even with a decent Plan D, as prescribed and paying other bills. And the donut hole coverage is better, but still a huge challenge to many to survive financially, especially when some of the most effective drugs are still in Tier 3 or 4 territory. And all those little store discount cards or even pharma financial support can not always fill the hole, depending on income, etc. Helpful, but not a panacea. I still suspect COVID annual shots will end up being classed with flu shots. Although, IIRC, when Medicare etc. first announced they'd cover costs, it was also made clear there was a time limit on that. And I think it's only fair for them to add that caveat - this was and is literally new territory for everyone.
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Post by greykitty on Apr 16, 2021 7:55:42 GMT -6
If I can remember that far back, the one thing I'll give the Trump administration is supporting development of a number of vaccines, and not putting all our eggs in one basket, so to speak. Who knew Pfizer and Moderna would be such home run hits so quickly? I don't mind have a bunch of effective vaccines developed, just in case.
And I can't be mad about either administration setting up vaccine reserves, just in case we would run into bumps in the road, as we have.
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Post by crimsonandclover on Apr 16, 2021 8:30:22 GMT -6
Those are the EU prices, but do you think what the US paid was tons higher? Given the messed up healthcare system I suppose it's possible.
I can't believe Astrazeneca is so cheap.
I think that was a big part of their marketing at the beginning - they were selling at cost because it was a humanitarian effort and not an attempt to make profit for the company.
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jaygee
Diamond
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Post by jaygee on Apr 16, 2021 8:53:01 GMT -6
greykitty totally agree. You are a thorough and detailed shopper of health care but most people are not or cannot be because it’s so dam confusing. Medicare is great and id take it over most private health insurance but it’s not without its gaps in coverage or flaws. The one that gets me every time is hearing aids. Why wouldn’t we cover hearing aids for seniors. It’s a health AND safety issue (and of course quality of life).
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willow
Ruby
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Post by willow on Apr 16, 2021 8:57:14 GMT -6
I just donated blood this morning, exactly 2 full weeks after my second dose. I am being a nerd and I'm excited to see the "positive" antibodies test in a few days on my Red Cross app, ha.
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Post by oreobitsy on Apr 16, 2021 9:08:36 GMT -6
I just donated blood this morning, exactly 2 full weeks after my second dose. I am being a nerd and I'm excited to see the "positive" antibodies test in a few days on my Red Cross app, ha. I donate at the end of this month and am excited for the same reason. Every time I donated this year, I obsessively checked the antibody results to see if I had Covid without knowing.
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Minerva
Ruby
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Post by Minerva on Apr 16, 2021 9:42:28 GMT -6
That’s just for an allowable administration fee for giving the shot, not the shot itself.
Those are the EU prices, but do you think what the US paid was tons higher? Given the messed up healthcare system I suppose it's possible.
The mRNA vaccines are a lot easier and cheaper to manufacture than many other types of vaccines. Obviously that doesn’t always mean a lot when it comes to pharmaceutical costs, but the companies should be able to do well even charging substantially less than they do for other vaccines.
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Minerva
Ruby
Posts: 15,381 Likes: 67,036
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Post by Minerva on Apr 16, 2021 9:47:22 GMT -6
The 2nd Pfizer shot hit my H like a bag of bricks last night. 102F fever, chills, body aches, etc...even with Tylenol and Ibuprofen. The poor guy slept (fitfully) for 16 hours straight. He’s doing much better this morning, though he’s still very achy.
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Post by ldubhawksfan on Apr 16, 2021 9:56:44 GMT -6
I just donated blood this morning, exactly 2 full weeks after my second dose. I am being a nerd and I'm excited to see the "positive" antibodies test in a few days on my Red Cross app, ha. I donated Monday (13 days after my first dose, but 3 mo after covid). My results are still pending but it will be interesting to see the timeline of the few pandemic donations of negative, then positive.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2021 10:03:21 GMT -6
jaygee I thought hearing aids aren’t covered under most private insurances either?
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Post by greykitty on Apr 16, 2021 10:12:18 GMT -6
jaygee, I don't feel like I'm a particularly knowledgeable insurance shopper, and it never fails that something pops up to take me by surprise. Yet I have advantages so many don't have when it comes to looking at coverages. I knew about Tier 3 drugs, for example, but until I started using one myself the coverage intricacies didn't hit me. I'm still grateful to my internist for telling me to check my insurance first before he prescribed the med, and to UHC for actually walking me through how coverage would occur, and providing 'best practice' hints. And my doctor is frustrated because he thinks some of these Tier 3 diabetes drugs are true game changers for so many, but out of reach financially for so many of his patients. It's a struggle, but do-able, for me, and I make just a bit too much to qualify for manufacturer assistance. And, yeah, hearing aids. Such a disappointment they're so rarely covered by any insurer. To a point I get that in, let's say, cataract surgery the nifty bi- and tri-focal lenses aren't fully covered while basic lens replacement is, but basic hearing aids? I suppose some year hearing aids will be at least somewhat covered.
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jaygee
Diamond
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Post by jaygee on Apr 16, 2021 10:28:29 GMT -6
jaygee I thought hearing aids aren’t covered under most private insurances either? They are not and it’s so damn frustrating. ETA: and if Medicare started covering them it would change industry wide. I spend a lot of my day saying “well Medicare covers this and you follow Medicare guidelines so...” to insurance companies.
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byjove
Ruby
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Post by byjove on Apr 16, 2021 10:30:37 GMT -6
I just donated blood this morning, exactly 2 full weeks after my second dose. I am being a nerd and I'm excited to see the "positive" antibodies test in a few days on my Red Cross app, ha. Does it tell you your count or just that it's positive?
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willow
Ruby
Posts: 19,642 Likes: 125,347
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Post by willow on Apr 16, 2021 10:31:30 GMT -6
I just donated blood this morning, exactly 2 full weeks after my second dose. I am being a nerd and I'm excited to see the "positive" antibodies test in a few days on my Red Cross app, ha. Does it tell you your count or just that it's positive? I have never gotten a positive result in my previous donations, so I'm not sure. I'm guessing probably just positive or negative given the volume that they are testing every day, but we'll see.
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dc2london
Admin
Press Secretary
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Post by dc2london on Apr 16, 2021 10:36:28 GMT -6
There are a few vaccines currently covered under Part B so hopefully they would put it on that list and add no cost sharing. We have a modifier we put on covid Part A and Part B charges now to indicate no cost sharing so the processing of claims like that is possible and could continue in the future. And, yeah, I know what you mean. I have to give a recommendation that our providers start sending their senior patients who need a TDAP outside of injury situations to CVS or what not to get it. Medicare won’t pay us if we give it for maintenance so we are giving it for free (not on purpose) but if the patient got it at CVS they would cover it. That will be a fun conversation. 😬 Yes, I wish Classic Medicare were even more inclusive, or at least easier to understand, for many subscribers - as well as people looking at what Medicare for All might be. To be clear, I personally am not a huge fan of Medicare Advantage, although I know many think it's the best thing ever, and for many the trade-off between provider choice and savings is not a major factor for them. But I cringe when I hear of those getting close to Medicare age not realizing Parts A&B are only a start, that the monthly premium for Part B is tied to income (fair enough IMO, but can be a surprise), and that it's very important to review coverage and monthly costs for Medicare supplements and for the drug supplement (Part D). And that underwriting can enter the picture if you suddenly decide you like someone else's supplemental plans after that first year. And if choosing MA, being really sure you understand its benefits and limitations. I know too many elders who still have to choose between taking meds, even with a decent Plan D, as prescribed and paying other bills. And the donut hole coverage is better, but still a huge challenge to many to survive financially, especially when some of the most effective drugs are still in Tier 3 or 4 territory. And all those little store discount cards or even pharma financial support can not always fill the hole, depending on income, etc. Helpful, but not a panacea. I still suspect COVID annual shots will end up being classed with flu shots. Although, IIRC, when Medicare etc. first announced they'd cover costs, it was also made clear there was a time limit on that. And I think it's only fair for them to add that caveat - this was and is literally new territory for everyone. I believe the shots being free is specifically during the health emergency. Once that's lifted the costs fall to the providers.
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Post by geekygirly on Apr 16, 2021 14:25:07 GMT -6
So now that all the kids are back in school together, it seems they are all planning after-school playdates with each other. I can already see this is going to make life super awkward, because other than the kids who are still all-remote, it seems like none of the other parents take COVID as seriously as we do (see my previous references to mask-less birthday parties). DD came home and told me she had planned playdates with two different kids in her class, and their parents already said it was okay. 😬
One of them I'm semi-okay with. She was at DD's birthday (which required mask-wearing), and I arranged with the mom for an outdoor playdate at our house for tomorrow.
The other family seems to have an open-door policy about playdates and it seems like kids are going over to her house all the time since she lives right next to the school. They want to have the playdate at their house, which means I won't be able to monitor precautions (or lack thereof - this is the family who had the indoor movie theater birthday with popcorn and cupcakes -that DD was already one of the only kids who didn't go 😕) She has been to this kid's house before, so if it wasn't COVID it would be yes.
It is like do I make my kid a social pariah by turning down playdates? Or do I risk her getting sick? *sigh* It seriously feels around here that now that adults can get vaccinated, no one cares about kids getting sick 😕. Sometimes the cognitive dissonance is so much I start to wonder if I'm the crazy one.
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Post by doublestuf on Apr 16, 2021 14:52:00 GMT -6
geekygirly my DD is only 5, and while she is in school, playdates have not come up yet. But the street we live on is FULL of kids her age. Our street was new construction, so families have been moving in over the course of the year. And they play together outside all the time and have done so all year. Not a single mask in sight ever, and I'm talking anywhere from 2 - 8 households at any given time. I don't think they go in each other's houses, but that really doesn't matter to me based on what I see. At first we would let her play with 2 sisters across the street, but it made me so nervous, and I was constantly saying "keep your distance." I finally decided I was done with that, especially once they started playing with multiple households. DD has handled it well, but there have definitely been times it bothered her. I finally let her play with a couple of them a few weeks ago but made her wear her mask with a filter in it. Of course, one of the kids asked her why she was wearing it, but she had no problem telling them why. Our positivity rate in our county is 10% right now, so she won't be doing that again until it comes way down. I think that is my plan for now on how to handle it. We absolutely feel guilty that she appears to be the only kid on the street besides her 2 year old brother not playing. I worry that all of those kids will have formed strong friendships, and she will be the outsider when she can play again. But in our house we have sacrificed a lot to avoid COVID. No one's high-risk, but the long term unknowns freak me out. I would feel worse if one of the kids got it (because of socializing with neighbors), and it impacted them for years down the road. DD also won't go to school with these kids as I teach, and she goes to my school, so maybe that's another factor that makes it easier. I know her being younger also helps me trust our decision as she's not being kept from socializing with kids she's been friends with for years. I just don't trust people and their "bubbles." For most, they simply don't/can't exist no matter what they tell themselves (and you). I'm sorry you're struggling with this too. It's definitely a lonely island.
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jaygee
Diamond
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Post by jaygee on Apr 16, 2021 19:08:10 GMT -6
Today was the first day of the whole pandemic that we did not have a single covid patient in the ICU in our whole system. We still have covid patients but no one in the intensive care unit. This feels significant and I hope we continue to see improvements.
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jkjacq
Ruby
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Post by jkjacq on Apr 16, 2021 19:29:25 GMT -6
Second shot in the arm!
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Post by oreobitsy on Apr 16, 2021 19:41:56 GMT -6
geekygirly Could you ease into it with an “outside only” rule and masks? I think it’s totally ok to be allowing some play dates with people you trust and avoiding others. Or just to avoid them altogether. I think everyone has different risk thresholds and external factors that affect the risk. My kids have been playing outside with some neighborhood kids, more in the last couple months. It’s not a free-for-all but it’s also not as restrictive as when we first started Covid. If it’s something that will add stress and anxiety to your life, hold firm and avoid it. For my family, we decided something like sledding or riding bikes felt ok. The kids they are playing with are the same kids they already are encountering in their classes.
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Post by geekygirly on Apr 17, 2021 7:33:15 GMT -6
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Post by ldubhawksfan on Apr 17, 2021 7:40:51 GMT -6
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iruntodrink
Sapphire
Mostly namaste. A little bit fuck you.
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Post by iruntodrink on Apr 17, 2021 8:43:58 GMT -6
I got Pfizer #1 yesterday @noon and all I have is an arm that feels bruised - I think I'm in the clear!
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jaygee
Diamond
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Post by jaygee on Apr 17, 2021 9:48:05 GMT -6
So what are we going to do when we have supply in areas that is going completely unused? This is starting to happen and it’s going to be very evident in a month or so. Do we move it around to places that want it? Do we send it to other countries? This is going to be a moral and logistical mess.
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Post by greykitty on Apr 17, 2021 10:04:15 GMT -6
And what do we do if AZ never gets to even the EUA stage? How does that look to donate our stores to other countries? Or if J&J turns out to be a 'let's not use by preference' type of vaccine? Even if they're still really good vaccines?
And then if donating - to really economically struggling areas first or no? How much, and how, to engage in vaccine diplomacy?
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richard
Emerald
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Post by richard on Apr 17, 2021 10:05:47 GMT -6
So what are we going to do when we have supply in areas that is going completely unused? This is starting to happen and it’s going to be very evident in a month or so. Do we move it around to places that want it? Do we send it to other countries? This is going to be a moral and logistical mess. I think we need to be careful that vaccine hesitancy does not overshadow access issues inside the US. I want to see super pro-active outreach for equity. That said, I also don’t want people internationally waiting on a vaccine that is warehoused somewhere in the US because ding-dongs refuse it.
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jaygee
Diamond
Posts: 28,342 Likes: 220,264
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Post by jaygee on Apr 17, 2021 10:11:19 GMT -6
So what are we going to do when we have supply in areas that is going completely unused? This is starting to happen and it’s going to be very evident in a month or so. Do we move it around to places that want it? Do we send it to other countries? This is going to be a moral and logistical mess. I think we need to be careful that vaccine hesitancy does not overshadow access issues inside the US. I want to see super pro-active outreach for equity. That said, I also don’t want people internationally waiting on a vaccine that is warehoused somewhere in the US because ding-dongs refuse it. Yes. All of this. I just hope the admin is preparing for this because the messaging and the actions are going to be super important and I don’t think leaving it up to states/local control is a good idea. Some don’t care if the Black and brown people in their area have the opportunity to be vaccinated. I just wonder how long you wait for people to decide. Some of these polls are alarming. The white male republicans are not going to be swayed by anything the Biden admin says or does.
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AmyG
Ruby
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Post by AmyG on Apr 17, 2021 10:18:03 GMT -6
Some will change their minds once they know friends and family who fot vaccinated and are ok.
So theyll be late on getting it. But how ro estimate how many will come around late and how many will never come around?
And if all of our excess vaccines are moderna and Pfizer we cant just awnd those to countries without also helping them be able to store it at the vaccination points. Which means we will look like we are selling it to the rich white countries with facilities unless we commit $ to help share it more equitably. Which many req congress to approve funds and we arent there yet
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richard
Emerald
Posts: 13,699 Likes: 128,724
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Post by richard on Apr 17, 2021 10:31:46 GMT -6
Some will change their minds once they know friends and family who fot vaccinated and are ok. So theyll be late on getting it. But how ro estimate how many will come around late and how many will never come around? And if all of our excess vaccines are moderna and Pfizer we cant just awnd those to countries without also helping them be able to store it at the vaccination points. Which means we will look like we are selling it to the rich white countries with facilities unless we commit $ to help share it more equitably. Which many req congress to approve funds and we arent there yet I agree that some people will continue to come around. I think I’d have to have a better handle on the numbers (doses now/projected and outstanding people) to have a strong feeling about a specific plan of action.
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