Have you ever had a situation where there was just nothing you could do about something, and you just had to roll with it? These situations where you occasionally find yourselves are what make you....you!
Sometimes, these incidents are humorous; at other times, it's a serious situation that creates stress to roll with it. I find myself in both types several times a year. You probably do too!
When the Stakes Are High
Recently a manufacturer stopped providing a medication that my wife needs, and we had to start a search for a solution that took us almost a week between talking to her doctor and our pharmacist. There was simply nothing we could do but find an alternative. Thank goodness we did, but there was a certain amount of panic for a few short days. We rolled, but it was challenging and stressful, to say the least.
The Lighter Side of Rolling
Alternatively, I was looking for the shortest checkout line at the grocery store. I thought I had scored when I spotted a nice-looking little older lady with just a few things in her cart. Thinking she would be through quickly, I pulled in behind her and placed my items on the conveyer belt. Then it happened... it seemed she had forgotten her wallet and was digging in her rather large purse to see if she could scrape together enough cash to pay for her order. The minutes were ticking by. I waited patiently, thinking I'll still get through quickly, but then... she found her checkbook! "Oh! I'll write a check!" she proclaimed, relieved that she could fix her problem. But alas, now she was digging for a pen.
Meanwhile, I was concerned that my cold items, like milk, ice cream, and other things, were starting to melt on that warm conveyor belt. She completed the check and handed it to the cashier, but the check wouldn't scan, and the manager was called. By now, I was slightly exasperated and realized that she only owed about $10 for her items. So, I interrupted the group and politely handed the cashier the cash. "Oh, what a nice young man!" she exclaimed as she finally took her groceries and moved on. I guess we all sort of rolled in that experience.
So, what was your recent "Roll with the Punches" moment? Whatever it was, it makes you...you!
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's experience with the medication shortage is something I hear about a lot from folks these days. If you're dealing with prescription coverage questions, Medicare Part D plans change their formularies every year, and sometimes manufacturers do discontinue medications. Here's the good news: you can request a formulary exception from your Medicare plan if your doctor says you need a specific medication that's not covered, and most insurance plans have a process to help you find therapeutic alternatives.
One thing that makes rolling with these punches easier is having a backup plan ready. Keep a list of your medications, your doctors' contact information, and your insurance details all in one place. Most people are surprised when they learn this, but you can also ask your pharmacist about generic alternatives or patient assistance programs directly from drug manufacturers. A little preparation today can make those unexpected moments much less stressful tomorrow.