Showing posts with label Seniors. Show all posts

Senior Citizen Discounts Best Lists of Retail Stores, Restaurants, Travel, Online, Services, More

Latest update: November 24, 2024

Although businesses don't advertise it, if you're a senior and you ask for a discount, there may very well be one.

Welcome! This article provides a list and directory of deals and discounts for seniors age 50, 55, 60, 65 and over. Usually, no sort of membership nonsense is required. However, none of these national chains or other places are likely to have any prominent signs advertising any senior discounts or deals. The company websites also usually do not tell you what the policy is. You will have to ask.

The best way to obtain the discount is to just say, “Hi, I understand you have a senior discount?” Note the inflection: a question, instead of a statement or demand. An inquisitive inflection is much more likely to elicit cooperation from the young person behind the counter.

My Experience With Discounts

I walked into Taco Bell and asked what the deal-of-the-century was for this week. They said there was none.

I knew that; they grinned; I grinned. I ordered five tacos. I informed them, "I'm a senior, so I'll take the usual 100% discount."

They said, "That would be nice...." More grinning; they were fine; I was fine; just having fun. I wandered out the door with my tacos. Yep, the discount was there. Of course it wasn't the 100%, but the senior discount had indeed been applied.

Ten Percent Is Worth It

Many seniors may think a 10% discount is not worth the bother, but this is usually just a matter of perception. If instead of the deal being stated as a 10% discount, it had been stated as “Pay No Sales Tax for Life!”, everyone of all ages would be all over it. Yet the 10% discount would almost always be the better deal, leastwise in the US. Europe and Canada are whole different stories. They have what's called a value-added-tax (VAT); that tax is usually way over 10%. Are senior discounts applied to VATs in such cases? I have no idea. No matter; again, wherever you are, always remember to ask concerning senior discounts.

Know of a Senior Discount or Deal?

If you know of a senior deal or discount not listed here, we would like to know about it. Post it in the Comments Section below or drop us a note. We will include it in the next page update.

Sales and marketing is a fluid force; deals and discounts come and go. There is also the situation where many businesses are franchises; in many cases, the franchise owner is the decision maker as to whether a senior discount will be available at a particular location. If you discover a senior discount listed here is no more, please let us know. The good news, what with the continuing population shift, even more companies will probably begin initiating discounts for seniors.

A sad update. Rumor has it that many senior discounts have disappeared since Covid and now the rampant inflation. The only way to find out which ones still exist is to ask. Then again, what with the new Value Deals competition heating up, maybe some of the senior discounts will come back. Who knows?

Restaurants: Senior Discounts and Dining Deals

Applebee's gives a 10% discount (reduced from 15%) to seniors age 60 and over who have the Applebee's Golden Apple Card.
Arby's gives 10% off for ages 55+.
Back Yard Burgers has a 10% senior discount for your order at participating locations, reasonably certain the age is 55 and over..
Burger King has a 10% discount for ages 60+, and additional discounts on coffee and soft drinks. As of Oct. 2015, though, Burger King may be like Denny's, i.e., some stores give discounts and some don't.
Chili's is 10% off for ages 55+.
Denny's gives 10% off for age 55+. They will make it 20% off if you are an AARP member. As of 2014, each franchise owner was making his/her own decisions regarding this, so your results may vary. A menu just for seniors is also offered.
Dunkin' Donuts does 10% off for ages 55+. Or a free donut (doughnut) when buying coffee.
Farmer Boys has a 10% discount, age demarcation unknown and franchisee optional.
Golden Corral senior discounts are reported as random and varied.
IHOP is 10% off for ages 55+. There maybe even be a second, optional menu for seniors.
Jack in the Box has a 20% beverage discount for seniors age 55 and over. Though again, as of August 2013, the Jack-in-the-box discount may not be a sure thing.
KFC will give you a free small drink with a meal if you are 55+, although again, it’s reported some KFC's will and some won’t.
Long John Silver's has various discounts for 55+. Depends on location, so your results may vary.
McDonald's has discounts on coffee and soft drinks for the 55+ crowd.
Old Country Buffet is said to have discounts for seniors, 55+.
Outback Steakhouse has a 15% senior discount, age demarcation unknown.
Panda Express is reported to have a senior discount. Unfortunately, there is conflicting information. This is probably a franchisee optional situation.
Perkins Restaurants may have a special menu for deals for seniors, 55+.
Roy Rogers Restaurants gives a 10% discount for seniors, age demarcation unknown.
Sonic gives a choice of free beverage or 10% off for folks 60 and older.
Subway is 10% off for ages 60+; though at least occasionally, a store owner will deny the discount, either because they are uninformed or because of individual franchise policy.
Taco Bell is 10% off, apparently up from the former 5%; plus free beverages. Age requirement is 65 and over. Discount may be franchisee specific.
Wendy's is 10% off for ages 55+, though at least one Wendy’s in Topeka, Kansas gave a free drink in place of the 10% discount. Not known if this is the new policy or a franchisee-specific incident.

Senior Discount Transportation and Motel Deals

Alamo Car Rental has discounts and deals ranging up to 25% for AARP members.
Alaska Airlines has 10% off for seniors, ages 65+. It is now reported to be 50% off. Other fees, however, are unknown. Airlines like to wiggle out of things; call first to ask about the discount and fees before making plans or booking.
American Airlines has discounts and deals for seniors 62 and up. Various discounts can reach up to 50% for non-peak periods (Tuesdays through Thursdays). Other fees, however, are unknown. Airlines like to wiggle out of things; call before booking.
Amtrak have a 10% to 15% discount for seniors. But they have a whole bunch of restrictions to go along with it.
Avis car rental company has discounts and deals ranging up to 25% for AARP members.
Best Western motels have a 10% discount for seniors age 55 and over. Unfortunately, it is not a discount one can count on. The Best Western website says, "Not available at all Best Western® Hotels and Resorts and is subject to availability at the time of the request."
Choice Hotels owns Sleep Inn, Comfort Inn, and a bunch of others. The Choice Hotels website claims an "up to" 10% discount for seniors. However, one must make a reservation in advance through their Choice Hotels website or via their Choice Hotels phone number and specifically mention the senior discount for folks who are 60 or older. Also, beware of their use of the phrase: "up to.".
Southwest Airlines is reported to have various discounts for ages 65 and up. But the usual warnings apply: call first, find out about other fees, etc.
United Airlines does provide discounts for seniors 65 and over. The amounts, locations, and other restrictions are all over the map (pun intended). A reminder to meticulously read their online menus and/or ask their customer representatives pointed questions.
U-Haul doesn't appear to have senior discounts. However, their website has a bunch of hoops you can jump through to get dozens of other discounts.

Note: Look for special senior menu options on their websites. Unlike other industries, travel and hospitality companies are actually prone to advertise their senior discounts.

Retail Store Discounts and Deals

Glasses

Glasses are expensive and serious business. When selecting a store, it wouldn't hurt to do a "StoreNameHere review scam" search to see what complaints there are about them. And it could be unwise to have the exam done at one place and the glasses made at another; if there is a problem, each will point to the other as being the cause.

LensCrafters is reported to have a 30% discount for AARP members. Frankly, I'd find out the prices for everything first before mentioning the discount. Then spring the AARP card on them before taking the exam and see what happens. It wouldn't hurt to check frames and lenses prices at Walmart and Sears first for comparison.

I had an unprofessional experience at Pearle Vision a couple decades ago; I was verbally assaulted the second I walked in the door and asked about their prices. I immediately realized the franchisee or store manager was extremely defensive about something. I cleared out after about 30 seconds and never did find out what his problem was (in retrospect, maybe it was because they had the highest prices in town, not sure).

Interestingly, both Pearle Vision and LensCrafters Franchises are owned by an Italian eyewear conglomerate called Luxottica Group S.p.A.

Clothes

Goodwill gives 10% off one day a week (your day may vary). A 2015 report states for at least one store the age is 55 and the day is Wednesday.
Kohl's does 15% off on Wednesdays for folks 60 and over.
Ross Dress For Less, also known as Ross Stores, has an Every Tuesday Club for customers age 55 and older. Just sign up at the customer service desk to receive a discount card. Folks with the discount card receive a 10% discount for in-person purchases made on Tuesdays.
The Salvation Army thrift stores give up to 50% off for folks 55 and over.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores appear somewhat resistant, but it is worthwhile to ask. Your results will definitely vary.

Albertsons is said to be 10% off, but you will have to work for it. If the first employee you ask doesn't know the answer, ask the store manager as to days and dates, and whether the discount applies when 55, 60, etc.
Farm Fresh has a 5% discount on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These are probably their slowest shopping days, thus the discounts. Ages 55 and over.
Fry's Food is reported as requiring a VIP card to qualify for any discounts, card valid only the first Wednesday of the month.
Grocery Outlet (western states plus Pennsylvania) gives a 10% discount to people 55+ on Tuesdays and/or Thursday mornings, at least some stores.
Hy-Vee (Midwestern states) offers a 5% discount on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Definitely varies by location and the age demarcation may be 65.
New Seasons Market, located in parts Washington, Oregon, California. Wednesdays have a 10% discount, no doubt the slow shopping days thing.
Piggly Wiggly. Each store is independent. It is rumored some locations may have senior discounts. Availability, types, age requirements, percentages, other parameters are unknown and probably constantly vary.

Haircuts

Great Clips has $3 off for haircuts. Ages 60 and up.
Super Cuts has $2 off for haircuts. Ages 60 and over.

Pharmacies

CVS doesn't have any senior discounts per se. But you do want to get their Extracare Card. If you run the card through the red machine at the front of the store, a great deal sometimes shows up now and then. And do give them your email address; they will rain all sorts of worthwhile discounts on you; sometimes the emails become excessive, but you can always unsubscribe.
Costco pharmacies are exempt from store membership requirements in most states.
Rite-Aid has 10% off on Tuesdays. And there is 10% off on prescriptions. Age requirements unknown.
Walgreens generally charges the highest prices in town for everything, especially in the pharmacy department.
Walmart pharmacies are always worth checking out.
Most all pharmacies will deliver.

Phones

If you don't happen to know what Lifeline is, you definitely want to check that out no matter who your phone company is. If you qualify, you will save between $200 to $300 a year on your phone bill. You qualify based on income, not age.

AT&T has a $30/month cell phone plan for seniors ages 65+, currently called the Senior Nation Plan.
Jitterbug has a $15-a-month cell phone plan for users 50+. However, I'm not sure about these guys. Their phones seem expensive and there are complaints as to their quality.
T-Mobile has recently added senior discounts, details vary as to types and amount of service.
Verizon Wireless has a $30/month plan for seniors ages 65 and over. However, if you have a Lifeline landline (Verizon or Frontier), and want to use it to get on the Internet, it could be well worth your while to drop by the Verizon or Frontier website and see what DSL deals they are offering; no age restrictions, and DSL is plenty good enough for most situations, including streaming videos (depending how close the substation is to your residence).
Burner Phones. Inexpensive and free cell phones and cell phone plans are one complicated mess to research; especially when federal and state subsidies are mixed in. If your situation doesn't qualify or is not feasible for the federal/state free cell phone and plan program(s) and you only want the cell phone for occasional use; perhaps simply going to Walmart or wherever and getting a prepaid, pay-as-you-go burner phone is the answer. Needless to say, read and understand everything on the packaging first. Actually, why not just shop for the critter online? First find what looks like the best deal on whatever retail store website, then go to that brand's website and see what they have to say. Once you've found what you want, buy from whichever site is best.

Movie Theaters

AMC Theaters gives up to 30% off for ages 60 or older. AMC specifically says, "If you're at least 60 years old, you've probably seen a lot of great movies in your lifetime. And if you haven't, get started now with discounted tickets on Senior Day." I underlined that phrase because it makes me wonder if they only show old movies on that day.
Landmark Theaters have discounts for folks 62 and older. I do believe this is the first senior discount I've seen anywhere that wasn't rounded to a 5 or 10 age increment . The amount of the discount is unknown.
Marcus Theaters have $5 admissions for Friday matinees, seniors age 60 and older.
Regal Theaters/Cinemas 30% discount for seniors ages 60 and over may be a thing of the past and was only available for some performances; ask. There may be some senior discounts when buying certain snacks and drinks.
Showcase Cinemas. Turns out that Showcase Cinemas (also known as UCI Cinemas) is an international company theater chain. $7 Admissions to seniors beginning at age 60.

Local Area Discounts

Many local area senior discounts are mentioned in the Comments Section. Try a browser search (Ctrl-F) for your state, town, or establishment; you might get lucky. And if you happen to know of a local area senior citizen discount, by all means comment about it. You never know who you might be giving a helping hand.

More Financial Tips for Seniors

Some of the savings here could actually run into the hundreds of dollars. And not just for seniors.

Utility Company Discounts

It is imperative to drop by your utility companies' websites, particularly your gas, electric, and phone companies. They almost certainly have various discounts available, some examples:

low income assistance discounts
energy savings discounts
energy efficiency discounts
seasonal discounts
time-of-day discounts
medical discounts

There could be other discounts. Once you are signed up, you get significant savings month after month without any additional work on your part.

If the discount info is not readily available via the website menus, use their search box and enter the bulleted phrases above. If that doesn't work, then do the searches directly from your favorite search engine, for example type in: "low income assistance" YourUtilityCompanyName.

About Cable TV Companies and Their So-Called Senior Discounts

Most cable companies claim to have senior discounts, but won't specify the details. You have to call and ask; probably not much or an outright scam. Frankly, I ditched cable years ago and get everything for free or next to free on the internet. There's even the technology to have it display on your TV screen.

And a Browser Tip

Desktop typing "Ctrl" and "+" together will increase the text size in your browser's window on your screen. You can do Ctrl+ more than once to keep making the text larger. Doing Ctrl- will shrink it back down. Doing Ctrl0 (zero) will reset everything back to "normal." For mobile, there is scaling.

A Karma Note

Please share this page so as to help others. The more people who are knowledgeable, the better off we all are.

And a sincere thank you to all who have previously contributed to this article in the past.

Suggestions from Comments Section

[An Update. Due to a website hosting platform change, the 84 comments that previously accompanied this article on the other site were lost. However, I am retrieving them from archive and incorporating most of them directly into the new version. Many are quite useful. Edited for punctuation and grammar. Do be advised that the comments are not vetted. As always, the secret is to ask.]

The Newer Comments

We have indeed received one.

The Older Comments

Multiple commenters state that Big Lots does not give discounts.
Commenter, Andrea, said Back Yard Burgers' senior discount is 10% your purchase at participating locations.
Commenter, Susan, said Outback gives 15% and Roy Rogers 10%, but you have to ask.
Commenter, Cheryl, said: Bealls of Florida offers a 55+ senior discount on Monday of every week both in store and online.
Commenter. Carolyn said: Kroger does not give 10% any longer.
Commenter, Mary, said: I Had No Idea There Were So Many Places That Gave Seniors Discounts!?? Thank You So Much For Giving Me The Tools To Make My Life and The Lives Of Others So Much Better. Thank You - Mary Sutton
Commenter, Cathy Decker, said: Love the companies whom realize our retirement income needs to be respected, AWESOME.
Commenter, rickwhaley, said: Good info, thanks! Village Inn does senior discounts, but you have to ask now. At least in Nebraska.
Commenter, Glenn Stok, said: This is awesome! I'm eligible for many of these discounts already and I didn't even know it! Thanks for writing about it.
Commenter, Christina said: Walgreens does offer 20% off on first Tuesday of each month unless it’s a holiday, then it’s the second Tuesday.
Commenter, Sarah, said: You know, I finally got used to the idea that I'll be 50 in a couple of weeks and WOW would be eligible for senior discounts. Then, just to find out, the age has raised for most of the discounts that my Mom was eligible for at 50! grrrrrrrrrr.
Commenter, Theresa Ast, said: Great Hub with great information for people. Thanks! I have found that Good Will Stores (used books, clothing, housewares, furniture, toys) gives a good senior discount (over 55). Check with your local store, because each store chooses a particular day of the week - Mon, Tues, Wed., etc.
Commenter, HolyTerror57, said: Awesome, awesome, awesome. I just found the Jitterbug cell phone plan! And I just signed up for their e-mail subscription. Thank You So Much!
Commenter, Julie Baldwin, said: It's amazing being 55+ and the discounts that comes your way.
Commenter, Debbie McCoy, said: If a chain offers a senior discount, but the franchise is not; call or write the chain to see if the franchises must offer the senior discount as part of their franchise contract. Many have to follow franchise guidelines set by the chain and could lose their franchise if not. It's worth it.
Commenter, Brenda Areledge, said: Your article is very informative, I use discounts daily. I have a Golden Buckeye Card which is for Ohio residents; this card gives many discounts. I get 5% off at Ace Hardware. Then the usual 10% at restaurants. DQ dairy queen, Pizza Hut, Ranchers Roast Beef, plus most of the ones you already listed. I always ask, sometimes embarrassing the people I am with. I can afford to skip the discount, but to me, if the discount is there, then one should take it. Nice write.
Commenter, Natalie Frank, said: Great article! I'm not there quite yet but will be soon enough and have bookmarked this page for future reference.
Commenter, Angie, said: Lakes Entrance Airbnb, Australia. Gives Seniors Discounts and free dog stay for 3-day stay or longer.. Price on booking, but don't forget to ask. Water views, private gardens, wheelchair accessible, parking outside your accommodation. Sleeps up to 7 adults. Onsite massage. Call 0413669071; Victoria, Australia. Place to stay.
Commenter, Christine, said: I was asked at Taco Bell yesterday if I am over 55 because that is when their senior discount kicks in (I am 60).
Commenter, Cindy, said: TJ Maxx in Florida only, 10% off on Mondays for 55+.
Commenter, Liz Pacheco, said: Coppi's Organic Restaurant offers 25% off all night every Monday for seniors 60 and up. They're located at 3321 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008.
Commenter, Stacie L, said: Good info. Kroger used to give senior discounts on Thursday every week, but cut down to the first week in the month where I lived in Kentucky. My local grocer gives senior discounts on Wednesdays. As you stated, a customer must ask. I found out my AAA membership gives many discounts as well. The companies never ask if you are a member.
More comments from the previous site are still being retrieved.

*** Money saved is worth more than money earned. Money saved is tax free. ***

- End of Article -

Re: Using Mobile?
Home: site intro and featured articles/resources.
View Web Version: displays Main Menu article categories (will be located below), additional site info (below and side), search function, translation function.

I first published this article at another website on 10/07/2011. However to keep the information current, relocating to websitewithnoname.com was best. This copyrighted article has served people well for years. The updates continue.

Description of Retina Needle-in-Eye Procedure - A Patient's Experience and Perspective

Latest update: November 28, 2024. Page URL indicates original publication date; meanwhile, times change, and the updates continue.

Here is the actual process of what happens during the AMD retina needle injection treatment from a patient's point of view. Includes before, during, and after.

This page is written by a patient for the purpose of alleviating other patient's fears and concerns associated with that first needle injection in the eye, retina treatment.

Description includes what happens before, during, and after the procedure; as well as what to expect the next day or two afterward. This is a patient's description and does not give medical advice, though things the doctors office said are reported and a couple of government website resources are included.

This was a whole new experience for me and as a side note, I had no idea what to expect; so I decided to get the grocery store trip and all other chores done beforehand. Turned out to be the wise thing to do. One is not going to really feel like doing much of anything for the next few days after treatment.

Wet Macular Degeneration and the Needle in the Eye Injection Treatment; Overall Procedure Description and Side Effects

A Quick Introduction

As a patient, I just had this done to me. Here is a description of the actual treatment, procedures involved, and the experiences before, during, and after. These are my own, personal experiences, your results may vary. It should also be mentioned there are needle-in-the-eye, retina injection treatments for diseases other than AMD and different stages of AMD and also there are different medicines that are used; so what the retina specialist informs/instructs you may be different than what the retina specialist informed/instructed me.

The Actual Eye Needle Injection

Since the purpose of this page is to eliminate as soon as possible the dread concerning what you are wondering will happen and the expected pain involved, I am starting with the description of the actual needle retina injection first. It is good news. The before and after descriptions follow.

Sedatives may have been offered to you earlier.
You will sit down in a somewhat reclining chair.
A very small needle may be injected in probably a hand vein, purpose being to inject a dye to assist the doctor when viewing your eye(s) yet again. It was barely a pinprick, over within just a few seconds.
The doctor will inform you he will not be putting the needle in your eye until he tells you he is ready to do so. In other words, you won't have to sit/lie there wondering when it is going to happen.
Yet more eye drops will be put in your eye(s) and the doctor will be looking into your eyes with bright lights yet again.
There will be a burning feeling in your eyes. The burning will get worse; but then subsides.
Your eyes will be watering all over the place, don't worry about it.
The doctor and assistant will be wearing surgical masks. No one is supposed to do any unnecessary talking, including you
The doctor will place a small device on your eye, purpose being so you don't blink during or immediately after the injection.
The doctor will inform you he is ready to make the injection and will instruct you to look in a certain direction and to concentrate on looking in that direction.
By now, the eye drops have made your eye totally numb.
The injection will be in the side of the eye, not the front.
You won't see the needle.
You won't feel the needle.
The needle will be in and out before you even know what happened.
The very small hole the needle created seals itself almost immediately.

So basically, there's discomfort during the process, but you don't have to be concerned as to the pain aspect. The bark of the concept is worse than the bite of the actual event. Speaking of discomfort, there will be some of that before and after the injection as well. What follows is about the before and after experiences. As with the needle injection, knowing what to expect will pretty much remove the stress factor.

The Doctor Visit Before the Eye Needle Injection Visit

The usual chart exam, the usual other tests, the doctor doing the usual dilating and looking into your eyes with the bright lights, the usual picture taking, and whatever other tests might be called for. I only mention this because one might have the false impression that everything has been taken care of and only the eye injection remains when you go to your next appointment; such is not the case. They are only getting started.

The Eye Injection Visit Procedures Before the Actual Needle Injection Is Done

Sedatives may be available. You will be subjected to more eye drops, more tests, more bright lights, more eye pictures (dozens?), more technicians/doctors shining more bright lights in your eyes than you can imagine. You will also be bombarded with all sorts of important information during this entire process. By the time it is time for the actual needle injection, you will be a pretty much confused, disoriented, temporarily light-and-eye-drop-blinded mess. You will be guided into the eye injection room.

[The actual injection procedure is described earlier,

right after the quick intro in case you missed it.]

After the Eye Needle Injection Procedure and Side Effects

I somehow ended up back at the front desk. I was handed a piece of paper and told it was my next appointment; Since I temporarily couldn't read the side of a barn, I told her I would take her word for it. [An update. During my second retina injection visit, I'm at the exit counter being handed my third needle injection appointment. I suddenly said, "Where's my glasses?" Turns out I was wearing them.]

This would be a good time to mention that sometime during all of the above and immediately afterwards, I was informed that:

Keep eyes closed as much as possible for the day.
Do not watch TV or use computer for the day. And forget about reading.
Do not rub, touch, bump eye.
Do not let water get near eye for three days at least.
Put the prescribed anti-bacterial drops in eye(s) four times a day for four days. Real pain in the neck for me, I missed the eye more often that hit. Fortunately, the prescription apparently takes that into account; sufficient quantity was provided to get the job done.
Do not engage in manual labor or other strenuous activities for four days. Was informed this has more to do with doing anything that raises blood pressure than anything else. So I guess doing anything stress-related would also not be a good idea.
Was warned about possible pain afterwards, but so far none. If there is pain, was told to take OTC painkillers; but if really severe pain or severe vision loss, then to immediately call them.
Was forewarned to expect the floaters.

It should also be mentioned, do not even think of trying to drive home. For that matter, taking a few days off work and also skipping driving at all during that time is highly recommended, just my opinion.

Side Effects - My Black Spots Floaters Experience

While waiting for my ride home, I noticed I had six, black floating floaters. They must of been heavy. Whatever direction I moved my eyes or head, gravity dragged them downward. Two were large; two were medium, two were small.
Since I was supposed to keep my eye closed and no TV/computer/exercise or such; when I got home, I just went to bed and was actually able to fall asleep. When I woke up, the two smallest floaters were gone. [Update. For my subsequent visits, I deliberately got up extremely early; then when I got home, I went to bed and was able to sleep through to the next day.]
By the end of the day, the two large floaters and two small floaters had changed to one large and three small.
By the next morning, I was seeing just one small-to-medium floater. That little critter hopped all over the place as I was working on the computer. A few hours later, that floater also departed the scene.
[Update. On the second visit: this time there was only one medium-to-large, black-spot floater afterwards. It eventually disappeared in about 25-30 hours.]
[Update. After the third visit: this time the floaters alternated between being green and blue. Doc's office said no big deal, that it was ok.]

I decided to call the office and ask them a few questions. Here are the answers.

The floaters are the actual medicine dissolving.
Do not consume anything for the next few days that thins the blood, this includes alcohol and NSAIDs. However, high blood pressure medication is apparently fine. For that matter, I don't even know if blood pressure medication thins the blood or not; better safe than sorry. Might depend on which medication is used, there are several; be sure the doctor knows.
Vision can remain blurry or be double vision for a day or maybe two. The eye drops also cause blurriness for a few minutes.
The TV and computer ban only applied for the remainder of the treatment day.

Couple of Extra Reminder Side Effects Notes

The day after treatment, there was still blurriness and double vision issues in the morning. By around noon, all had cleared up.
By the next day, I was feeling downright cheerful again; but still no desire to do much.

Some Macular Degeneration Federal National Institute of Health Resources

The greatest fear is that of the unknown. Now you know what to expect. Not the most fun experience one will ever have, but certainly not the worst.

- End of Article -

Fighting Fraudulent and Inflated Medical Bills - Federal and State Websites Help Patients Fight Dishonest Charges

Latest update: December 1, 2024. Page URL indicates original publication date; meanwhile, times change, and the updates continue.

These websites will actually help you when a medical entity victimizes you with inflated or outright fraudulent medical bills and/or denied insurance claims.

This includes hospitals, general doctors, specialists, X-ray places, CT scan or PET scan centers, blood test places, and pretty much any other medical facility or entity that engages in illegal or unethical conduct. Emphasis is on illegal, unethical contracts and on illegal, unethical billing practices. Also includes resources regarding insurance company misconduct or for when a Medicare, Medicaid, or Medi-Cal case worker makes a mistake or acts in bad faith. Sooner or later, you will need the information on this page.

Medical Federal and California (and other) State Government Websites That Will Help You When an Insurance Company or Service Provider Victimizes You – Also Some Worthwhile Additional Information

Ways to Deal With Our Country's Corrupt Private Sector Medical Industry

Patients' Rights and Financial Help Resource List

A list of resources regarding the rights patients are legally supposed to have. Many provide complaint forms and will actually help you. All listed websites are government or other well-known, reputable resources. All links go directly to the website's patients' rights page and/or patients help page. Needless to say, all are free.

MedlinePlus, from the U.S. Library of National Medicine.
HealthCare.gov, your rights under the Affordable Care Act.
Medicare.gov, your Medicare rights.
The Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman. , a resource for filing complaints, grievances, appeals, etc.; in other words, a place to rat out medical service providers. The page also promises to provide information, help, assistance, and other services. The page is apparently also the starting point for when you need to deal with Medicare's own shenanigans.
CMS.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The particular link I provided has to do with Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight. The page may not especially look it, but these guys are your friend. Sometimes, out of the blue and without any action on your part, they will send you notices a particular medical bill from a medical service provider or insurance entity is not valid and that you don't have to pay it. This website is definitely worth prowling around when you have the time.
California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the go-to page for filing medical complaints in California.
Office of the Patient Advocate (OPA), another go-to page for filing medical complaints in California.
CDSS is another California site that may be able to help you, especially as applies to local office Medicaid (Medi-Cal) obstructions.
Bing. For folks not in California looking for their state websites, simply do a search for:
"YourStateNameHere patients rights help site:.gov" (without the quotes and be sure to include the exact "site:.gov" syntax).

If a link suddenly stops working, it means the website moved that particular page. Let me know in the comments section and I'll find and post the new location.

Some Tips for When Dealing with the Medical Bureaucracy

(being involved with an insurance plan network limits some of these tips)

The Medicare 1-800-633-4227 number is open 24/7. They have always been friendly, professional, and helpful. Do give them a break and check their website first. You might not only find the answer to your question(s) but also discover other worthwhile information relating to your situation.
Referring doctors make paperwork mistakes all the time. Whenever possible make sure the medical treatment specifications match what the Medicare white book says. This is mostly applicable to preventive services. Not kidding here, make sure the doctor's instructions exactly match what the Medicare website and yearly white book specifies. I've personally saved myself one financial disaster already by doing this.
Never walk into a medical service provider's diagnostic center without the proper Medicare COPD 5-digit code included on the referral paperwork.
Referring doctors make paperwork mistakes all the time (did I mention that already?). Always verify the accuracy of the Medicare code on the paperwork before going to the specialist's or medical service provider's office. Confirm with Medicare that the Medicare code number is valid for your circumstances and procedure(s) and that Medicare will approve and pay for the procedure.
When referred to a specialist, sometimes a COPD code isn't provided; the specialist adds the code after the fact. Your only defense against this is having diagnostic information showing the necessity of the visit to the specialist, e.g., CAT scan shows potential malignancies in lungs, thus being referred to a pulmonologist makes medical sense. If the specialists uses the wrong code(s) after the fact and the claim is denied, don't just give up. Work with Medicare and the specialist to get the mistake straightened out and resubmit the claim.
If not involved with an insurance plan network, the referring doctor does not not always know if the referred specialist or medical service provider takes Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal, etc. When you walk into that referred specialist's office or medical service center for the first time and have identified yourself, always ask first:

Does Medicare accept you and do you accept Medicare as full payment, secondary insurance covering remaining balance?
Does Medicaid//Medi-Cal/Etc. accept you and do you accept Medicaid, Medi-Cal, etc. or whatever other supporting insurance applicable in your situation as full payment?

If any part of their answer is no, leave immediately. As a Medicare beneficiary, you have the right to go to any Medicare specialist or service provider center you wish, unless you are on an insurance plan where one must stay within the plan's network. Either way, tell your primary, referring doctor what happened and they should be able to take care of it.

An important note. If a medical entity financially victimizes you or is trying to victimize you happens to be a referral from your doctor, first check with Medicare via their website and/or phone calls and find out exactly what is going on. If that doesn't clarify or fix the situation, then tell your doctor's office all about it. They might be able to fix the problem with just one phone call to the offending medical entity; not so surprisingly, your doctor's office will often be quite successful at this.

A personal note. That medical contract you are always forced to sign is basically a blank check allowing the medical entity to do whatever they want. You've given them the right to do anything and everything their little hearts desire and then to bill you for whatever insurance doesn't cover. For that reason, I always print directly above my signature the following in caps:

"ONLY PROVIDE INSURANCE COVERED SERVICES ONLY"

If the medical service provider then refuses you as a patient, immediately inform your primary physician that referred you. If that doesn't solve the problem, i.e., your doctor being able to find a different service provider in the area; I'd personally let Medicare, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, and any other involved insurance/government entity know all about it. I would think they would all want to know about a medical service provider that turns away patients simply because that patient only wants those services that are covered by insurance. Who knows? They might even be able to help you.

An update (Medical Hack(?)). Someone sent me this. I do not know if it is true or not. It sure would be interesting to find out:

Medical Life Hack?

I'm continuing to look for other government medical websites that help patients when it comes to money issues. If you happen to know of one, please mention it in comments. I'll be happy to include it on the list. Federal sites are preferred, but sites specific to your state are also welcome.

Here's an article from CNBC about fighting a fraudulent medical bill: More than 30% of Americans have medical debt: What you need to know about negotiating a medical bill.

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A Review of the Whole Body Donation to Science Free Cremation Program

Latest update: January 19, 2022. Page URL indicates original publication date; meanwhile, times change and the updates continue.

About Free Cremation via Body Donation - What You Need to Know

April 2020 Update:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some organizations are suspending body donation acceptances.

April 2021 Update:

Though this page is about what happens regarding a whole body donation, here's a .gov link about: FENA Funeral Assistance.

An article about what happens when you donate a body to medicine, science, industry, research.

Rule Number One for Caregiver: Have Choices Made and Everything Done Before Occurrence.

This page is not for everyone. It serves up the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And it is not gentle about it. Includes what happens and how to donate a body to get a free cremation.

The Sands of Time

How to Get a Free Cremation by Making a Whole Body Donation to Science

There is a fairly new industry now in existence. It is the business of whole body donations. This is an information article for anyone who is considering making a whole body donation of either themselves or of a loved one. It is the industry standard that a whole body donation entitles the donor to free cremation, free transportation, and generally free everything else relating to the cremation.

Overview of the Body Donation Industry

It is illegal for you to sell your body or that of a loved one. However, if you make a whole body donation; the company will pay all transportation costs, the cremation fee, the cost of the urn, and all other incidental costs. This is the industry standard, but each company may be different; so it is imperative to read the contract to be sure.

The company will work with one or more local funeral homes. The funeral home will pick up and transport the body. The company will make all the arrangements. Once the body is at the funeral home, the company will make a final determination as to whether to accept it. If they decide to accept it, the body will then be transported to the company's facilities; often this will be in another state. After one to two months, the remains will be cremated and per your instructions, returned to you or scattered at sea.

If the company rejects the body at time of death, the body stays at whatever funeral home the company happened to have selected. You are then liable for whatever the funeral home wishes to charge you for the transportation costs, cremation costs, etc. This seldom happens; each whole-body-donation company has their own rules; so be sure to read the contract.

Not Just Organ Donation: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

The company will inform you the donation of your body or that of a loved one will contribute to the causes of science, education and research. In actuality this means the body or its various parts can and will be used for practically anything. You are not allowed to restrict how the body of you or your loved one may be used.

Once your body or the body of your loved one is at the company's main facility, the sales frenzy begins. Although it is illegal to sell a body or any of its parts, the whole-body-donation companies have found a way around this. As an example, suppose the company gets an order from a customer for a liver; the company will donate the liver, but will charge fees for everything related to it; such as extraction, preparation, and transportation.

First and foremost is the use of dead body parts to cure and heal the living. This is not the usual harvesting of organs immediately after death. Cadaver materials such as skin and bones can be processed into products and materials which are sold to hospitals to treat patients.

The next best scenario is when the cadaver's organs and tissues are harvested and sent to various institutions for medical research. This is the image most of us picture and is indeed many times the case.

However, the company has many different customers and many different types of sales orders.

Medical teaching facilities, especially colleges and universities, are steady customers of whole-body-donation companies. Your body or that of your loved one may very well end up at one of these institutions. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Contributing to the education of future doctors and researchers is always a worthy cause. It is possible, however, you or your loved one may end up as the guest of honor at a frat party. Another less pleasant scenario is when the body is chosen as a semester-long project. This is where the body lays on a table for a few months and is gradually cut and picked apart piece by piece; usually rock music will be playing in the background as the students crack jokes.
Pandemic research. The CDC and others no doubt have an interest.
A government agency known as the United States Military is an avid customer of whole-body-donation companies. The military likes to use the bodies for researching and testing their new protective gear. You or your loved one may also be used to test the destructive attributes of new ammunition or explosives. No doubt other government agencies are also customers. One can only speculate as to which agencies and what the bodies or their various parts are used for.
Many non-medical biotechnology and other companies are also regular customers of the whole-body-donation-to-science industry.
Believe it or not, most of the above scenarios do not cause people to reject the idea of whole body donation. However this last scenario does seem to be a deal-breaker for many people. It has to do with the following sentence you will find in the Donor Consent Form Contract: “I am consenting the body to potential segmentation and disarticulation”. In other words, the company chops the body apart; piece by piece and day after day. Here is a typical scenario: Minnesota orders an arm; it is removed and sent. Next day Nevada orders a leg; it is done. Sooner or later the inevitable order for a head floats in; off it goes. Soon all that remains is the torso (probably minus the organs). This is not the image of a loved one many people want to carry around for the rest of their lives.

Whole Body Donations to Science and Free Cremations

The Hopeful Future

The Future Is Now...?

The purchasing company can do anything they want with the body, but as the industry matures it is hoped someday you will have the right to specify the fate of yourself or your loved one. Hopefully, the time could be soon. In fact, since the industry has been around for awhile; it could literally happen any day now. Be sure to ask what options are available and if there are any restrictions you can impose. Do not take anyone's word for anything. Ask for the contract. Inform the salesperson you will read it and get back to them. If they try to make excuses or otherwise object, then probably do not consider that company as one of your possible choices.

Rule Number One for Caregiver: Have Choices Made and Everything Done Before Occurrence.*

*This is the voice of experience talking. Then when the time comes and depending on circumstances, you will then only be faced with having to make that dreaded phone call; everything else will then be automatically taken care of. As a personal side note, I decided to not engage in this process. The “I am consenting the body to potential segmentation and disarticulation” clause in the contract was indeed a deal breaker for me.

The hospice worker is talking about you, the caregiver:
As a hospice worker told me the following day, "When your body wants to cry, let it." And she was not just talking about that day, but future days and weeks as well. When your body wants to cry, let it. Don't fight it, just let it. And do not care if other people happen to be around at the time. The less you fight it, the sooner you will heal.

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Defending From and Fighting Against Corrupt Medical Service Provider Contracts

Latest update: August 6, 2022
Page URL indicates original publication date; meanwhile, times change and the updates continue.

If you have a personal situation going on, these government websites can help you: List and Information.

Never Blindly Sign a Medical Contract Without Reading It First. Learn to Say "NO"!

Medical Service Provider Corruption - Patients Forced to Sign SWAG Medical Contracts Under Duress

[This page was originally entitled "Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Centers Saying Medicare Part B Reneges on Paying for Preventative Services" and was about a local incident. The page has since been expanded to include other local incidents and as they relate to the national issue. Bottom of the page has a list of government bookmarks for helping patients deal with unethical medical conduct. There is also a phrase I add whenever signing a medical contract.

First Incident

Per doctor's written instructions, I went to an imaging/diagnostic center (name temporarily redacted) for chest/lung X-rays. I had been to this place before a couple years ago and there hadn't been any problems.

As with most medical service providers, I was first directed to the Hallowed Contract Signing Room. And there is where everything fell apart...

They placed a second contract in front of me that basically said (paraphrasing):

We will take the X-rays.
We will bill Medicare.
Medicare will note the bureaucratic coding error and deny payment (this part was buried in legalese).
When Medicare recognizes the bureaucratic coding error and refuses to pay, then you must pay instead (this part was buried in legalese).
If you refuse to sign this contract, we will refuse to do the X-rays your doctor ordered.

I refused to sign.

The reason they did this was because they immediately realized the doctor had filled out the requisition incorrectly regarding Medicare reimbursement procedures (this was a clerical error, not a medical error). Instead of informing me of this so that the clerical error could be corrected, and thus having a loyal patient for life, they instead tried to con me into being financially responsible for the easily fixable bureaucratic, clerical mistake.

As a side note, I asked for a copy of the contract to show the doctor as to why I didn't get the X-rays and the imaging/diagnostic center flatly refused. I can't help but wonder how many other patients this CT diagnostic center attempts to victimize and does victimize each month

Second Incident

Per doctor's written instructions, I went to a local blood lab (name temporarily redacted). While in the back room, they came in with a contract saying certain medical codes were missing and I would have to agree to pay for what Medicare wouldn't pay because of the missing codes. I declined, at which point they said they would contact the referring doctor's office and get the codes.

They then came back and said they had got the codes and proceeded to take my blood. I never had to sign anything and all appeared well.

When I got home, it occurred to me to call the doc's office to see if the blood lab really did call them and get the codes.The doc's office said they never received any such call. They further said they would look into and deal with it, and that I would not be responsible for any bills.

I waited to see how this would sort out before acting further. Fortunately, I never signed or otherwise consented to being billed. And no bill was ever received. I can't emphasize this strongly enough, don't automatically sign whatever piece of paper a medical provider puts in front of you; read the thing and don't be afraid to say no when you perceive something is not right.

When I first reported about this second incident, I received input from others stating such things as...

They have been nothing but trouble for people with Medicare or PPO health insurance.
Credit card numbers demanded in advance before agreeing to do blood work.
Collection agencies being used on unwarranted/disputed bills.

This incident is considerably worse than the first incident, in fact it makes the first incident pale by comparison.

Third Incident

Per doc's referral, I went to an eye doctor place (name temporarily redacted) and made an appointment. After making the appointment, I then perused their frames selection. The prices were literally double to triple the prices that can be found elsewhere, presumably the lens prices would be equally exorbitant.

The place was packed with patients/customers, noticing this caused me conflicted emotions...

On the one hand, I am pro capitalism. If a business entity discovers an unending supply of customers who voluntarily pay double to triple the going rate for a product or service, then you really can't fault the business entity for taking advantage of that.
On the other hand, pretty much all the patients/customers there were extremely old people who just plain no longer apparently had the mental faculties to know any better or the ability to realize what was going on. I'm not an attorney, but this could easily be perceived as a case for elder abuse. Most insurance does not pay for frames and lenses, only for the exams. Then again, maybe all the patients there were rich and just didn't care.

At any rate, I mulled things over and cancelled my appointment. I may or may not work up the energy to look into that particular situation further.

The National Problem

[This page started out being about the actions of a single medical service provider. However it has now become about the national issue of medical service providers denying patients medical care unless the patient agrees to sign what are known as SWAG CONTRACTS.]

Continuation and Update

I called the doctor's office. Yep, apparently most imaging/diagnostics centers are now pulling this stunt.

A patient being held responsible for a bill, because they falsely claimed they were insured, is indeed as it should be. However, a service provider attempting to force a patient to be held responsible for an insurer's breach of contract, bureaucracy, bad faith conduct, mistakes, or even just a misunderstanding is not.

The contract is between the service provider and the insurer, it is their responsibilities to understand and agree to the terms. Any attempt by a medical service provider to make a patient responsible for an insurer's actions is, to me, an essentially bad faith action on the part of the provider. Basically, the medical service provider is extorting the patient to insure the provider against the actions of the insurer, the threat being the withholding of needed medical care if the patient refuses to do so. In other words, patients are being forced to sign contracts under duress.

Proposed Solution

Is it any wonder most countries think America has the most corrupt Medical Establishment on the planet? Our government keeps trying to fight it. But the greed and corruption is so entrenched, ingrained, embedded, and widespread (there are media reports almost daily on the subject) that nationalization of the medical industry may indeed be the only answer.

There would still be private sector medical professionals, but the government would be the single insurer and the only legally responsible payer. And it would be illegal for any private sector medical entity to try to coerce a patient into signing any sort of contract. Proof and authentication of identity and coverage would be all that is required, pre-authorization for medical procedures implemented on an as needed basis. Premiums would be based on income. Service providers (including hospitals) would no longer have to worry about being paid. Patients would no longer have to worry about being thrown into financial hardship or outright bankruptcy.

You might try suggesting the service provider get pre-authorization from the insurer. However and for some unknown reason, there are apparently some medical service providers who refuse to make the 3-minute phone call, the initially mentioned imaging and diagnostic center being one such case.

On a personal note, I am aware versions of this situation have been going on for decades. I have always circumvented the problem by simply adding the following sentence directly above my signature in caps: "ONLY PROVIDE INSURANCE COVERED SERVICES ONLY". I am not an attorney, but it seems to work. The service provider then gets everything pre-authorized and there has never been a problem.

This Has to Stop

A Bookmarks Reference List of Patients Bill of Rights Resources

I figured while I was at it, I might as well compile a list of resources regarding the rights patients are legally supposed to have. All listed websites are government or other well-known, reputable resources. All links go directly to the website's patients rights and assistance pages. I might add to this list from time to time. The list is at Government Help for When Victimized by the Medical Profession, particularly relates to financial and billing misconduct.

A side note, you might want to select the MedFin (Medical Financial) label below. If you see a relevant article title, select the title.

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When to Do Vitamin D3 Supplements and Food Sources

Latest update: July 27, 2022. Page URL indicates original publication date; meanwhile, times change and the updates continue.

Especially important for seniors. Medical science generally agrees that the elderly should take vitamin D3 supplements.

I have also seen articles saying that vitamin D can mitigate COVID somewhat.

Vitamin D Deficiency Is a Growing Health Concern

Fortified milk is a good source of vitamin D.

If you are out in the sun all day everyday, then you need not be concerned. Your body will manufacture all the vitamin D it needs from the ultraviolet light you absorb. However, as you get older, one loses this ability.

Also, if yours is an indoor life; you may not be getting enough of this vitamin.

List of Foods Rich in Vitamin D

Unfortunately, there are not that many foods that are considered a nutrition source for vitamin D.

Fortified milk seems to be America's primary source for vitamin D.
Other dairy products also have a smattering of it.
Fish foods have vitamin D. Swordfish and especially sockeye salmon are the big two. Tuna comes in third. Sardines are also a contender. And if you want to give yourself a mega-dose, a tablespoon of cod liver oil will give you over 300% of the body’s daily requirement.
Liver has it.
Fortified orange juice has a decent amount.
Multivitamins generally have 100% to 200% of the recommended daily dosage. Needless to say, check the label.

Sockeye salmon is a good vitamin D source.

For more information about vitamin D, here is the relevant federal National Institutes of Health page about vitamin D. The site also mentions that excessive vitamin D consumption can be detrimental.

When to Do Vitamin D Supplements

As a side note, I am an older person. My doc says I should take vitamin D3 supplements (5,000 IUs (international units), daily). Apparently, us older folks don't manufacture vitamin D from sunshine as well as we used to. Vitamin D3 supplements are available at any drugstore. Do buy only from reputable stores and reputable brands. Unfortunately the supplements industry is said to be completely unregulated; there are media reports the FDA just doesn't have the manpower.

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[An interesting comment follows.]