One of the benefits of getting older is access to Medicare. In the words of Yakov Smirnoff, “what a country.”
I’m in my second year of Medicare, and the monthly premium has been $148, now $170. I’ve had a few procedures with reasonable co-pays, and my one prescription is $45 per year.
Compare that to the $900 per month premium I had in the year leading up to 65 years old. And that was with an $8500 per year deductible. That year my one prescription was $240 per year.
One of my Medicare benefits covers $140 of over-the-counter medicines and devices annually. This benefit allows me to purchase items at Wal-Mart and Kroger with $35 accessible each quarter accumulating to $140 on October 1.
With this benefit, I recently acquired an oximeter. This device is placed on a finger to measure oxygen saturation and pulse.
With my hyperinflated lungs, I’m worried about low oxygen levels in my blood and the impact on running.
A satisfactory oxygen saturation level is between 93 and 100 percent. Dropping below 93% will start hypoxia. This reduction of blood to the brain will initiate damage and confusion. Too low, fingers will start turning blue.
Also shown is a pulse rate. My pulse varies too much in a relaxed stationary position. Should I be concerned? I have noticed that as my pulse goes up, my oxygen saturation level rises, too.