Today was the day I became eligible to sign up for Medicare (lucky me). I went to the web site and started to fill in the blanks. I got to this page and discovered that I didn't know the real answer. We have health insurance through the retiree plan from our previous employer. I didn't want to screw up. I figured that if you screwed up (1) they wouldn't tell you and (2) That would make you ineligible for something that you wanted. As far as I am concerned the US government is a black box where your individual needs and requirements are on the bottom of the priority list. Today was a case in point.

In order to get squared away, I called the number and was informed that there was a 45 minute wait for an agent, but they would call me back when it was my turn. Works for me, I gave it a try. Sure enough about 45 minutes later somebody called and answered my question for me.

I finished the application and submitted it. Then I got to thinking that I better make sure I signed up for Part B or I would be screwed. So I called and within a few minutes I was connected to a human. Good luck? NOT. This person was an incompetent boob. She kept telling me I had to go into the Medicare office to check. I knew that wasn't the case, so I kept trying to get this dummy to understand the question and she kept saying I had to come into the office. I hung up. Incompetence might be contagious.

Finally, I decided to call back. I ended up waiting on the phone for an hour but finally I made contact with a human. This time the person understood exactly what I was asking. She asked a few questions to make sure I was me then she went straight to my application and found that I had indeed applied for part B. Thank You.

The more I deal with the government the more I realize that much of it is incompetent and dishonest. From top to bottom.

Now we have Jonathan Gruber saying that I am stupid. Kathleen Sebelius has chimed in with my financial literacy was low. You would think if that were the case the government would work to compensate for those things when they propose laws. OK, Mr. President. I have to come to you to ask the question. Since I will be paying $1500 more in health insurance next year, does that mean my health care insurance premiums will be lowered like you said?