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Rage Baking

Yesterday after receiving yet another prior authorization denial, I started rage baking. I figured it was a healthier way to deal with the anger than sitting and ruminating on it. The first thing I baked was sourdough cinnamon and sugar toast cereal. Now Cinnamon Toast Crunch was my favorite cereal growing up, so I had to try it. The recipe was simple and it tasted so good. It’s something I’ll make again.

The next bake was a fast no-knead bread that would pair perfectly with the Osso Bucco the Hubby was making. The second rise was a little suspect, but the bread still cooked up nicely. While I proved the no-knead bread, for three hours, I whipped up some sandwich bread. By the time, the sandwich bread came out of the oven, the no-knead bread was ready for the oven. Both turned out well. The sandwich bread is a bit shorter than I’d like, but I’m not sure if it was the pan size or something with the dough. Fortunately, it tastes really good.

Now back to the issue of prior authorizations. They exist to prevent fraud, reduce costs, and eliminate unnecessary costs. While Cigna would be quick to sue you or put you in jail for insurance fraud, they had no qualms over scamming the Federal Government to increase Medicare payments. That’s right while Cigna gatekeepers and actively denies coverage to paying members, it’s been defrauding the Federal government. And yet our government continues to allow them to have a seat at the gravy train that is Medicare.

In fact, they had a home visit program solely designed to upcharge Medicare. They settled a lawsuit with the federal Government in September to the tune of $37 million. In a separate lawsuit, also settled in September of 2023, Cigna will have to pay the Federal Government $172 million. Cigna, according to the allegations in the suit, employed medical coders to review Medicare patient’s charges and add diagnoses that would be supported by the information therein. Essentially, they were diagnosing their insureds with as many conditions as possible to increase their reimbursement from the Federal Government.

I find it hysterical that Cigna got busted for adding fake diagnoses to bolster their Medicare payments while denying claims for folks with actual diagnoses. They like to have both ways. They’ll diagnose you, and take the reimbursement money, but they’re not going to approve your claims. It’s criminal.

What was the best compliment you’ve received?

The best compliment I’ve ever received was when my son told me I did a great job as a mom and that he’ll always take care of me.

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Another Day

Another day, another prior authorization denial. Boy, Cigna is outdoing itself this year. In the four years we’ve had Cigna for our health insurance, we have had no treatments that required prior authorizations. Suddenly this year, Cigna has lost their ever-loving mine and we’re already at our fourth request for prior authorization. It’s asinine.

Obviously, the most egregious example is their request for prior authorization on the Mayor’s prescription for antibiotics. In the last seven days, I’ve had prior authorization/coverage denied for a medication I’ve used for over two years. I guess after two years of proven efficacy is insufficient evidence for Cigna. Ironically, the first doctor that denied the prescription is a palliative/hospice doctor. I’m sure denying coverage for key therapies only improves his business being a bridge to death.

To say I’m at my breaking point with this situation is an absolute understatement. Fortunately, I’m a persistent person who will not give up until this issue is fixed. I fully intend to be a thorn in the side of Cigna and their prior authorization denial “doctors.” I use the term “doctors” loosely as these folks have abandoned their commitment to the Hippocratic oath, medical ethics, and patient care. They should be embarrassed, but I’m sure they’re not because they’re well-paid to deny coverage. Another day, another afternoon of rage baking, which includes Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fast no knead bread, and sandwich bread.

You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike?

I’m defiantly taking an airplane cross-country. Once I’m to my destination, depending on where it is, I’m taking a car. Case in point, my trip through the Mighty Five last fall.

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Prior Auth

The fact that the prior auth process exists underlines just how screwed up our healthcare system is in this country. Since the year started, we have had three prior auth issues with our insurer. The first was a prior auth for an MRI on Hubby’s knee to verify the extent of damage. The second was their denial of a prior auth request for a medication I’ve been taking since 2021. They denied it so quickly that I received a notification of the denial before receiving the notification that the authorization was filed. Lastly, they requested prior auth for the Mayor’s antibiotics to fight his post-surgical infection.

Now read that last sentence again. They now require prior authorization for antibiotics. Admittedly, I am not a doctor, however, I’m pretty sure that infections are supposed to be treated expeditiously. As a result, we ended up having to pay for the medication out of pocket. The doctor’s office couldn’t believe the insurance requested prior authorization for an antibiotic. This is an absolute abomination. Insurance companies shouldn’t be requiring prior auths for well-known first-line treatments.

Cigna, to their credit, did respond when I tweeted my disgust to them, Governor Desantis, Senator Rubio, and Representative Frankel. Nonetheless, it’s too little too late. I will be requesting reimbursement from their customer care team. I aim to ensure that we rein in this prior authorization nonsense here in Florida.. It is, however, a national issue. Fortunately, I work in insurance, so I can navigate the mind field pretty well. I can’t imagine how difficult the experience would be for people not familiar with insurance.

What activities do you lose yourself in?

I lose myself in baking, running, cuddling with the puppies, and reading. Those activities are my happy place. I love losing myself in a good book. Perhaps that’s why my night time ritual includes reading a book before bed with Anakin on my lap.

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Update to the Update

Well, here’s our update to the update on the Mayor’s finger. It continues to heal, albeit slowly like a snail. He is finally out of a splint much to his relief. Unfortunately, his finger looked pretty angry and red this morning, so they’re concerned it may be infected. Consequently, the Mayor is starting a course of antibiotics today. Hopefully, those will take care of the infection.

The bigger issue in our update is that he hasn’t been diligently working the joint. It is quite painful for him to move it, but he’s got to start working on it. As the PA was moving it this morning, you could see he was in a lot of pain. This is problematic because it will cause a permanently stiff joint in that finger. As a result, he’ll need a lot of OT to get the top joint of the finger moving again.

What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?

I think I’ll answer this with memes from each of the shows. We have a few favorite shows in this house. The Office was the background to our lives for most of the 2010s. It then became Family Guy or for me, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. My morning routine always includes my Dunkin’ coffee and the Great British Bakeoff. Additionally, when I run on the treadmill I watch Curb Your Enthusiasm. Larry David makes me laugh and helps me get through my runs.

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Superstitious

Am I, a hockey player and hockey mom, superstitious? Hells yeah. We hockey folks are extremely superstitious. It’s a crucial part of the experience. For example, one simply does not mention the word shutout until the horn has sound. Inevitably, if those words are mentioned before the game has ended, the other team will score. Do not be the guy that kills the shutout. Also, if the team is on a winning streak and you’ve worn a particular coat to the rink, don’t think you’re changing your coat now. You simply cannot mess with the mojo.

Hockey players have their own set of superstitions like taping their sticks a certain way, dressing in a certain order, wearing a particular undershirt, and playing a particular song in the locker room and for warmups. And then there are goalies, they’re so special. Watch a goalie at any level and you’ll see their superstitious ritual. Mine used to stand up hit the right post, the left post, and then the right post before moving into position. Marc Andre Fleury talks to his goalposts every time they give him a hand.

As for us parents, once we ensure we have the winning outfit/jacket on, we’re ready to head for the rink. Once there the routine is often the same, for me, it was to go grab a coffee from the nearest Dunkin’ or Starbucks. Naturally, this would lead to several pregame bathroom trips to ensure the bladder was empty before being trapped in the penalty box for the game. Other parents will sit in the same spot. Some parents, however, will move if the game isn’t going well. Goalie parents will migrate every period as will the forward dads. It’s crucial to the team’s success that every parent sit or stand at their winning spot.

Are you superstitious?

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Sleepy

I’m so sleepy today. This spring forward an hour nonsense has got me all discombobulated. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the later sunset. I do, however, resent losing an hour of sleep and having to wake up when it’s dark. The Monday after the daylight savings time change should be a national holiday, much like Super Bowl Monday. Everyone should be given an extra day to assimilate before having to deal with the shit show that is a Monday.

Work was busy this morning, but things have taken a turn towards boring. I love being busy and talking to great people all day. It’s when it’s slow or folks don’t answer that I start to get restless and frustrated. At this point, I may put the headset on Anakin and take a nap. However, I’ll have to first wake up my sales assistant as he is currently napping comfortably on our bed. I do think Anakin’s gritty personality will lend itself to sales.

This weekend I finally ticked a few boxes off my to-do list. The Goodwill bags are now gone. My Hubby dropped them off for me Sunday morning. There were several bags in our room that needed to go, so the room looks so much better now. In addition to the Goodwill run, I organized my food storage cabinet. For some reason, keeping the lids and food storage containers organized is a real challenge for my boys. I had enough of the nonsense and straightened it out yesterday.

Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?

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Grateful

I had a wonderful, low key birthday and I’m grateful for all the love and birthday wishes I was given. Unfortunately, I had to work a full day. It was a slow, tedious day. After work, we ordered Sushi Yama for my birthday dinner. Sushi Yama is definitely our go to restaurant for birthday dinners. By the end of dinner, I was way too full to even try and eat birthday cake. Consequently, we’ll be enjoying the cake today.

As for today, I’m laying low and getting stuff done around the house. The hubby and The Mayor headed to the Panthers game around 3, but we managed to get a lot done this morning. In fact, we actually got the bags for Goodwill out of our room and dropped off at Goodwill. Before we dropped off the bags, my Hubby made me waffles with strawberries and bacon for breakfast. I’m grateful for such a good breakfast. It was mighty tasty!

As you know, I love baking much to the dismay of my waistline. Since I have more bread than I know what to do with, I decided to bake something different today. Today I made the puppies some doggie biscuits with peanut butter. I opted to use a biscuit mix from King Arthur, which was super simple to whip up and bake. The dogs absolutely love the biscuits, so I’ll definitely be baking more of them. Now the puppies and I are watching Inventing Anna about the mass deception perpetrated by Anna Sorokin. It’s really well done.

Where would you go on a shopping spree?

If I could go on a shopping spree, it would probably be at Boca Town Center Mall as it has pretty much everything you could need from gold bars to designer purses.

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Forty Four

As of this morning, I have been blessed with forty-four years of life on this beautiful planet. I remember thinking that folks over 40 were old and the pinnacle of maturity, but that just seems laughable now. I don’t see my folks as being old either. Perhaps it’s because they’re young and spirit and very active. At any rate, forty-four years is quite a blessing. My day started with a special delivery of Krispy Crème donuts from my dear coworker. It was such a sweet surprise. It’s continued with so many kind and thoughtful birthday wishes.

Over the past forty-four years, I’ve learned a few things. For example, I really hate people who cannot drive. Also, I really like tacos and sharing meals with friends and family. Seriously though, I’ve learned that what’s important in life is the people and animals we choose to spend it with. It’s the shared experience with our loved ones that makes our lives.

As I look over the past four decades, I’m blown away at the speed with which time has flown by. Moreover, I’ve had some amazing experiences and travels near and far. Connecting to my ancestral home, Norway, was a huge moment for me and my family. Sharing that trip with four generations of my family was amazing. I loved seeing how my grandma, my parents, and my kids reacted to experiencing Norway. Looking forward, knowing that nothing is promised, I choose to look at every day as a gift. So here’s to ushering in another year.

What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?

My middle name is Louise and I share it with my mom and grandmother. It’s a family name passed down on my mom’s side. To be honest, I think it started with my grandma, but I could be wrong.

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Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament

Growing up in Minnesota, the Minnesota State high school hockey tournament was the must-see event of the winter. While we were in school, our boys’ team made section finals several times, but never the big dance. It’s a time when school rivalries hit their peak. There’s nothing like this tournament in the world. The Excel Center is filled with tickets hard to come by. When our school finally made the tourney and went to the championship, my hubby and his sister had to camp overnight tickets.

We took Jake with us to the championship game in 2004, I’m not sure he remembers much since he was five. It was, however, an amazing experience. The fact they won the championship didn’t hurt either. Nonetheless, the atmosphere is electric. Even if your team isn’t playing, these games are so competitive you can’t help but get invested in them. My Alma Mater is currently playing in the quarterfinals against Cretin. Since I can’t keep the verbal eruptions under control, I had to turn it off. My work phone is a recorded line and nobody needs to hear what I’m saying. If you want to check out the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament, you can stream it here. The Centennial game is heading into overtime as we speak. Let’s Go Cougars!

What is the last thing you learned?

I learned that patience is a virtue. I’m currently dealing with someone who cannot hear but won’t acknowledge their inability to hear. It’s honestly so much fun.

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Stormy Afternoon

It’s a stormy afternoon here in South Florida. I’m so glad I work from home and don’t have to drive in the storms. To be honest, it’s nice to have an afternoon storm, so long as the power stays on and I’m not driving. There’s something very relaxing about a nice afternoon rain. It also fills up the birdbath nicely, so I don’t have to refill it.

We had a busy tree this morning with lots of beautiful birds. The usual suspects, the crackles and mourning doves, were there and were hoping by a yellow-rumped warbler, a cardinal, a blue jay, a mockingbird, a European starling, and Mr. Squirrel. Interestingly enough things are pretty harmonious at the feeders even when there is a crowd.

What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.

The one question I hate to be asked is if I’m going to try for the girl. Listen I already have three awesome kids that happen to be all male and expensive. I can’t afford another kid, nor do I want to throw up for another 9 months. Pregnancy was fun enough in my 20s, I can’t imagine the joy it would be in my 40s when everything already hurts. To me, any questions about family planning are off-limits. Especially when I’m in the hospital having just delivered a baby.

I vividly remember an aunt asking me when the next baby was coming hours after pushing out my firstborn. First of all, I felt like a bus just drove through me. Secondly, I hadn’t even come to terms with the fact there’s a new human here that I’m in charge of for like 18 years. Thirdly, I don’t think she was volunteering to pay for the expense of my second kid. Consequently, I’m not sure where those funds are going to come from as kids are expensive. Lastly, at that point, I couldn’t even think beyond the next feeding let alone the next baby. So do me and the women in your life a favor, if we have all boys, don’t ask if we’re going to try for the girl. Similarly, don’t ask when the next one’s coming when their new baby is hours old.