u/justhitmidlife

I will be on a cruise and would like to consume some alcohol (quite limited compared to last time). Like 1-2 beers a day. I am planning to skip MTX (i take 12.5mg) just that week. Is that ok? There were weeks in the past when my doc has been ok skipping (like when I took the shingrix vaccine). I didn't feel any adverse effects either at that time.

Any thoughts on this? I am a bit concerned due to the expected alcohol consumption that week. I know it can trigger a flare up, but I am tryin to enjoy myself a bit during this once a year trip.

Also anything I can do to reduce flaring from alcohol (beer 1-2 cans per day). I plan on hydrating a lot and walking a lot too.

I have some Prednisone - should I carry it? Should I take it upon flares? Any concerns with alcohol when taking it?

Own a 2015 QX60. About 80k mileage. Low, yes. Overall happy, but it has had its share of issues - recently it has become a few 1000 $ every year, which is becoming a problem as the expenses are exceeding KBB values at this point. Insurance is ~2600/year. We are retired, and also we have an EV, so we dont drive the qx60 as much. That said, we do road trips (2-3 days driving at a time) and want a reliable machine. Mostly 2-4 people + luggages.

What are people buying after owning the QX60?

I am looking to get ACA insurance next year. I was pricing out some scenarios and my ACA MAGI is estimated to be around 250% FPL (which is around 55k for me and spouse). That should qualify us for both PTC and CSR.

We have med-high usage so i prefer to keep deducible lower. We also have needs for glp-2 meds like mounjaro.

When I look at prices for silver w/ CSR vs. Gold, i see silver is around 500-600 and gold is around 700-800/mo. But I was expecting silver with CSR to be on par with gold or even platinum (this is what I had been reading online thus far), but I don't see that. Deductible is quite high 15k (vs gold at 6k) and lot of items are just expensive (blood tests are 40% coinsurance vs gold is a flat cost).

Reading more about it looks like silver with CSR is only truly as good as they say, if your magi is 100-150% of FPL. I doubt I can reduce my income that low. At this rate I am thinking of keeping magi at 250% but getting the Gold plan. The extra $200/mo will be worth it in my opinion.

Anyone with any experience in this matter? Love to hear it.