I was fortunate and smart to return to my old job where I could get healthcare at retirement for myself and my wife. I have a brother in law that recently retired (largely due to the program being shut down) but he is only 60 or 61 so I'm not sure what he will do for health insurance. His initial plans were going back to work somewhere but I think he has gotten used to retired life and helping out with the grandkids. I'm pretty sure he doesn't need a job for the money.

To me healthcare should be provided to all whether via taxes or some payment, etc. Right now we all pay way too much money for it due to middlemen taking out a large amount and adding headaches/expenses to doctors, hospitals, medical facilities, etc.

Regardless of official inflation numbers, a number of items that I have to buy certainly have skyrocketed since covid. Pretty much anything to do with home repairs and restaurants are way up. I was talking to an HVAC guy and it sounded like not long ago their hourly rate for labor was $200ish and now it is $500. That doesn't seem right to me but maybe it is. I do know the quality of the workers have nose dived. I found a better company now but several of the other guys had to call in for help and be walked through how to do things (not a lot different from me watching an youtube video on a repair except in this case I'm paying the guy to fix it) and being unable to get it done.

At least we are still alive. My friend had his 49th high school union. It was a small school class of 94. 31 are no longer alive.

Rich