Agh! I have the same phone but with screen protector. I have dropped it numerous times and the screen protector 2/$6.00, has saved me and my wife (same phone) many times. Since there is a stress now in the glass, yes at the very least put on a protector to minimize the stress going further I always on brand new phone put a protector on. You can’t even see it and they do work. Mine has a lifetime warranty and yes they do send you out a new one. Amazon is your friend here.
I have the same phone too. After I ruined one, I got a clear shell for the back that extends past the rim and when I drop the phone (yes, I have dropped the phone), it just bounces, screen fully protected. This is the one I got: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B085456F26/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I forgot to mention I also have a case but it’s black and thin but barley know it’s there. Funny thing is I cracked my screen protector a few days ago (would of shattered the screen if I didn’t have one on), and going to put my replacement on today. To me it’s a must have on any new phone. Plus the Pixal 3a glass can scratch easily so there’s that.
@Knowsstuff can you send me a link to the case you have? I do really really really like my “naked phone” but I’m sure that a case would have saved me this time (the phone only dropped about a foot - from my pocket to the ground as I was sitting in a lounge chair).
But I just hate the bulky feel of a case…
I find phones these days to be almost uncomfortably thin to hold, so I always get a shock-absorbing case and a thin glass screen protector. I don’t like the really thick ones, though, and I like a kickstand. So here is what I have for my pixel2, it’s probably about 50% thicker than the phone and very comfortable for me to hold. If you like that style I’m sure there is something similar for a pixel3a:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076LNHNSJ/
with this screen protector:
Along the lines of protectors…I have a new Apple Watch coming my way soon (yay!) - I have ordered a clear bumper for it - but may also consider a screen protector.
Any recommendations on certain ones that are not too thick to be used with a bumper?
I’ll admit to being vain with the watch and not wanting to alter the look much so would prefer something that does not dull the screen look.
amFilm Glass Screen Protector for Google Pixel 3a (2 Pack), Full Screen Coverage, 3D Curved, Dot Matrix Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Google Pixel 3a (2019)
Google Pixel 3a Case, Slim Fit Case for Pixel 3 Lite [Anti Fingerprint] [Flexible TPU] [Shock Absorption] Protective Cover for Pixel 3a Phone (2019 Released) - Black
Sold by: XVZ
Just copy and past in amazon. Happy with both
Some phones also have all-glass exteriors, which are slippery and can crack more easily when dropped, since now any part of the phone (not just the screen) has more-easily-cracked glass.
I just want to add that I find phones easy to drop. They’re slippery or maybe I’m just a bit clumsy. I always buy cases that have a rubber-y feel. I find I grip them much more easily and drop them far less. I also believe they absorb more of the shock. Mine was inexpensive and it’s thin. I bought it months ago and it’s for an iphone so the exact product won’t be helpful for the op. I have never used a screen protector…this recent set of comments has me thinking I should try one.
Final comment is that it’s about $55 to replace a screen around here (as of a couple years ago when D needed hers fixed). I don’t think it’s necessary to replace a screen if the crack isn’t bothersome but thought I’d throw out a price point.
It depends on the phone area in which you live. Some phones can be $150 or more. Some phones it’s not just the glass. Once you break the glass many times the digitilzer also becomes broken…That enables you to actually use the phone and on many phones they are sorta connected.
@abasket, my husband finally decided he wanted an Apple Watch, and it should be here this week.
Didn’t realize we should worry about accessories for it. I will have to look up bumpers and screen savers…
thanks
^^^ @1214mom I’ve heard too many stories of people innocently dropping their watch while putting it on in the bathroom or whatever - and ending up with a cracked screen and worthless watch! My watch and bumper are suppose to arrive tomorrow. I want to see how the bumper works before I order a screen protector.
(btw, the bumpers are not expensive - you can find them on Amazon for under $10 or a little more depending what you want)
My husband’s new watch just arrived. Thanks for the tip.
If you’ve already figured Medicare out…
Is this correct?
Sign up for part A and B with government
Sign up for Part D with private insurer, or for a Medicare advantage plan, with private insurer, which will include D.
Questions:
Can one change a Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan? Annually? Add Medicare Advantage at a later date?
Why would someone want a Medicare Advantage plan?
Is there an annual out of pocket cap if someone only has Part A and B (and D)?
Thank you in advance for your answers and any advice. So very much.
We have BC/BS (has D) supplement and Medicare A&B. NO out of pocket expense. But, Part B (dependent on income) and BC/BS monthly payments.
You can change your Part D plan annually during open enrollment.
You can switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during open enrollment.
We did original Medicare, Part D, and a Medigap plan because Medicare is accepted throughout the country. Most Medicare Advantage plans have much more limited networks.
Thanks so much to you both for taking time to answer. Really, really helpful.
What I’m try to figure out is the total possible annual out of pocket cost with different scenarios. (premiums plus deductible plus co-pays, etc) It looks like there is no out of pocket annual spending limit with just traditional Medicare A and B. Am I understanding that correctly? You could theoretically end up owing hundreds of thousands?
Most of the last decade I’ve had a high deductible policy, in which I paid all health care costs (until I reached deductible which never happened) except mandated preventative care, and that worked fine for me. But there was an annual out of pocket cap on what I might spend. I’m probably comfortable with something similar for medicare,medicare advantage, or medigap but can’t figure out what it is.
Again, thank you!!
Try this link https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI84Lny5OS7AIVDI-GCh2PsAO2EAAYASABEgIQgvD_BwE
Part D is the drug plan.
You can get A and B through Original Medicare or use a Plan C (a Medicare Advantage plan. They contract to handle it all, per both legal requirements and their own policies. Prices can range from very little to hundreds/month, but you get different visit/service costs and maximums.)
What exactly is offered you depends on your state.
If you’ve been paying out of pocket, you know what your expenses have been and what you can tolerate now. The issue is, “what if?” And, we’re getting older. You haven’t hit your max OOP yet, but could. You wouldn’t pay “hundreds of thousands” for covered services because the plans have a max OOP for those. Only if you ran up billing for non-covered (they’re pretty clear about the differences, eg, optional cosmetic surgery.)
Basically, take what you have paid out, look at monthly costs of various plans. Then anticipate what else could happen. At best, one-two sick visits or specialists visits versus the annual cost of plan x. At worst, needs that could run you up to the max OOP very quickly.
The devil is in some details. It’s not just doc contact, but what about the ER costs, surgical copays, under various plans, or med transport, rehab care, etc.
As Calmom said to me, at the time, sometimes, knowing you have a high deductible to meet before insurance kicks in will limit one’s decision to go to the doc. I wasn’t ok with that.
My plan includes dental, $30/specialist OV, a low cost ER charge, etc, at about $70/month. Max OOP (on top of monthly payments) has been $4500 annually. Part D included.
It’s not that bad, once you get into it.
I started with a BCBS Medicare Advantage plan but changed to the AARP HMO type (not an issue where I live) because the monthly cost was so much lower, coverage was the same or a little better, it included the dental in the base price.
^thank you!
Very few professionals in my area will accept advantage plans, cuz they pay half of regular Medicare. Almost half or more of the fee is copay to patient.
I have regular Medicare and United American, cuz that plan costs less for females, UHC/aarp, BC/bs, Mutual of Omaha , USAA, Bankers, and many many more are often full coverage. Choose carefully, as each plan can raise rates, but only a small sum over initial rate.
Drug plans vary in cost. I used an agent, so I came with the few meds that I took on a regular basis. Walmart’s was the least expensive, but out of the way for me. I went with silver scripts, as they prefer CVS. I could change this yearly,
I’m not an agent, just offering my personal experience.