I am on the road full time. This has many wonderful aspects. Some very awkward moments.
I figured out that I could live on my social security of $537/month. And Colorado was very helpful, with Colorado Peak, in covering the cost of the medical insurance. Then the problems started. The check from SS dropped to $319. Huh? Just got an update for this month. The monthly total is $493. Phew.I guess something worked. Still not up to old $, but better than at first.
I was supposedly notified in July that I needed to do something to continue the coverage. I never got the notification. Because of my job (camp host 50 miles from the nearest library, 40 miles from the nearest cell phone service) it was difficult to get in touch with Colorado Peak. I finally got them on the phone and was told that I had $5,000 extra income from the company I was working for. Called company. Nope, I was paid only $2,000. Unfortunately the internet wouldn’t let me reapply, saying that I was already enrolled. The following week, during my day off. I called again. They said to print out the application and mail it in. I did that. ($7.00 worth of postage and copying fees). There was no result the next week, so I called again. They said to apply on line. I tried. Not allowed to reapply because I was already enrolled. I was feeling very discouraged and borderline panicked.
The next step was to go to the nearest Social Security office and talk to a real person. I drove 60 miles to the nearest SS office to be told that they had nothing to do with Colorado Peak and I should contact Colorado Peak. So I called Colorado Peak again. They said that I should reapply. I tried on line again with no luck. I called back. They said to go to the nearest office for Colorado Peak and reapply. On the internet there was an office 2 miles away, room 203 with a person by the name of Linda Humphries. I went to the office building and was told “There is no such person but if you want here is an application to fill out.” I spent 1/2 hour filling it out. Handed it back to the person at the desk. She said “You may get notification in 3 to 4 months. I have to send this to Washington.”
I tried to reapply a few minutes ago and found that I no longer exist in the Colorado Peak system. I give up.
This is one of the difficulties of living full time on the road. So I am revising the budget to try to live on $493. Hate to think that I will have to sell the truck and take up a backpack, but that could be the start of a new adventure.
Still smiling
Truck Camper Hints 
Pickett, I remember advising you years ago that you should insist that your current employer should file the proper employment and tax forms, and since he did not want to be troubled with the paper work, you did not want to insist. You could very well be enjoying a higher social security check every month now. You have to go to a Social Security office and try to straighten it out. You are too old to be living out of a back pack. Janet Schoeberlein
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Never too old for a backpack! It will get straightened out when I get around to it. It had to do with my not being able to communicate with Colorado Peak in a timely manner. One of the problems of living in a truck that I am willing to put up with. Love you Jan!
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Thanks Mas for sharing your story. This is a real mix up. Sorry. The suggestions and hospitality of others seems the remedy. In any event you will be wearing a nice tan when you receive the balance owing. Enjoy!
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Oh Pickett,
This sounds just awful! Janes right, you should come back to Colorado visit all of us and maybe sort this all out. I had an issue with Peak last year, nothing like yours but it was like hitting your head against a brick wall. You can get an agent. Mark has the name of a great agent who deals with social security and Medicare in grand junction. You always have a place to stay here!
Happy road traveling!
Xoxo Cindy
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Thanks Cindy. I am not too sure what direction this will go. First I am headed to the desert to get tanned and relaxed! I have savings and stunning credit, so there are no real problems. It was just a post about the awkward problems that pop up if you travel full time on the road in a truck.
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That’s good to know. Have an awesome time in the desert! It’s supposed to be gorgeous there right now.
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This is unbelievable but a sad tale of government. Come up to Colorado and get it straightened out before winter. I went in person to Glenwood office which helped. Still took a few hours. Why in the world would they take it away from one with so little coming in ? Go after the billionaires who pay nothing. Love to you.
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Frustrating, but all part of the adventure. They only took it away because of a series of events. Poor communication on my part, due to living in the truck on the road. Mea culpa.
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