I couldnt find my Medicare card( the 健保卡 for seniors hopital and medical insurance in America), so the other day I went to local Social Security Administration to apply a new one.  The bureau didnt issue a formal new one to me on the spot; instead, it gave me a notice as a temporary card on which clearly stating "This notice will serve as evidence of your eligibility for these benefits for 60 days from the date shown at the top of this notice."  The lady agent also highlighted the paragraph, and I guessed that she might think by doing so everybody would not misunderstand its meaning.  I am confident that you guys wouldnt, either. 

But it isnt the case for average Americans.  I had a doctor appointment next Monday, and I needed to receive a blood test for my doctor to review my physical condition.  Then I went to a clinc to do the test yesterday, but the counter clerk refused to accept my insurance status, for she insisted that my benefits will only be eligible "after" 60 days from the issue date of the notice.  No matter how I explained to her that Ive been 70, and Ive already had the card for years since I was over 65, she just ignored my explanation.  Finally I gave up. (Partly because I couldnt stand her high-pitched voice.)

When I got back home, my wife said she did retain a duplicate of my card.  So I brought the copy to the clinic again, this time that clerk accepted it, with alacrity.  But I still couldnt understand how had the words "for 60 days" been construed as "after 60 days" by an American. 

P.S.  An article I read several years ago saying only about 25% of Americans who can read the editorials of New York Times or Los Angeles Times without much ado.  Now Ｉ believe that.