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Any idea what the premiums are for family coverage

Posted By: (nm) on 2006-03-10
In Reply to: I have Blue Cross through Webmedx. Office visits are $20. nm - Yes

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You'd be better off getting a private policy. Premiums are
cheaper, though still expensive, and you don't have to worry about insurance if you make a job change.   Shop around, should be able to get a family policy for about $400.00/mo. 
Your health insurance premiums are sm
deductible on your Schedule C under business expense - 100%.  You can view a Schedule C form and see for yourself.  It basically adds to the rest of your expenses, which you'll then deduct from your earnings - voila - 100% deduction.  I do my own taxes and have been taking the deduction forever.
coverage

I think it's great to see a thread discussing this subject. 


However, when it comes to "prejudice," it has always been with us, since the beginning of time.  It is a human problem, not a white American problem, as so many people seem to be saying.  Some of the most prejudiced people I have encountered in my few decades of life have been non-whites.  When I lived in Latin America, I learned that brown-skinned people discriminate each other based on how light their skin tone is - the lighter the skin, hair color and eye color, the more prestige they had.  Some of our U.S. African-American soldiers were called derogatory names by the Somalians when we were over there - a real eye opener for them.  They thought they were "going home" and then were assailed with hatred and expletives because of their dark skin.


We all need to guard against letting our attitudes harden our hearts towards other people.  It is a life-long process.  I recently realized that my financial concerns because of income loss from this job of MT - with losing jobs to overseas, the foreign-born dictators making it so hard to earn a decent line count - were hardening my heart towards immigrants.  I am in the process of reassessing my attitude and thoughts about that.  I don't want to turn into an angry, hateful, bitter old bigot. 


 


Coverage

That is the one problem with own accounts.  After three days to Tahoe-Reno I came back to 14 tapes as no one wanted anyone else.  But am thinking of taking nearly a week off later this year and so I would like some coverage.  I used to work for a small local MTSO here as an IC and still keep in touch and I might see if there is someone there that wants to do an extra tape or two during the week I am gone.  Also see if there is a chapter of local AAMT in your area -- and I am not sure if it is the national AAMT but here in Portland there is a group of MT's and I got a list of names from them who will do back up and overflow.  I haven't joined but have talked to a few people there and we do some networking.  I have been doing this for so long in the Portland area that I continuously run into people that did either the OHSU account I did or worked for one of the offices previously, etc.  It is a small world.  That is also how I get my people contact.  Also run an ad in the paper well ahead of when you are going to leave.  But there is always the fear that they could "take away" your account but since most of the gals that have helped me out I used to work with -- I don't worry about that.  And you know how it is the first few days on the account -- you don't do that well so they are either ready to kill my docs since I am so used to them or the office says -- "don't ever leave again" because that person does things different that we all appreciate each other immensely when I get back.  But there are ways, just gotta put a little effort into it.  They don't need to do it all but I came back to 14 tapes and if I could have had half done, it would have been nice.  Good luck. 


What coverage?
say what?????
Thanks, we already have a used car without full coverage.

The payment's not that big on it, except when there's a mixup at the bank and they deduct one check twice with the same amount and same check number.  It just feels like the money mojo magnet is gone from my life this week!  LOL  Everything seems to go wrong all at once. 


Vacation coverage

I have five accounts and two I have IC's who work for them -- psych accounts no problem when I leave town.  But my other three, have asked that I have NO ONE work on the account but me and they hold the tapes and I do them when I come back as fast as I can and sometimes wishing I had not taken time off.   No they work with me but then I don't take off much time and when I do it is usually a couple of days and the weekend so we are all not stressed.   If I were to have surgery or something I have friends that would help out and the accounts realize that it would be necessary.  That is one of the drawbacks of having your own accounts.  No work --no money.   But it does make you appreciate your time off.


If you are looking for single coverage, you

S/B able to get something reasonable.  If you're looking for family coverage it is doubtful you would find anything under $350.00/mo.  You might want to look into medical savings accounts.  You have to qualify for these and I'm not sure what the criteria is, but Google it.   If you are a non-smoker and have no pre-existing medical issues, aren't grossly overweight, and not planning a baby anytime soon, you might want to look at getting mainly a major medical plan that would cover you in event of hospitalization or something catastrophic, and just pay routine care out of pocket.


We currently have insurance through DH job, but when I was looking for independent coverage Celtic had the cheapest and then Medcost was the next cheapest.  I called several agencies and they all quoted me on Medcost, but the premiums varied as much as $200.00/mo.   BCBS has something caled Blue Advantage that you might want to look at.  I hate BCBS because they are such a pain to deal with and deny a large percentage of claims, but it might be an option. 


If you have private coverage on yourself, you would not--sm
need workers' compensation on yourself. your private insurance would cover anything happening to you. If you have employees, they may need it, but only if you offered them employee insurance benefits. JMO.
I had individual coverage - sm
when I was IC and SE for a while.  It was expensive - but now I think it would be impossible as I am older.  Considerations are preexisting conditions.  My daughter lost her job and has Graves disease.  She is 23 years old and was flat turned down - no amount of money could get her coverage.  COBRA is costing 380 dollars a month until her new job's coverage kicks in.  If you have any preexisting conditions it may be extremely pricey.  Also do not let insurance lapse  - because anything you might have will not be covered for a period of time - usually a year.  If you are young and have no problems and depending on where you live - individual coverage can be found - before my daughter had problems we got it for under 100.00 a month.  Our state does have a program for people who cannot get coverage but I have not checked to see what that entails - you might call your state and see.
Work both jobs until you get new coverage or
buy your own policies.

It is a choice and you're making it.

If you're going to stay in hell, please do not complain about the temperature!
Diskriter needs weekend coverage - nm
no msg
Thanks for your response. If I opt out of the cobra coverage,
does my current coverage stop immediately (last employment day), at the end of the current pay period, or at the end of the final pay period? Thanks!
medical insurance coverage
My dept. here in radiology transcription is possibly going to be outsourced.  I have been looking at possibly working at home for an agency if this happens.  I have done some looking and found that alot of agencies do offer medical insurance, but does anyone know how good it is and can you cover dependents?  Any information would be appreciated.
Offer vacation coverage (sm)

I have offered just coverage for vacations, etc. and have networked that way, but I know that is tough when you are full-time from home and not in a medical type setting.  I think it is a shame that more do not frequent the State Boards here.  I like hearing everyone's opinions, but if the State Boards were frequented more, I think we could all really network a little more.  I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine type of thing.  Most people do not like to do that because they are afraid you will take their account, but I believe in being trusting, and that is bad karma!  JMO.


Whatever you get, just make sure there is no break in coverage or (sm)
pre-existing conditions will not be covered.  Check archives.  People in the know.
So this does qualify as continuous coverage, right? Thanks for your help. NM
sss
wants to work weekends and they need weekend coverage.
Most companies now are going a Tu-Sa shift of Sun-Thu.   Clinic work usually is M-F.  
Caught a bit of it on Fox ticker but no live coverage..
yet.   Where do you live?  How horrible for you and all the kids to have to go through a nightmare like this :(  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
I only have single coverage with them. but as I recall from the literature it was about
$500 a month or so, maybe a little less. Give them a call or e-mail and I am sure they will tell you.
If you keep it digital, it will be much easier to find coverage (sm)
if you have to leave town or if you go on vacation. I use the TASP on the sticky note above (MetroScript) and when I went on vacation I simply told all my docs I would be gone for that week and they all agreed to hold the dictation except for one. That one account I did on vacation because all I needed was my laptop and an Internet connection to do the work. It was a very cool solution. Additionally, if the work is digital you have a much larger pool to choose from when it comes to getting someone to cover for you. You're not bound by any geographic restrictions. Hope this helps!
Even if she doesn't need it during that 3 months, she needs it not to have a break in coverage if
xx
You'll have to go to their websites and see what the coverage area
is for each.  That may eliminate some choices.  You can also view their plans on-line.  As far as I unknow they are unlimited and the monthly fee is $60 to $70.  The cards can cost as much as $200, but they often run promotions if you sign a 2-year contract.   Lots of companies do not allow wireless as it is not secure. 
Health insurance coverage question...sm

I just started a new MT job and will get health insurance when my benefits quick in.  I want to put my husband on my insurance.  My question is- he has spina bifida and I am concerned that the insurance company will deny him coverage.  Can they do that?


Thanks


Radiation Oncology vacation coverage
Does anyone out there with a private radiation oncology account want to exchange vacation coverage? I have three doctors in a small clinic, average 600 lines a day. They are very particular about quality and need 24-48 hour turnaround at the very most. DSS digital voice files, and all three very good dictators--no accents. I really need to be able to take a few weeks a year and some long weekends here and there and would love to find someone in a similar position willing to exchange time with me.
No belly. Full coverage, as previously stated.

I did not say I looked like a teeny bopper or hooker.  I said I traded my stretch shorts and t-shirts for denim shorts and a tank top.  Yeah, the shorts are somewhat low rider because they don't come up to my bra like the stretchy shorts do, but they've got a full rise that covers the crack and belly button.


Oh, no!  I must be a wanna-be trampy teenager!  Maybe next I'll go out and get some red satin thongs, a belly button ring and a butt tattoo because y'all are jumping on me like that's what I'm trying to do.  If you can't understand the concept of "full coverage", stay out of the conversation.


Insurance is good, but I'd recommend you don't get too specific in coverage.
You could contact a company like Colonial Supplemental Insurance to get accident coverage and consider what other policies you might need, not just for your hands. After all, what if you are in an accident and it's your back that's keeping you away from your desk?
Sprint advertises they have the largest coverage area. They should have

a map on their website showing coverage area.  I haven't used a broadband card yet.   I know someone who used a Verizon air card and they said they were able to get service everywhere they went.  They were on the west coast, where it seems more reasonable that there would be a wider range of service.   You can check Verizon's website for coverage area too.  Another option may be for you to get dial-up at your mother's house.   You can get People PC for $10.95/month, but I don't know if they require a contract.   If none of the big ISPs have a local number you can get service through a small local provider and they usually do not require a contract.  I have traveled extensively and have spent several weeks in some places where dial-up was the only available option at the time and even though I had an ISP they did not have local service.  


Another option is to try the free trials with various ISPs if they have service in your mom's area.   There is no charge is you cancel before trial period is up. 


 


Chamber of Commerce or your own state might offer coverage for IC/SE

If you are an IC and work from home, join your local Chamber of Commerce and sign up for one of the plans they offer.

The premiums are not cheap, but at least you have a chance for health insurance. 
 

If you are under a certain yearly income, many states offer plans. I live in NY.  Besides coverage through my local Chamber of Commerce (I had to drop the plan as it was too expensive), I was covered under Healthy New York (something like $150 per month), then went to  Family Health Plus, but am now on Social Security Disability and am covered under Medicare (NOT cheap, either!) 

 

Don't give up. Go to your state's web site. Somewhere there you should be able to find a "health" link. Or, try your state's department of health site and see what they have to offer. Many states offer insurance for the self employed, unfortunately you have to search for the link!

family is family wheter 3 or 8 sm
i live in MA and $1200-$1400 a month is what good health insurance costs, ie $20-$40 copays.  it was just passed into law that if you live in MA you have to have medical insurance so without being self-employed, you can go right to BCBS etc and get a plan directly from the major health insurace companies, but for a family plan and a decent income bracket, forget it.  the prices are outragous.  right now my husband pays $120 a week for family plan and this is after his employer pays 30% of the total cost.  we have $20 copays, but we have a $2000 individual deductable per year with a $4000 family deductible cap.  so when my daughther needed her tonsils out, $2000 and when my son broke his arm, $2000.  someone on this board has to be able to tell you what they pay for insurance through their company as an employee.  good luck.
I think pre-existing stuff may kick in if you have have no certificate of previous coverage.
nm
Yes, it does constitute "creditable coverage." The only policy I found that was not considere
short-term policy. As you can tell, I've done this  A LOT... So, I've hit every scenario..
I use the Simply Sheer. Love it. Great coverage and feels like no makeup at all. nm


your family
What kind of shelters were you in that they did not help you? If your husband is mentally ill, cannot hold down a job and provide for his family, go to Social Security office and start filling out for SSI or Disability. It is a long drawn out process, but worth it, if you want to keep your family intact and safe.
Well, every family is different, but for us (sm)
When we initially signed with them three years ago, we were a family of four with a husband with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.  The first year our rate was $340/mo with a $750 deductible.  Every year since then we are given the option of either jacking our payment or increasing our deductible.  We are now a family of five, and we are paying $750 a month with a $1750 deductible (per person).  We have no maternity coverage, baby #3 was paid for out of pocket.  Prescriptions are $10/30 after a $500 deductible (because of my husband's medications, otherwise I don't think they usually require a deductible for prescriptions).  Each of us is allowed four office visits per year at $25/each.  Well baby care is sporadic, depending on the mood of the adjuster that day, I think.  We have gotten stuck paying for a $700 ER bill (applied to our deductible, apparently) and several well baby visits (at about $200 a pop).   Overall, I was thrilled when we were paying $340 a month, but now I'm ready to start looking elsewhere.  I would go for it, you're going to get jacked every year wherever you are.  I think what put us over the edge was baby #3 (unplanned), but I wouldn't trade her for anything of course!
Family

I have often said that if I met some of my family on the street and were not related often wonder if I would "like them" let alone "love them"  but because they are family we are obligated to instantly "love them."  Sorry to me blood is not thicker than water and my friends and part of my family are very dear to me and I would do anything for them as it has been a two way street with friendship and love.  Lover your parents though and do anything you can for them. 


Patti


not me, my family gets along
doesn't fight Hmmmmm- I'm not invited anywhere this year- Do you suppose its me??? HA
The other family
Kym and I remain friends. She hates to watch the reruns as much as I do. We both agree that they did a lot of manipulation as far as the show goes and the editing process. She and Hallmark divorced following the show and I have not had any contact with him at all.
Family of 5

1.  Me, although, my husband always pulls out the towels and washclothes and folds them and my 5-year-old loves to fold washclothes and can fold them better than me.


2.  Me.


3.  My husband does them most of the time because I always have to sit down after supper and work some more.


4.  My husband does most of the mowing.


Since you know the family,
perhaps you can tell us what happened to him?
About my family
grown and out of the home but I worked at home when they were younger and made it very clear no work, no money, simple as that. I did not get into this job to work from home, in fact worked years away from home doing same because it was not a "home job." If you want to work from home, don't complain about what you are unable to do in your "profession" when you don't come across as being professional doing all the household duties. I started in this because I knew I loved the medical field, fast typist and knew possibility of making more money, nothing to do with just a job to stay home so I could watch after kids, cook or clean. Married but hubby is gourmet chef so he cooks and I have housekeeper. I work because I happen to love the type work I do.
Your family
Well, I would tell you to get a new family, but that's too flip because I know you are hurting.

Why do you care so much about such a thoughtless remark by your father? Obviously, he has no real understanding of your situation. You are working several jobs, wife, mother, caregiver, etc., plus your MT work.

Just try to let go of he hurt and anger from your parents' lack of understanding (or deliberate undermining of you, whichever it is), and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Give yourself a huge pat on the back because you more than deserve it!! Stay positive about yourself and your situation and things will work out to your advantage. Let go of the need for approval from your parents, because you probably won't get it and you don't need it anyway, really.

You should like a great person to me!


what does your family think?
are you going to want to work at home while attending school, and if so would you want to keep the account you have now, and how do your kids feel about it?
Not in Canda but family is. sm

Happy Canada Day to you!


My Grandmother moved to Maine from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to go college here, where she met and married my grandfather.  I have a huge family there that we visit every few years.  Beautiful place, beautiful people. 


friends and family to appreciate me at my job?
I doubt you're getting raises and I doubt you use your money for "others" and you as well are a poor judge of character.  This initial post was about supervisors interacting more with their MTs so we can put a face with the name and feel like we have someone in our corner, being that we are so remote from coworkers.  Obviously, we disagree, lets agree to do that much.  You just sit and type away and collect your paycheck. 
I like this one. We have some family pictures, but
those are for everyone, not just for her birthday.  I do have some restaurant gift certificates, so I think I'll take her out to lunch.  Thank you for all of the suggestions.
I have family in San Antonio, TX and
they have evacuees housed in shopping malls and old A&P grocery stores.

My family's clothing donations were turned down. Evacuees told them they only want money and ready for this....HAIR PRODUCTS!!!

Go figure!
Family broken up
Does anyone else live with this experience?  After my mom and dad split up (after us kids were grown), all the siblings went their separate ways and really do not have much to do with each other.  Most of them (three brothers) have taken sides, (either mom's or dad's) but we have nothing to do with each other.  Is this odd or usually the norm?   
Not due to divorce, but our family went their
separate ways after both of our parents died.  Strange, because I always thought we were close before that, but it could have been wishful thinking.
Family dysfunction
I feel for you too. Same here. I have 6 sisters, and only 2 are talking to me. I'm the oldest and I was very close to the middle sister who is a family therapist (go figure). We never fought before but 4 years ago she pounded on me for revealing to another sister where she spent Thanksgiving and then all hell broke loose! Since then it caused a chain reaction with the other sisters and now I'm not spoken to ever again. Considering they were always fighting with each other and I was the only one who never got involved in their petty fights, it amazes me. Sure it hurts too. What hurts more than anything is that I have a 28-year-old wonderful son who had nothing to do with this and they won't speak to him either! At this point, I feel like they are gremlins and I've tried in the only way I know, by communicating and asking to sit and talk and get it all out like adults - not even a response. So, oh well. At this point their silent speaks volumes. I too am feeling that if anything happens to me, I would not want them at my funeral services. I just can't figure them out.
I'm not NRA either, but most of the males in my family

are outdoorsmen.  We've always got fresh fish and game meat.  Being raised on game, I think it tastes better than beef or other meats from the grocery store.  Plus, you never know what the grocery stores do to the meat.  There was a hidden camera news report of a grocery store that soaked expired meats in a bleach water solution and repackaged it for sale.  You never know if some lazy person is going to drop the meat on the floor and package it up anyways.  At least in processing our own meat, we know where it came from and how it was processed.


Our state needs hunters because the deer and elk overpopulate.  They damage crops and run loose on the highway causing human deaths.  I would never hunt personally, but I do need to feed my family.  Our freezer will be full again soon with a side of beef and a deer.