DeloresRose

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Cresting the hill...

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Preparing for the plunge. We're stocked up and ready to hunker down.
Stay safe, and good luck! It’s coming for me tomorrow. And then look at Sunday.
 

JamesDMad

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I don’t know how HMOs work now, but when I had one, it was the worst. I had to get a referral from my gp every time I needed a specialist, AND had to get the HMO to authorize it for every visit. I spent more time in the phone than waiting in doctors offices.

Hopefully they function more efficiently now. I can’t imagine going through my husband’s cancer like that.
I think they have changed somewhat since they were first introduced decades ago.. but still have to get the auth before visiting a specialist but it's more streamlined now
 

Eskie

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I don’t know how HMOs work now, but when I had one, it was the worst. I had to get a referral from my gp every time I needed a specialist, AND had to get the HMO to authorize it for every visit. I spent more time in the phone than waiting in doctors offices.

Hopefully they function more efficiently now. I can’t imagine going through my husband’s cancer like that.

Depends. For the most part they're pretty terrible. You're always better off with a better plan, but if that's all you can qualify for and afford it beats going with nothing. I would never want to have myself or a family member in one. PPOs are no joy either, but at least you can find far more doctors and whatnot in them so you may be able to find your regular doctor in it so you don't even have to change. Still, medical insurance in the US is generally a mess, especially if you're not familiar enough with how your plan actually works. They make it complicated to help frustrate you and therefore not seek out the care you need which they will have to pay for.
 

Eskie

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Morning all. For all those in the cold zone today (and it's reaching its icy fingers pretty far south), keep your vapes warm and maybe leave your fancy stainless steel drip tips at home today.
View attachment 794905

Now that's a tad cool. Definitely jacket weather. :cry:
 

DeloresRose

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I think they have changed somewhat since they were first introduced decades ago.. but still have to get the auth before visiting a specialist but it's more streamlined now
I hope so. Mine was horrible. Spend 2-3 hours on the phone, then wait a month for an approval letter.

And they’d disqualify my meds out of the blue. I was on several prescriptions for migraines that you have to taper off, you can’t just stop, or it can cause seizures. And they’d just randomly send a letter saying I needed to switch to something else (cheaper) more than once something I’d already tried that didn’t work.

As if migraines aren’t stressful enough.

Anyway... my vapor range and MFS orders are on the way, along with more sock yarn. Nothing should land until Friday though. I’ll check the mail today so the bills don’t pile up, but I ain’t going anywhere tomorrow and likely not Thursday either. Lol.
 

Eskie

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Susaz

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View attachment 794837
I'm going to put this on my lock screen.
In my first appt, circa 1983, I had a place with a small table where the Panasonic answering machine/phone was, and I put two comfy love chairs to the sides. I loved chatting with friends long past bedtime. I miss talking to people on the phone. The landline nowadays hardly ever rings.
 

Susaz

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Good morning shiners! On my first cup of coffee and thinking about what needs to be rewicked today for something to do.



Actually most all plans in the US cover outpatient and many medications. The quality of coverage depends on what you can afford to buy. For those eligible through work it can be a bit more affordable and there are plans out there that you can get with subsidies if you qualify financially. You also get to pick your doctor, pharmacy, etc, although some plans have lots of participating providers and others not. There are also still classic HMOs in the US as well.

I have no idea what of any premiums you pay there but it's likely lower than in the US for something similar.
When we looked at plans for the Miami area it was about 1000 for the couple, plus several of my meds at reduced prices. I have a gifted individual visa that never ends, so the option is always there. I don't know, had such a bad time in the 80s.
 

Susaz

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I don’t know how HMOs work now, but when I had one, it was the worst. I had to get a referral from my gp every time I needed a specialist, AND had to get the HMO to authorize it for every visit. I spent more time in the phone than waiting in doctors offices.

Hopefully they function more efficiently now. I can’t imagine going through my husband’s cancer like that.
That's exactly what happens here, and I prefer it. My gp is a trusted friend, but in doubt I can always go to the emergency room, no charges (that's how I got diagnosed with diabetes, suddenly I felt indigested and was drinking lots of water. I had had my regular checkup 6 months before and everything was fine!)
 

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