Just got a letter from BC/BS of Michigan that starting January 1st, the fed government (Medicare) will not let BC/BS sell our insurance plan. We are being forced to choose either an HMO (gotta love those ) or a PPO. So, guess I won't be abe to keep the plan I like or the doctor I like, after all. Not like I never saw this coming.
I'm about to give up and just eat the damn cake. To @%^* with trying to be healthy and keep diabetes under control.
Being in the health care insurance business, there are SO many changes coming... some of which start in Sept and have yet to be defined. Many people will be in a similar boat as you. When the dust settles on this whole health care reform, many will find it wasn't as sold and small employers are going to be in a world of hurt.
Penny's Mom, don't give up. Ultimately YOU and only you, are responsible for eating healthy, which helps with keeping your diabetes under control. No matter what your insurance company does, YOU are responsible for what goes in your mouth. Back away from the cake and make a big salad.
I know, I know, sigh.... I've been watching it very carefully and have lost 20 pounds in the last 6 months or so. No dieting, just eating healthy and eating as little as possible. Meaning when I was satisfied, I quit. When I was hungry, I chose fruit or veggies or lean protein.
I'm doing it for ME, my Penny and my Harry. I want to feel good, play with my Golden girl and ride my horse. But it does require an optimism that seems to be thwarted by the very people who have sworn to help me. I've always said that dieting and exercise, like birth and death, is done alone.
We are being offered our choice of only 2 types of insurance. HMO (heard "wonderful" stories about those ) or a PPO. That's it. These were available when we chose our PPFS and we didn't choose one of those others because they didn't meet our needs. Obviously we're being forced into choosing something that we would not choose if we were allowed choice. Our premiums quadrupled last January. I can only imagine how the premiums will go up this January.
Sorry, kids, we won't be spending more to help the economy along. Our discretionary money will be going to higher taxes and health insurance . An increase of about 600% (if not more) in 13 months. Not good on a fixed income. And no increase in SS because cost of living didn't go up. Really?
I have BC/BS PPO and last year I had BC/BS HMO. Is that the option you have? I don't see why you wouldn't be able to keep your current doctor with either plan.
I am scared stiff, because I think next year we will start to get taxed on our insurance benefit. They are going to count it as income. I expect my taxes to go up $4,000, in addition to the $4000 I already pay in premiums.
I feel for many in this economy, including myself. Lots of people are going through trying times. I'm feeling pretty lucky when I look around a bit but I'm suffering too.
That said...
How is this not political? Why can we talk about the negatives of healthcare reform and higher taxes etc etc etc (and I'm sure none of this is related to the current administration ) ... but we can't talk about human rights issues like gay marriage??
Sorry, not quite getting it