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Post by staytuned on Jul 25, 2022 13:32:57 GMT
This month sure seems to have gone fast. Hard to believe next Monday is August already. Getting a break for a few days from the heat wave. Hope everyone has a nice, non-tropical day today (unless you're into that).
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Post by peek on Jul 25, 2022 20:31:24 GMT
The temps here are ridiculous too.
Is there a way to see best offer sales anymore? I have a jacket just like one that's sold but it sold on best offer so I can't see the final price.
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Post by Emerald_Door on Jul 25, 2022 21:12:16 GMT
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Post by blissfullymiserable on Jul 25, 2022 21:30:30 GMT
We're currently sitting at 96 degrees which is highly unusual for July in Arizona. Forcast says 99-100 for the next week too. I'm skepical but hopeful. My health insurance premium is significantly going up next month, can't really afford to keep it any longer. Actually the last hike was pretty brutal too but I've somehow managed to get it paid every month. We went over all of the plans that United Health / Golden rule offers and I found two plans with premiums that are half of what the new price would be. One appears to be very similar. Going to call shortly to get a few question answered and then find out what I need to do to get it switched.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
Posts: 30,648
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Post by val2525 on Jul 25, 2022 22:14:28 GMT
Bliss, have you looked at the healthcare marketplace? Eligibility for a premium subsidy for self-employed is based on net profit and the max caps were raised a few years ago, so it's easier to qualify for at least partial subsidies now.
Whatever you do, don't get coverage from Oscar Insurance. They suck.
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kritter
Mod Squad
When we lose sight of how we treat animals, we tend to lose sight of our humanity
Posts: 19,829
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Post by kritter on Jul 25, 2022 22:16:56 GMT
Just the name alone sounds like they might be setting up office out of the back of a pickup in a Walmart parking lot.
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Post by labbypaws on Jul 25, 2022 22:46:54 GMT
It rained hard here for 10 minutes. This is at work. Home got a couple of sprinkles. We need several days of rain. It has been very dry and everything is either going north or south of us.
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Post by peek on Jul 25, 2022 23:12:13 GMT
Thanks didn't know it showed the actual best offer sale price. I'll use it next time. This time I right clicked and viewed source and after trial and error searches for $ and that took me where I needed to be. Bit of a pain doing it that way.
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Post by peek on Jul 25, 2022 23:15:01 GMT
It rained hard here for 10 minutes. This is at work. Home got a couple of sprinkles. We need several days of rain. It has been very dry and everything is either going north or south of us. I can't remember the last rain we've had. Even the big trees are already losing leave, its so dry. They are calling for 5+inches starting tomorrow through the weekend. That means a lot of flooding here. One extreme to the other. Have to get my unlisted inventory out of the garage, it floods when it rains a lot.
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Post by blissfullymiserable on Jul 25, 2022 23:23:59 GMT
Bliss, have you looked at the healthcare marketplace? Eligibility for a premium subsidy for self-employed is based on net profit and the max caps were raised a few years ago, so it's easier to qualify for at least partial subsidies now. Whatever you do, don't get coverage from Oscar Insurance. They suck. It's overwhelming. I just talked to an agent that told me that open enrollment for the MP isn't until November and she also warned me that if I have any pre-existing conditions, they won't be covered for a full year (even if I keep the same company and change to a cheaper plan). I have high BP, dealing with an abnormal pap (sorry tmi) and I just had a suspicous mole removed from my back last week. She told me that they won't even consider approving me until the lab results are back from the mole. She highly recommended keeping the plan that I have now (I've been firmly told the same thing by other agents too) with a $2500 deductive and just change it to a higher deductible. Already checked into this. A $3500 deductible is $635 and $5000 deductible is $618. As it is right now, premium is going up to $810 with the $2500 deductible. So, I'm keeping my plan and going with the $3500 deductible. Feel best about going this route. It's crazy to think that when I started this plan in 2011... my deductible was in the $200 range. It sucks when your health insurance premium is more expensive than your mortgage.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
Posts: 30,648
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Post by val2525 on Jul 25, 2022 23:26:10 GMT
Just the name alone sounds like they might be setting up office out of the back of a pickup in a Walmart parking lot. Could be. Jared Kushner's brother Josh is one of the founding owners. That should have been my first tip off.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
Posts: 30,648
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Post by val2525 on Jul 25, 2022 23:43:07 GMT
It's overwhelming. I just talked to an agent that told me that open enrollment for the MP isn't until November and she also warmed me that if I have any pre-existing condition, they won't be covered for a full year (even if I keep the same company and change to a cheaper plan). I have high BP, dealing with an abnormal pap (sorry tmi) and I just had a suspicous mole removed from my back last week. She told me that they won't even consider approving me until the lab results are back from the mole. She highly recommended keeping the plan that I have now (I've been firmly told the same thing by other agents too) with a $2500 deductive and just change it to a higher decuctible. Already checked into this. A $3500 deductible is $635 and $5000 deductible is $618. As it is right now, premium is going up to $810 with the $2500 deductible. So, I'm keeping my plan and going with the $3500 deductible. Feel best about going this route. It's crazy to think that when I started this plan in 2011... my deductible was in the $200 range. Marketplace insurance plans DO cover pre-existing conditions. They are required to do so under the ACA and there is no waiting period. You are covered on day one of the policy. It sounds like you have a Grandfathered plan. From what I can find, if you keep the same plan, then yes, pre-existing does apply. But you also have the choice to enroll in a marketplace plan during open enrollment. www.hhs.gov/answers/health-insurance-reform/can-i-get-coverage-if-i-have-a-pre-existing-condition/index.html#:~:text=YesYou aren't required to keep it. You might go online and see what your rates would be, and if you qualify for a subsidy. That will give you an idea of what a new plan would cost. Then you could renew your current plan for now, and cancel it in December when you enroll in a marketplace plan. In most states, you can cancel health insurance coverage at any time. As long as you have continuous coverage (even if with multiple companies), there is no tax penalty. www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#/?year=2022You might also want to read the article below and see if your plan is still grandfathered, or if your agent is putting one over on you. The ACA clearly stated how much grandfathered plans can increase annual premiums. www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Fact-Sheets-and-FAQs/keeping-the-health-plan-you-have-grandfatheredKeep in mind that most insurance agents are paid a commission by the insurance company, and don't always have your best interests in mind. My company was referred to an agent who told us if we offered company coverage, the company had to pay at least 50% of the premium, even after I told him we were a small employer with less than 10 employees (there is no minimum company premium obligation for small companies). Needless to say we found another broker.
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Post by blissfullymiserable on Jul 25, 2022 23:48:34 GMT
Marketplace insurance plans DO cover pre-existing conditions. They are required to do so under the ACA and there is no waiting period. You are covered on day one of the policy. It sounds like you have a Grandfathered plan. From what I can find, if you keep the same plan, then yes, pre-existing does apply. But you also have the choice to enroll in a marketplace plan during open enrollment. www.hhs.gov/answers/health-insurance-reform/can-i-get-coverage-if-i-have-a-pre-existing-condition/index.html#:~:text=YesYou aren't required to keep it. You might go online and see what your rates would be, and if you qualify for a subsidy. That will give you an idea of what a new plan would cost. Then you could renew your current plan for now, and cancel it in December when you enroll in a marketplace plan. In most states, you can cancel health insurance coverage at any time. As long as you have continuous coverage (even if with multiple companies), there is no tax penalty. www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#/?year=2022You might also want to read the article below and see if your plan is still grandfathered, or if your agent is putting one over on you. The ACA clearly stated how much grandfathered plans can increase annual premiums. www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Fact-Sheets-and-FAQs/keeping-the-health-plan-you-have-grandfatheredKeep in mind that most insurance agents are paid a commission by the insurance company, and don't always have your best interests in mind. My company was referred to an agent who told us if we offered company coverage, the company had to pay at least 50% of the premium, even after I told him we were a small employer with less than 10 employees (there is no minimum company premium obligation for small companies). Needless to say we found another broker. It's definitely a grandfathered plan this is no longer available. UHO choice plus plan. For now I'm good with keeping the same plan but might consider something on the MP once open enrollment comes around. If not this year then next. I also talked to a rep at United Health, he said to expect their premiums to go up 20% every year.
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Post by Emerald_Door on Jul 26, 2022 0:37:14 GMT
I agree with Val. It sounds like that insurance agent just wants to keep you with their company.
Marketplace plans do not exclude pre-existing conditions, as Val said.
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Post by blissfullymiserable on Jul 26, 2022 0:40:59 GMT
The two agents that I've spoken to were in no way affiliated with my health insurance company so they stood nothing to gain. They were familiar with my insurance plan though. One referred to it as the Cadillac plan... lol. I did talk with a 3rd agent at United Health today but he in no way said anything at all to try to get me to stay. Just factual information for me to digest, suggested that I thoroughly read the exclusions for the plans that I was considering and he gave a number to call if I wanted to submit an application for a less expensive plan.
A few things that stand out for me as far as the MP goes is that I'm worried about having to get established with new providers. I like all of the ones that I've been seeing for many years now. Also, with my current private plan, I don't need a referral to see a specialist. I don't see that many specialists but the option of self referring is really nice.
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Post by allikat on Jul 26, 2022 11:39:34 GMT
I don't qualify for the Marketplace this year or next because my agent said they do a one year look back and I made too much flipping houses this year. I shut down the house flipping business in April so eventually I should be eligible. My single policy is $461 a month with a $11,800 deductible, in Maryland it is the Bronze level plan which is the cheapest but I like the insurance because if I want to see a dermatologist I just make appt, etc, no referrals necessary and I can pick my doctors, it's better if in plan but if not still pay a nice chunk. I do not use my insurance much and I have a Health Savings account, I really only need it for something catastrophic. I mostly treat holistically if possible, not stupid about it but if I can do it naturally I do.
I made it though the 6 month mark and DH's birthday last week, I moved my wedding ring to my other hand after those 2 anniversaries, it just felt like the right thing to do but it feels so heavy on that hand I am wondering if it is telling me to just put it away I will give it a week or so see if I get used to it. My mother called to remind me of them both Wednesday and Friday morning. Thanks mom like I wasn't going to remember. My friends from Ohio are coming today to stay for 3 or 4 days to help me with a few things around here and to visit.
Had a great time at the reunion on Sunday, DH's best friends parents family reunion. Hung out in the pool all day because it was 100 degrees and ate a bunch of different stuff. Everyone kept feeding me bites of things to see if I could taste it, lol. I faintly tasted vinegar in pickles and the salt in some very salty olives. DH's best friend picked me up and took me to reunion. We are texting and talking almost everyday soon I am going to have to refer to him as my best friend, lol. It was so good to laugh so much and DH's friend said he hadn't felt so relaxed in years, so it was good for everyone. My BIL was there, DH's brother, he is having an incredibly hard time with losing his brother and he was part of the pool crew and laughed most of the afternoon. All of us ended up crying at one point but that was okay too, it's an emotional roller coaster that we are all sort of on together.
Now to go to grocery to get some food in the house for my company that is coming. Have a great day everyone!!
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Post by Emerald_Door on Jul 26, 2022 15:12:51 GMT
I think that everyone can get a Marketplace plan if you don't have insurance through an employer, but not everyone can get a subsidy, which is dependent on your income. You can go into the website to compare the plans and look up your doctors to see if they're included in the plans you're considering .
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Post by blissfullymiserable on Jul 26, 2022 15:55:39 GMT
Yesterday I struggled to find the site, the site or sites that I found wanted name, phone number and email address. Mistakenly entered it a few times and I've gotten dozens of phone calls since. I was never able to view any plans on any sites. Called a bit ago and got my deductible changed for the old plan. The guy yesterday gave me the rates that are expiring. New rate is $635 for a $3500 deductible. Good thing that I have no interest in a new car. I'll be keeping my 2016 Soul until it dies.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
Posts: 30,648
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Post by val2525 on Jul 26, 2022 16:35:18 GMT
I learned the hard way that the total out of pocket I'd have to pay is more important than the deductible. You can check marketplace plans at www.healthcare.gov/Pick "see if you can enroll", pick the "moved" option and go from there. You'll need to set up a login and account, but you can use that same login in November to enroll if you want. You will not get spammed with email, other than some reminders to enroll as the enrollment period gets closer. Meanwhile, this will give you an idea of how much premiums will be, highlights of various plans, and how much (if any) premium subsidiary you qualify for. Remember, your income is your estimated net profit for this year, not gross sales. Consider looking at total out-of-pocket cost, not just the deductible. I picked a plan for 2022 that has max out-of-pocket cost of $5,000. If I have major expenses or get hospitalized, I can put the total out of pocket on my credit card and I'm done. I only looked at deductible last year and ended up paying close to $10,000 of my bills last year. All plans require you to pay part of the total costs for the year, but they also have to tell you the total out-of-pocket you are responsible for. I figured I'd rather pay a little more a month in premiums than fork out $10,000 in out-of-pocket costs should I have major expenses. My current dr co-pays are very reasonable so I'm good.
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Post by blissfullymiserable on Jul 26, 2022 16:50:32 GMT
I learned the hard way that the total out of pocket I'd have to pay is more important than the deductible. You can check marketplace plans at www.healthcare.gov/Pick "see if you can enroll", pick the "moved" option and go from there. You'll need to set up a login and account, but you can use that same login in November to enroll if you want. You will not get spammed with email, other than some reminders to enroll as the enrollment period gets closer. Meanwhile, this will give you an idea of how much premiums will be, highlights of various plans, and how much (if any) premium subsidiary you qualify for. Remember, your income is your estimated net profit for this year, not gross sales. Consider looking at total out-of-pocket cost, not just the deductible. I picked a plan for 2022 that has max out-of-pocket cost of $5,000. If I have major expenses or get hospitalized, I can put the total out of pocket on my credit card and I'm done. I only looked at deductible last year and ended up paying close to $10,000 of my bills last year. All plans require you to pay part of the total costs for the year, but they also have to tell you the total out-of-pocket you are responsible for. I figured I'd rather pay a little more a month in premiums than fork out $10,000 in out-of-pocket costs should I have major expenses. My current dr co-pays are very reasonable so I'm good. There's so many things to read and digest with every single plan. It just seems like if they don't get on one end, they'll get you on the other. I'm most comfortable keeping the current plan with a higher deductible. Sounds like you found a good plan for yourself though Val. No idea what I'll do when this comes around again next year. Just take it year by year I guess. At some point it will be completely unaffordable for me to keep. It almost was this year.
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Post by Emerald_Door on Jul 26, 2022 17:15:55 GMT
If it gets to point where it's "unaffordable," look at healthcare.gov before giving up. You might qualify for a subsidy.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Jul 26, 2022 18:15:48 GMT
allikat - I don't know your mom so may be off on this, but some people do things like that thinking that they're being supportive, that they're 'remembering with you' and also haven't forgotten. It seems misguided to me, too, but she may actually mean well. Sometimes people do things that just baffle me, but I also recognise that my social aptitude index is not very high. We're actually having summer here. I was out for a bike ride with my good friend yesterday and it was already into the 80s when we had lunch outside in front of a cafe at only about 11:00 or so. By the time the DH went out for some heat training in the midafternoon it was over 90. Bleh. RetroMonde and Pantlandia were probably really sweltering because it's closer to 100 down in Portland area (it's always hotter there than up here). It's really quiet - everyone gets out in the morning to do whatever they do, then if they don't work in an office or store or wherever, either stay in their yards or go sit in the water somewhere to stay cool. I still can't run due to a sore paw but usually on days like this I'll run in the middle of the night or wee hours of the morning when it's cool, and it's amazing how many people are up at 1:00 a.m., sitting in their yards or just walking around lol. It's so rare to be warm at night here.
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Post by jesmelric on Jul 26, 2022 19:12:23 GMT
allikat - I don't know your mom so may be off on this, but some people do things like that thinking that they're being supportive, that they're 'remembering with you' and also haven't forgotten. It seems misguided to me, too, but she may actually mean well. Sometimes people do things that just baffle me, but I also recognise that my social aptitude index is not very high. We're actually having summer here. I was out for a bike ride with my good friend yesterday and it was already into the 80s when we had lunch outside in front of a cafe at only about 11:00 or so. By the time the DH went out for some heat training in the midafternoon it was over 90. Bleh. RetroMonde and Pantlandia were probably really sweltering because it's closer to 100 down in Portland area (it's always hotter there than up here). It's really quiet - everyone gets out in the morning to do whatever they do, then if they don't work in an office or store or wherever, either stay in their yards or go sit in the water somewhere to stay cool. I still can't run due to a sore paw but usually on days like this I'll run in the middle of the night or wee hours of the morning when it's cool, and it's amazing how many people are up at 1:00 a.m., sitting in their yards or just walking around lol. It's so rare to be warm at night here. Yes DD in Portland said it's very hot there right now, and they don't have a/c everywhere like they do here. It's been in the 80s at night here for well over a month, we long for just a bit of cool in the evenings. And small chances of rain lately but all we got was a 5 minute heavy downpour on Sunday.
Got a message from my step mom yesterday that my dad is in the hospital. He was having problems breathing and they have told her it's some kind of internal bleeding, they sedated him and put him on a ventilator and they are doing an endoscopy today then removing (or trying to) the ventilator. Dad is 88 so I know he's a really old guy, but he's a tough old bird and I think maybe he might have a few years in him still. Any prayers are appreciated.
After I got the message from her and shared it with my sister I brought the phone into the bathroom with me to brush my teeth in case someone reached out to me and I hit my elbow on the edge of the door frame and dropped my cell phone hard on the floor face down and shattered the glass. I've had a smart phone for years and this is the first one I've broken. Luckily it's not an expensive one, $80 and I have ordered another. Meantime it's awfully hard to read.
We have insurance through DH's work and the premiums are high, it's mostly me, his company pays 80% of his. The deductible is less than last year's plan but the premium is more. Affordable health care is a thing of the past I think. It's really a shame.
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Post by labbypaws on Jul 26, 2022 19:30:02 GMT
Jes hopefully your dad is on the mend soon.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Jul 26, 2022 23:33:03 GMT
It's in the 80s in our house, probably about 85 in my office. Bleh. I'll get used to it in a few days but until then I'm not going out of my yard lol - sit under the trees and try to stay cool. jesmelric - hope your dad is on the mend - sometimes those really old folks are tough and hardy as old trees.
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Post by denise15601 on Jul 27, 2022 1:05:14 GMT
Jes-sorry about your dad and hope that he gets better very soon!
It was nice here today-77 and cloudy....great for mowing. We have had high 80's with high humidity and storms now and then. So today was a gift.
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Post by peek on Jul 27, 2022 4:55:19 GMT
It was 104 here today. Then I got into downtown traffic and all the buildings, was 109 there. Plus super humid, it was absolutely miserable.
Went to the bins, no A/C and they have a huge fan that blows on the register employees so they keep the front door shut. That's the only fan in the shopping and it doesn't point out onto the floor. I lasted an hour and I couldn't take it anymore. Then had to pick up stuff at the warehouse next door. Sweat was dripping head to toe when I was done. It was not a pretty sight lol
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Post by chapeaunoir on Jul 27, 2022 7:18:11 GMT
I was at the St. Vinnie's I like down on the highway and they have no air conditioning (our thrifts are all in old supermarkets and the like), either - they have a gigantic fan, like a swamp cooler only vertical, that they drag out, and had some other smaller fans on stools here and there, with the windows and doors open, but it was hot and stuffy. It was pretty slow and the manager was sitting at the counter with his head cradled in his arms - he's a big guy and he looked hot and miserable. 104 - that would be horrible, not sure I would have lasted an hour!
At the gym we've had the back door to the alley propped open with some cinder blocks - even with all the fans going it gets really stuffy with all of us generating so much heat hammering away and we just sweat all over the place. It's supposed to be into the 90s all week, but we get a spell like this many summers. Makes up for those years of no summer lol. I was tired and dozy all day today and yesterday with the heat. Kept wanting to go somewhere and sleep.
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Post by Desire on Jul 27, 2022 14:34:47 GMT
Has anyone used the LOTUS birthday candles? They are a center flower with petals that opens up to many candles when lit. It plays music, Happy Birthday. I'd like to buy the purple one, but it seems they are only sold in packs of three on the Lotus website. I checked ebay but they all seem to be knock-offs, and they are not on Amazon. Just wondering if anyone here has used them and if they work OK? Here is the video site linked below. The purple one is the second pic that comes up on the video - I like that color the best. I'm reluctant to order from the Lotus site directly and don't want three of them either. lotuscandles.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxIOXBhCrARIsAL1QFCZsR1LPTDrsMxvguBL0j_c5ElIMCxBnDiF5nDxnAiaiXXitiOh6A-4aAnteEALw_wcB
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Post by blissfullymiserable on Jul 27, 2022 15:09:44 GMT
I keep looking at the forecast on my phone thinking that I'm looking at the wrong city/state. It's it currently 83 degrees and the high is only going to be 97. It's supposed to be like this for the forseeable future. It's so unusual but I'll take it. My phone continues to ring like crazy after entering some personal information on line for health insurance.
Yesterday morning I stopped in the GW across the street when they opened. I usualy don't find much or anything but got lucky. Just bread and butter stuff really but it's the kind of stuff that I like to find and list. All priced cheap too. Nothing was over $2.49. Was there about 15 minutes, left with 8 or 9 things and only spend $11.47. Today's a shop day. Hopefully the luck spills over to today.
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