Maybe it's hormones, but I am TOTALLY stressed out! I hope I don't sound like a spoiled baby to anyone that doesn't even have health insurance because I know that I am bleassed to have insurance at all. Although, it is not like it fell into my lap. I did work hard in college in order to get a degree and good job that offered health insurance. However, I went by to see the school accountant today and confirm a few things about Tanner's delivery costs and coverage. Here is the first minor stresser~ See, Tobin has even better insurance, or cheaper, so we will be putting Tanner on Tobin's insurance. The problem with that is that I am on a Cox plan and Tanner will need a St. John's pediatrician. I know NOTHING about that network, nor whom to choose for his doctor. Any suggestions from anyone associated with the St. John's network??????
But, here's the REAL SHOCKER! I just found out that all of the high monthly insurance premiums that I have been paying since July '07 may be all for nothing! The school at which I teach is most probably switching companies, or paying a much HIGHER premium to stay with the same company! We should know by the end of the school year exactly what is changing, insurance company-wise, and how that affects our current claims and situations. The date that this should all take place......JULY 1st....the date of my delivery....JULY 10th!!!!!!!!!! So, if I deliver on time, who knows how much this baby will cost! I chose my current plan, and best one available, last summer, in the hopes of getting pregnant. I am normally not sick, so that worked well for me since I have an appt. per month now. I have paid through the nose each paycheck, above and beyond what school board pays, but it has paid off since I will only pay $15 out of pocket to have this baby TOTAL! OR SO I THOUGHT!!!!!!!!!!! That is all about to change! That is now ONLY true if I have the baby prior to July 1st!!! So..........do I tell my doctor that I would like to have the baby on June 30th or before, if that fits into his schedule and the baby is ready to come out??????????? I can't imagine THAT going over too well! I'm sure it will all work out and as long as he's covered, all is well in the long run, BUT our health care in this country really stinks and it is really annoying to have the rug pulled out from under you when you have planned, AND PAID, for a certain type of coverage! AARRrrrrgghhhhh....If you have any words of advice or feel the need to put me in my place, please do. Anything that will lower my blood pressure would be good.
So there is no way your new insurance will have the same coverage for you?
ReplyDeleteYou may be surprised if there are no other options you definitely may want to talk to your doctor and see about early delivery. It never hurts to ask, I've found out.
Hey Tanya! Well, the way she described it, if we keep the same company, the premiums will be super high in order to keep the same coverage. She didn't think our school district would stay with them and would probably open it up to other bids. Could even be a differnt network and doctor switches! YUCK!! They have already developed a committee for this.
ReplyDeleteI spoke to a friend that was in the same situation, and even with the same doctor, and he was able to induce a week early to help her out. We'll see!
Oh Holly, what a mess! I have had SERIOUS issues with the insurance we have now. When I had chemo and radiation, I was so fortunate because we had a great company then and considering all my medical bills, I hardly paid anything. Then, we switch companies and I'm currently making $100 monthly payments to Cox because the coverage was 10 times worse and apparently I originally signed up for the wrong plan. (And I will continue making these payments for the next 11 months.) I switched to the highest plan possible this last summer too - which is ALOT of money out of each paycheck! So far I haven't had to pay for any of my scans, so it's helped. It's REALLY frustrating. I don't know much about birth/deliveries, but I do know people who have been induced so that their delivery was covered by insurance. Maybe your doctor would know more. I'm sure it will all work out. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, and if we switch networks next year, I will be really mad! I love my oncologist and would be devastated to have to switch!!!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, Heather, I have had several bad situations wtih this compnay and sure had a lot to say when they sent out the email recently asking for opinions. I liked our old company better too. It will make me really mad to pay all the monthly premiums, and not have that extra cash all year, then have to pay even more to deliver than originally promised and maybe even have to switch doctors! Tobin said we would pay the out of network price to keep the same doc through delivery. I finally found one I like! You're right! WHAT A MESS!
ReplyDeleteMan, that stinks. I'm all for an early delivery...then I'll be guaranteed to be here for it. As it stands right now, you'll probably have him while I'm in Florida!
ReplyDeleteI hope everything works out okay with the insurance and don't stress too much! I'm sure everything will work out just fine!
ReplyDeleteWe just found out that our insurance is switching to St. Johns and I'm not too happy about that. We can still have Cox dr. but it will cost us a lot more and we really don't want to have to give up the 100% coverage we have now (and we only pay $12.00 a month right now!). We aren't stressing too much though since it won't take effect until well after the baby is born. I know telling you not to stress probably isn't the most helpful advice since it all falls so closely to your due date! :)
That is stressful Holly! I hate insurance changes!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, and by the way, you have been a busy scrapper lately! I haven't checked anyone's blog in a bit, and you have been one busy girl!!!
ReplyDeleteWhere you been? I haven't even really seen you at school the last 2 days.
ReplyDeleteHey guys! I will blog soon. Just so tired when I get home and crazy with MAP at school. Next week, the madness will all come to an end and I will be on cruise control for the remainder of the year! haha
ReplyDeleteKodi, I walked by you today, but you were in a convo with Linda, so I didn't interrupt. I'll head your way before 1st hour tomorrow morn.
Hey Holly...sorry to hear about your insurance. If your insurance company switches they will usually let you keep your doctor throughout your pregnancy. I switched from Cox to St. John's at 5 months and St. John's said they would pay. If you need a pediatrician you should try Dr. Griesemer or someone in his office. I was really happy with them. Hope everything works out for you!
ReplyDeleteHi hear ya girl! That stuff is so confusing...and unfair!
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm so sorry to hear this!! I would be stressed out too - and I don't think you should be bashful at all about asking your doctor to deliver early. I would too if I were you!! I would be angry at my job right now. :(
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