Buying Health Insurance

[RickWalia]

I was thinking about buying health insurance since blood work was costing me a bunch i just paid 1200$ cash a week ago at lab corp. And have to do another set upcoming April so i was wondering what should i look at since i really don't know much about health insurance since i didn't think i would need it at the age of 18. Thanks a lot ++.

[LowT]

Health insurance isn't going to cover preexisting conditions so...

[Dadnatron]

Depending on where you are, you should look into HMO. At your age, it would be the least expensive, and although it is NOT my favorite overall, it is relatively reasonable care for someone young. I would question why you are getting $1200 labs at your age. Don't let them throw you into the 'fishing' category. Ensure that the doc taking care of you gives a REASON for why he/she wants the labs and a PLAN on what he/she will do with an abnormal result.

Labs are often a HUGE waste of money as they are ordered. And at your age, there should be some pretty clear signs on what is wrong or why they are looking at a specific thing.

Also... be careful... at 18... you are impressionable, perhaps beyond your own understanding. This website might not be the right place for you at all.

[medgerton]

Depending on where you are, you should look into HMO. At your age, it would be the least expensive, and although it is NOT my favorite overall, it is relatively reasonable care for someone young. I would question why you are getting $1200 labs at your age. Don't let them throw you into the 'fishing' category. Ensure that the doc taking care of you gives a REASON for why he/she wants the labs and a PLAN on what he/she will do with an abnormal result.

Labs are often a HUGE waste of money as they are ordered. And at your age, there should be some pretty clear signs on what is wrong or why they are looking at a specific thing.

Also... be careful... at 18... you are impressionable, perhaps beyond your own understanding. This website might not be the right place for you at all.

Good advice.

[brandO]

get a job at ups. you work 3-4 hours in the morning or night and get better health insurance than 95% of people working good full time jobs.

my insurance covers everything a huge set of labs costs me 10$

[JanSz]

Good advice.

I am a fisherman.

Even our dr John have a list of tests.
Look at it, it is not that short.

//

[gman]

PrivateMd.com...labs at a decent price.

a lot cheaper than buying health insurance

[cpeil2]

I am a fisherman.

Even our dr John have a list of tests.
Look at it, it is not that short.

//

Every test on Dr. John's list is necessary to assess one's hormone status and/or their general state of health . . . important questions in a new doctor-patient relationship. If you shop carefully, you can get Dr. John's panel done for $700-$800.

It's important to point out that Medicare subsidizes your sense of curiosity.

[pmgamer18]

Thank you so much for saying this.

Depending on where you are, you should look into HMO. At your age, it would be the least expensive, and although it is NOT my favorite overall, it is relatively reasonable care for someone young. I would question why you are getting $1200 labs at your age. Don't let them throw you into the 'fishing' category. Ensure that the doc taking care of you gives a REASON for why he/she wants the labs and a PLAN on what he/she will do with an abnormal result.

Labs are often a HUGE waste of money as they are ordered. And at your age, there should be some pretty clear signs on what is wrong or why they are looking at a specific thing.

Also... be careful... at 18... you are impressionable, perhaps beyond your own understanding. This website might not be the right place for you at all.

[JanSz]

Every test on Dr. John's list is necessary to assess one's hormone status and/or their general state of health . . . important questions in a new doctor-patient relationship. If you shop carefully, you can get Dr. John's panel done for $700-$800.

It's important to point out that Medicare subsidizes your sense of curiosity.

I am just plain curious.

If you have a time, you may want to help me and figure out how to get most out of cytokines testing.

That is my plan for my next doc's visit.
That & going back to (T4 + T3) use.
I think I have erased my RT3 rather completely, time to go back to "normal".

--------------------------------------------------

At one point I posted a cross between dr John's & my long list when using
PrivateMd.com
it came to about $1000

...
If the test can be had for $1000
why are they
dumping additional $2500 to the bill
make Medicare pay it
and
complain that Medicare cost lots of money.

================

[cpeil2]

I am just plain curious.

If you have a time, you may want to figure out how to get most out of cytokines testing.

That is my plan for my next doc's visit.
That & going back to (T4 + T3) use.
I think I have erased my RT3 rather completely, time to go back to "normal".

--------------------------------------------------

At one point I posted a cross between dr John's & my long list when using
PrivateMd.com
it came to about $1000

...
If the test can be had for $1000
why are they
dumping additional $2500 to the bill
make Medicare pay it
and
complain that Medicare cost lots of money.

================

Because they can.

[RickWalia]

Depending on where you are, you should look into HMO. At your age, it would be the least expensive, and although it is NOT my favorite overall, it is relatively reasonable care for someone young. I would question why you are getting $1200 labs at your age. Don't let them throw you into the 'fishing' category. Ensure that the doc taking care of you gives a REASON for why he/she wants the labs and a PLAN on what he/she will do with an abnormal result.

Labs are often a HUGE waste of money as they are ordered. And at your age, there should be some pretty clear signs on what is wrong or why they are looking at a specific thing.

Also... be careful... at 18... you are impressionable, perhaps beyond your own understanding. This website might not be the right place for you at all.

I know i was surprised at 1200$ =[ but this is wat i took

Dihydrotest 180$
Metabolic Panel 27.40
Triidothronine 75.00$
Reverse t3 236.00
Sex Horm Binding Glob, Serm 113.00
Testosterone Free 353.00
Luteinizing Hormone 40.00
Tsh 43.00
Testerone Serum 52.00
Fsh 42.00
Tyroxine (t4) 25.00
Estradiol 65.00
CBC with Platelet 19.00
Blood Drawing 10.00
came out 1280.40 =X

I have low t would that be considered preexisting Condition o.O?

[Dadnatron]

I am just plain curious.

If you have a time, you may want to help me and figure out how to get most out of cytokines testing.

That is my plan for my next doc's visit.
That & going back to (T4 + T3) use.
I think I have erased my RT3 rather completely, time to go back to "normal".

--------------------------------------------------

At one point I posted a cross between dr John's & my long list when using
PrivateMd.com
it came to about $1000

...
If the test can be had for $1000
why are they
dumping additional $2500 to the bill
make Medicare pay it
and
complain that Medicare cost lots of money.

================


Medicare pays whatever it wants to for the tests. They have standard coding which pays a certain $ amount based upon the code.

In order for me to see a 'Medicare' patient, they must first see 2 other docs, even if the original doc KNOWS what is going on and that I am the one to deal with it.

THAT is where Medicare costs. THAT... and the beurocracy involved in which studies have shown that only $0.60 out of every dollar actually makes it to the providers... be it hospital or doctor.

[JanSz]

Because they can.

I think you mean both ways:

They can overcharge
they can complain that Medicare costs are big.

..
It is always good to have a scape goat.
"Social Justice" sounds real good and mean whatever one wants it to mean.

This country must perish
or
go back to the way founding fathers set it up

//

[Dadnatron]

I think you mean both ways:

They can overcharge
they can complain that Medicare costs are big.

..
It is always good to have a scape goat.
"Social Justice" sounds real good and mean whatever one wants it to mean.

This country must perish
or
go back to the way founding fathers set it up

//

I can send in a bill for $10K... doesn't matter WHAT I charge... Medicare pays the amount they have scheduled for the CODING. The bill is meaningless.

The actually 'charge' is meaningless throughout medicine, except in cash payments. Any office, hospital, Dr., etc can 'bill' whatever they choose, however, it all comes down to the PREVIOUSLY DECIDED costs for procedures which has already been established via contract through various negotiations between providers and Insurance/payors.

THAT is why you will see an 'outrageous' bill but then the insurance will have a 'negotiated' amount or a 'insurance' amount which is significantly lower. it is because in order for that provider to be on that payors roles, they have already come to an agreement on a schedule of costs. That first 'bill' is absolutely meaningless, and I have been fighting to have those initial charges removed.

BECAUSE they are completely out of character for what is actually charged and paid, and they make medicine look bad. It is sort of like buying a car... you look at the price, but KNOW you aren't paying that much... so WHY do they put that on there in the first place?

BTW... Medicare has a rule that THEY ALWAYS pay equal to or LESS than the LEAST you charge to anyone. So if I want to give away a service, ie professional courtesy, to another physician (such as do a 'free' MRI because he looked at my ankle) I cannot do it! YEP... because if I 'GIVE AWAY' my services, that means that I have 'charged less' to someone than I charge to Medicare, and thereby have broken the law and agreement we made.

It is ridiculous and will get thousand times worse should this sort of crap take over even more of healthcare. We will step completely OUT of Medicare and go only to Private insurance/self pay only. Alot of docs will do this and the overall health system will suffer.

[JanSz]

I can send in a bill for $10K... doesn't matter WHAT I charge... Medicare pays the amount they have scheduled for the CODING. The bill is meaningless.

The actually 'charge' is meaningless throughout medicine, except in cash payments. Any office, hospital, Dr., etc can 'bill' whatever they choose, however, it all comes down to the PREVIOUSLY DECIDED costs for procedures which has already been established via contract through various negotiations between providers and Insurance/payors.

THAT is why you will see an 'outrageous' bill but then the insurance will have a 'negotiated' amount or a 'insurance' amount which is significantly lower. it is because in order for that provider to be on that payors roles, they have already come to an agreement on a schedule of costs. That first 'bill' is absolutely meaningless, and I have been fighting to have those initial charges removed.

BECAUSE they are completely out of character for what is actually charged and paid, and they make medicine look bad. It is sort of like buying a car... you look at the price, but KNOW you aren't paying that much... so WHY do they put that on there in the first place?

So CODING is a king.

I always put a lots of emphasis on my ICD-9 codes.

My list of tests is frequently discussed with other doctors that members from this board see.

My list of ICD-9 codes works for me,
but in the intrest of others who are using it, you may want to polish it.

Proper code means money in the pocket or out of pocket, important for most.

My list of codes is posted below three times, three different formats, so hopefully it will be easier to read.
================================================== ========
244.9 ----- 257.2 ----- 780.79
250.00 ----- 272.4 ----- 788.41
250.01 ----- 601.9 ----- 253.3
255.4 ----- 780.4 ----- 255.8
783.9 -----
================================================== ========
244.9 Unspecified acquired hypothyroidism
250.00 Diabetes mellitus without complication type ii or unspecified type not stated as uncontrolled
250.01 Diabetes mellitus without complication type i not stated as uncontrolled
255.4 Corticoadrenal insufficiency
783.9 Other symptoms concerning nutrition metabolism and development
257.2 Other testicular hypofunction
272.4 Other and unspecified hyperlipidemia
601.9 Prostatitis unspecified
780.4 Dizziness and giddiness
780.79 Other malaise and fatigue
788.41 Urinary frequency
253.3 Adult Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency
255.8 Other specified disorders of adrenal glands
================================================== ========


ICD9Data.com - Free 2007 ICD-9-CM Medical Coding Database (http://www.icd9data.com/)

250.00 Diabetes mellitus without complication type ii or unspecified type not stated as uncontrolled 2009 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 250.00 - Diabetes Mellitus Without Complication Type Ii Or Unspecified Type Not Stated As Uncontrolled (http://www.icd9data.com/2009/Volume1/240-279/249-259/250/250.00.htm)
250.01 Diabetes mellitus without complication type i not stated as uncontrolled 2009 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 250.01 - Diabetes Mellitus Without Complication Type I Not Stated As Uncontrolled (http://www.icd9data.com/2009/Volume1/240-279/249-259/250/250.01.htm)
255.4 Corticoadrenal insufficiency 2009 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 255.4 - Corticoadrenal Insufficiency (http://www.icd9data.com/2009/Volume1/240-279/249-259/255/255.4.htm)
783.9 Other symptoms concerning nutrition metabolism and development 2009 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 783.9 - Other Symptoms Concerning Nutrition Metabolism And Development (http://www.icd9data.com/2009/Volume1/780-799/780-789/783/783.9.htm)
257.2 Other testicular hypofunction 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 257.2 - Other Testicular Hypofunction (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/240-279/250-259/257/257.2.htm)
272.4 Other and unspecified hyperlipidemia 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 272.* - Disorders of lipoid metabolism (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/240-279/270-279/272/default.htm)
601.9 Prostatitis unspecified 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 601.* - Inflammatory diseases of prostate (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/580-629/600-608/601/default.htm)
780.4 Dizziness and giddiness 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 780.4 - Dizziness And Giddiness (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/780-799/780-789/780/780.4.htm)
780.79 Other malaise and fatigue 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 780.79 - Other Malaise And Fatigue (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/780-799/780-789/780/780.79.htm)
788.41 Urinary frequency 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 788.41 - Urinary Frequency (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/780-799/780-789/788/788.41.htm)
253.3 Adult Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency
255.8 Other specified disorders of adrenal glands 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 255.8 - Other Specified Disorders Of Adrenal Glands (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/240-279/250-259/255/255.8.htm)

[cpeil2]

So CODING is a king.

I always put a lots of emphasis on my ICD-9 codes.

My list of tests is frequently discussed with other doctors that members from this board see.

My list of ICD-9 codes works for me,
but in the intrest of others who are using it, you may want to polish it.

Proper code means money in the pocket or out of pocket, important for most.

My list of codes is posted below three times, three different formats, so hopefully it will be easier to read.
================================================== ========
244.9 ----- 257.2 ----- 780.79
250.00 ----- 272.4 ----- 788.41
250.01 ----- 601.9 ----- 253.3
255.4 ----- 780.4 ----- 255.8
783.9 -----
================================================== ========
244.9 Unspecified acquired hypothyroidism
250.00 Diabetes mellitus without complication type ii or unspecified type not stated as uncontrolled
250.01 Diabetes mellitus without complication type i not stated as uncontrolled
255.4 Corticoadrenal insufficiency
783.9 Other symptoms concerning nutrition metabolism and development
257.2 Other testicular hypofunction
272.4 Other and unspecified hyperlipidemia
601.9 Prostatitis unspecified
780.4 Dizziness and giddiness
780.79 Other malaise and fatigue
788.41 Urinary frequency
253.3 Adult Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency
255.8 Other specified disorders of adrenal glands
================================================== ========


ICD9Data.com - Free 2007 ICD-9-CM Medical Coding Database (http://www.icd9data.com/)

250.00 Diabetes mellitus without complication type ii or unspecified type not stated as uncontrolled 2009 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 250.00 - Diabetes Mellitus Without Complication Type Ii Or Unspecified Type Not Stated As Uncontrolled (http://www.icd9data.com/2009/Volume1/240-279/249-259/250/250.00.htm)
250.01 Diabetes mellitus without complication type i not stated as uncontrolled 2009 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 250.01 - Diabetes Mellitus Without Complication Type I Not Stated As Uncontrolled (http://www.icd9data.com/2009/Volume1/240-279/249-259/250/250.01.htm)
255.4 Corticoadrenal insufficiency 2009 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 255.4 - Corticoadrenal Insufficiency (http://www.icd9data.com/2009/Volume1/240-279/249-259/255/255.4.htm)
783.9 Other symptoms concerning nutrition metabolism and development 2009 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 783.9 - Other Symptoms Concerning Nutrition Metabolism And Development (http://www.icd9data.com/2009/Volume1/780-799/780-789/783/783.9.htm)
257.2 Other testicular hypofunction 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 257.2 - Other Testicular Hypofunction (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/240-279/250-259/257/257.2.htm)
272.4 Other and unspecified hyperlipidemia 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 272.* - Disorders of lipoid metabolism (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/240-279/270-279/272/default.htm)
601.9 Prostatitis unspecified 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 601.* - Inflammatory diseases of prostate (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/580-629/600-608/601/default.htm)
780.4 Dizziness and giddiness 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 780.4 - Dizziness And Giddiness (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/780-799/780-789/780/780.4.htm)
780.79 Other malaise and fatigue 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 780.79 - Other Malaise And Fatigue (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/780-799/780-789/780/780.79.htm)
788.41 Urinary frequency 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 788.41 - Urinary Frequency (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/780-799/780-789/788/788.41.htm)
253.3 Adult Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency
255.8 Other specified disorders of adrenal glands 2007 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis 255.8 - Other Specified Disorders Of Adrenal Glands (http://www.icd9data.com/2007/Volume1/240-279/250-259/255/255.8.htm)

Be a little cautious about using diagnostic codes in a shotgun fashion. HRSA more and more is using data-mining methods to detect fraudulent medicare claims. They do this by detecting aberrant patterns in claims data. AFAIK, most of the fraud occurs with procedure codes and treatment codes (I don't remember the acronyms for these), but one never knows when they might start looking at diagnostic codes.

[JanSz]

Be a little cautious about using diagnostic codes in a shotgun fashion. HRSA more and more is using data-mining methods to detect fraudulent medicare claims. They do this by detecting aberrant patterns in claims data. AFAIK, most of the fraud occurs with procedure codes and treatment codes (I don't remember the acronyms for these), but one never knows when they might start looking at diagnostic codes.

Do you have any particular (above listed) code in mind?

I would say that most guys coming here have fit 80-90% of my list of codes.

Then they come with their own additional details.

----------------
Which of the above codes do not fit you?

..

[cpeil2]

Do you have any particular (above listed) code in mind?

I would say that most guys coming here have fit 80-90% of my list of codes.

Then they come with their own additional details.

----------------
Which of the above codes do not fit you?

..

For myself, I wouldn't use the diabetes codes, and I think I would try to avoid those catch-all codes.

[JanSz]

For myself, I wouldn't use the diabetes codes, and I think I would try to avoid those catch-all codes.

Help me.

Name catch-all codes that I use

if possible

please suggest replacement.

//

[Dadnatron]

We hijacked this thread. Please start another. This is where we end up getting WAY OFF BASE and why the search function is such crap for this board.

[RickWalia]

=[ i agree

[cpeil2]

Help me.

Name catch-all codes that I use

if possible

please suggest replacement.

//


783.9 and 780.79. I will have to look at the ICD9 to find better ones for you.

[GirlyMan]

We hijacked this thread. Please start another. This is where we end up getting WAY OFF BASE and why the search function is such crap for this board.

This is not as big a deal as you and others make it out to be. The posts themselves are indexed so you can search for keywords within posts regardless of which thread they appear in. chillin' is another guy who likes to maintain pristine themes within threads (I have respectfully referred to him as the "librarian" in the past). To each his own. I like free-flow conversations and as a computer scientist I understand how the indexing works.


I can send in a bill for $10K... doesn't matter WHAT I charge... Medicare pays the amount they have scheduled for the CODING. The bill is meaningless.

Do you get any tax write-off for the difference? What if it isn't Medicare? I notice that my eye Doc wants to charge me $105/visit but Aetna only pays $40. Does he get any tax-break on the difference? I've been curious about this for a while now.

[RickWalia]

Lemme just ask few questions real quick I was looking through ehealthinsurance and i see Celtic, Aetna, and United Health One oh yea also humana one all i see when i entered my address anyone you recommend? Also i have low t i am on restart protocol should i mention this to the insurance company when i talk.. and anything else thanks. If i do buy insurance will they pay for blood work? Medication also would be superb but if not i am okay with that. Also quick question do deductibles reset every year or its one time thing?

[LowT]

Lemme just ask few questions real quick I was looking through ehealthinsurance and i see Celtic, Aetna, and United Health One oh yea also humana one all i see when i entered my address anyone you recommend? Also i have low t i am on restart protocol should i mention this to the insurance company when i talk.. and anything else thanks. If i do buy insurance will they pay for blood work? Medication also would be superb but if not i am okay with that. Also quick question do deductibles reset every year or its one time thing?

No insurance company is going to pay for a preexisting condition unless it's group offered through an employer.

They won't pay for tests, meds, office, etc. for hypogonadism since you've already been treated for it.

Sorry, but that's the way it is...unless you get into a group plan.

[gman]

Do you get any tax write-off for the difference? What if it isn't Medicare? I notice that my eye Doc wants to charge me $105/visit but Aetna only pays $40. Does he get any tax-break on the difference? I've been curious about this for a while now.

No tax writeoff...you pay tax on cash income, at least most doctors operate this way.

[JanSz]

I know i was surprised at 1200$ =[ but this is wat i took

Dihydrotest 180$
Metabolic Panel 27.40
Triidothronine 75.00$
Reverse t3 236.00
Sex Horm Binding Glob, Serm 113.00
Testosterone Free 353.00
Luteinizing Hormone 40.00
Tsh 43.00
Testerone Serum 52.00
Fsh 42.00
Tyroxine (t4) 25.00
Estradiol 65.00
CBC with Platelet 19.00
Blood Drawing 10.00
came out 1280.40 =X

I have low t would that be considered preexisting Condition o.O?

Next time save your self $353 for a worthless test.

Take (TT, SHBG) and figure out FreeT from chart.

Less money
but
more importantly, better information.

.........

[Dadnatron]

Do you get any tax write-off for the difference? What if it isn't Medicare? I notice that my eye Doc wants to charge me $105/visit but Aetna only pays $40. Does he get any tax-break on the difference? I've been curious about this for a while now.

There is absolutely no tax writeoff. In fact, of the upwards of 20% of people whom I do for free, I get no tax writeoff. When I volunteer at the VA and work for 10 hours... I don't get a tax writeoff. NOTHING I do as an MD gets a tax writeoff. Personally, I think it is ludicrous, because there would be alot more free medical care, if they would allow us to take at least a portion off of taxes. It is a win - win situation, in that the public as a whole would get more and better care, and the physician's would be incentivized to do it.

But as it is... we get to work for free on several people... but we can still be sued for any problems which might occur during their unpaid healthcare. In fact, it is those people who worry me the most, because I know that they are going to be the least involved in taking care of themselves.

[CobraGuy]

There is absolutely no tax writeoff. In fact, of the upwards of 20% of people whom I do for free, I get no tax writeoff. When I volunteer at the VA and work for 10 hours... I don't get a tax writeoff. NOTHING I do as an MD gets a tax writeoff. Personally, I think it is ludicrous, because there would be alot more free medical care, if they would allow us to take at least a portion off of taxes. It is a win - win situation, in that the public as a whole would get more and better care, and the physician's would be incentivized to do it.

But as it is... we get to work for free on several people... but we can still be sued for any problems which might occur during their unpaid healthcare. In fact, it is those people who worry me the most, because I know that they are going to be the least involved in taking care of themselves.

As far as the tax thing, all professionals are in pretty much the same boat. I imagine part of the problem is that it would be so easy to abuse it if they allowed it.

The charities I'm involved with would pretty much give me a blank receipt, and it would be pretty damn tempting to say I donated an average of 10 hours a week at $250 per hour for 50 weeks, at 33% that's a nice chunk of change off the taxes.

I do sympathize with you about the deadbeat patients though.

[cpeil2]

As far as the tax thing, all professionals are in pretty much the same boat. I imagine part of the problem is that it would be so easy to abuse it if they allowed it.

The charities I'm involved with would pretty much give me a blank receipt, and it would be pretty damn tempting to say I donated an average of 10 hours a week at $250 per hour for 50 weeks, at 33% that's a nice chunk of change off the taxes.

I do sympathize with you about the deadbeat patients though.


Can't you deduct the dollar value as an in-kind charitable donation?

[CobraGuy]

Can't you deduct the dollar value as an in-kind charitable donation?

Nope. You can't deduct services, at least according to my last 3 accountants. Maybe they've all been conservative.

For example: To my understanding, if I donate a POS system to a non-profit store, I can deduct the cost of the hardware and other supplies. If I do it myself, the labor of setting up the database, building the cabinetry, cabling everything, training people and supporting it is just donated with no tax benefit. If I pay employees to do it, I can deduct their payroll, but then I only get about 33 % of what I paid out as a benefit.

For me, until I make so much money my wife can't possibly spend it all I'm not paying people to do charity work.

It would be nice if there was some incentive to donate your services, but I'm pretty sure people would abuse it.

[legbuh]

I bet health insurance for you costs less than your cell phone bill. Just sayin...

I should also add that as long as you're able to itemize (ie it's more than the standard) health insurance premiums are deductable. Well, that depends on your situation as well.

[RickWalia]

So anything i can do ?? o.O i am working in my dad's gas station doing 8 hours a day any way i can get insurance through that? would it contradict the fact hes my dad?

[cpeil2]

So anything i can do ?? o.O i am working in my dad's gas station doing 8 hours a day any way i can get insurance through that? would it contradict the fact hes my dad?

If your dad has an employee benefit plan that includes health insurance, you probably qualify. Also, within six months, a provision of the new health care reform law will take effect that may allow you to be covered on your parents' health plan until you are 26 y.o. At this time, nobody knows how this will work because there are no implementing regulations yet.

[RickWalia]

Okay i just applied for health insurance, quick question would i get denied? I mean i have been paying all services so far by cash and never diagnosed with anything? How would they know i have a preexisting condition? My local physician did a hormone test (NOTHING eles) for me and i went straight to lansing to see Dr.John. So what would i get denied for?

[Hemochromatosis]

PrivateMd.com...labs at a decent price.

a lot cheaper than buying health insurance

hey G, must be late, went to the website, still looking for lab references......thx

[RickWalia]

Okay i just applied for health insurance, quick question would i get denied? I mean i have been paying all services so far by cash and never diagnosed with anything? How would they know i have a preexisting condition? My local physician did a hormone test (NOTHING eles) for me and i went straight to lansing to see Dr.John. So what would i get denied for?

Bump

Few more questions are they able to find out if i am taking any sorts of prescriptions? And if i do get denied am i eligible for this ..
http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=205749

[Dadnatron]

If found out, there are stiff penalties for lying.

[Hemochromatosis]

If found out, there are stiff penalties for lying.

When a doctor files a claim. The carrier responds and states how much they will pay and what is the patients responsibility.

Is the amount NOT paid to the doctor declared as an expense, cost of doing business, etc., and taken as a deduction off the bottom line from gross earning as a loss?

[cpeil2]

Bump

Few more questions are they able to find out if i am taking any sorts of prescriptions? And if i do get denied am i eligible for this ..
http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=205749


It's pretty difficult for them to find out anything about your health history before they cover you. If they find out afterward that you withheld information about pre-existing conditions, they can rescind your policy in most states - meaning that they can cancel your policy and recover from you for any healthcare that they covered under the policy.

[RickWalia]

It's pretty difficult for them to find out anything about your health history before they cover you. If they find out afterward that you withheld information about pre-existing conditions, they can rescind your policy in most states - meaning that they can cancel your policy and recover from you for any healthcare that they covered under the policy.

Thank you for your straight foward anws thats what i was thinking... Thanks Again!!

[AnotherOldGuy]

If you are generally "healthy", you may want to consider a high deductable plan - In my case, for my family, I have to pay the first $5000/yr of everything - office visits, meds (ie full price for meds), but once I hit that, 100% is covered on my plan, then no deductable for anything, even meds.

What this does, though, is forced Quest to charge me the negotiated rate for meds and makes them apply the PPO discount...for example, with no insurance, my complete blood work would have been $2400, with PPO, $220.

Now if you can get into a group that lets you do an HSA, then you can set aside pretax dollars for that first $5000 - and an HSA is not use it or loose it.....you can bank it for future use. (well, at least until the Gov't changes it).

[Bulldog]

If you are generally "healthy", you may want to consider a high deductable plan - In my case, for my family, I have to pay the first $5000/yr of everything - office visits, meds (ie full price for meds), but once I hit that, 100% is covered on my plan, then no deductable for anything, even meds.

What this does, though, is forced Quest to charge me the negotiated rate for meds and makes them apply the PPO discount...for example, with no insurance, my complete blood work would have been $2400, with PPO, $220.

Now if you can get into a group that lets you do an HSA, then you can set aside pretax dollars for that first $5000 - and an HSA is not use it or loose it.....you can bank it for future use. (well, at least until the Gov't changes it).

I thought any individual could open a HSA as long as their insurance deductible was high enough to meet the requirement. Is that not the case?

[Bulldog]

If you are generally "healthy", you may want to consider a high deductable plan - In my case, for my family, I have to pay the first $5000/yr of everything - office visits, meds (ie full price for meds), but once I hit that, 100% is covered on my plan, then no deductable for anything, even meds.

What this does, though, is forced Quest to charge me the negotiated rate for meds and makes them apply the PPO discount...for example, with no insurance, my complete blood work would have been $2400, with PPO, $220.

Now if you can get into a group that lets you do an HSA, then you can set aside pretax dollars for that first $5000 - and an HSA is not use it or loose it.....you can bank it for future use. (well, at least until the Gov't changes it).

How did you make this happen? Did you have to call Quest and talk to them? If so, what does one say to them to make this happen? $220 is much better than $2400. I'm curious because I can foresee the company I work for changing our insurance next year and I want to be prepared to do exactly what you are doing. Right now I'm paying $3900 each year for my portion of my insurance premium (which is 100% coverage for labs and other high dollar items). If they change and offer a high enough deductible plan to allow me to open a HSA, then that is probably what I will do (assuming I can actually open a HSA as an individual).

[RickWalia]

I just need help with paying blood work all else i can handle.. I applied for BlueCross & BlueShield lets suppose after i get accepted i go to a doc that ive never been to before to and get some blood work by him? Could this cause problem anyhow?

Sorry for these dumb questions but i really know NADA about health plans..

[AnotherOldGuy]

How did you make this happen? Did you have to call Quest and talk to them? If so, what does one say to them to make this happen? $220 is much better than $2400. I'm curious because I can foresee the company I work for changing our insurance next year and I want to be prepared to do exactly what you are doing. Right now I'm paying $3900 each year for my portion of my insurance premium (which is 100% coverage for labs and other high dollar items). If they change and offer a high enough deductible plan to allow me to open a HSA, then that is probably what I will do (assuming I can actually open a HSA as an individual).

I have a medical card that basically says I have no co-pay. When I go to the Dr, or labs drawn...I pay NOTHING. Then they submit to my insurance, and the insurance says that I have not met my deductable yet, so then I get billed the entire amount.

The rate Quest can charge is negotiated by the insurance company, which is one of the reasons they have to submit to insurance. The other is so it is counted against your deductable.

I do not know if an individual can set up an HSA, but do not know. Even if you cannot, if you know how to save, you still might be further ahead. I do not know if you itemize on your income tax, but you can still claim that $5000 on your taxes, provided you itemize and have alot of other itemizations. The HSA is nice because it is forced savings, and of course, no use it or lose it.

If I remember Monday, I will ask my financial exec if he knows about individual HSAs.

[Dadnatron]

When a doctor files a claim. The carrier responds and states how much they will pay and what is the patients responsibility.

Is the amount NOT paid to the doctor declared as an expense, cost of doing business, etc., and taken as a deduction off the bottom line from gross earning as a loss?

Anything NOT PAID, in that manner, doesn't exist. If the insurance pays you $10 for something you charged $100 for, it is as if you only charged $10. You get nothing off, you get nothing at all.

Furthermore... if I perform surgery... and the patient doesn't pay. I get nothing at all for it and nothing can be charged as a loss. If I put something in the patient, like a stent, screws, or some other material, that can be taken off as a loss by the hospital. But the cost of the nurses, techs, room cost, electricity, etc is just a simple and complete loss to the hospital or my office (depending upon where it was done).

Whereas a company can produce a product, such as blankets, and deduct the full cost of the blanket as a writeoff on taxes, if I perform surgery for free... it is just that... free. No writeoff at all. And the kicker is... I can still be sued at anypoint for any problem the patient might have... even if they didn't pay. So there is no tax incentive... there is high liability... and there is no end to that liability.

heh... Have you hugged your doctor today?

[AnotherOldGuy]

"An HDHP is a different type of health plan. Under an HDHP individuals are covered for large expenses and pay for their day-to-day expenses, usually up to the amount of the deductible. In order to meet the requirements in 2010 an HDHP must have a deductible of at least $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for families plus certain total out-of-pocket expense maximums." Note: This has to be a "qualified" Hig Deductable Health Plan.

How much can I contribute to an HSA? Individuals are allowed to contribute up to $3,050 in 2010. Families are eligible to contribute up to $6,150 in 2010.

At our office, we manage the HSA accounts. This has to be done by a "qualified" bank.. We take money out of paychecks for employees so they realize the tax savings right away (much like a 401k), if you company does not participate, then I THINK you can set this up youself, then claim it on your taxes (like an IRA) for the tax savings. Either way, I believe there is more income tax return paperwork.

Again, I will try to find out more next week.

[Bulldog]

"An HDHP is a different type of health plan. Under an HDHP individuals are covered for large expenses and pay for their day-to-day expenses, usually up to the amount of the deductible. In order to meet the requirements in 2010 an HDHP must have a deductible of at least $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for families plus certain total out-of-pocket expense maximums." Note: This has to be a "qualified" Hig Deductable Health Plan.

How much can I contribute to an HSA? Individuals are allowed to contribute up to $3,050 in 2010. Families are eligible to contribute up to $6,150 in 2010.

At our office, we manage the HSA accounts. This has to be done by a "qualified" bank.. We take money out of paychecks for employees so they realize the tax savings right away (much like a 401k), if you company does not participate, then I THINK you can set this up youself, then claim it on your taxes (like an IRA) for the tax savings. Either way, I believe there is more income tax return paperwork.

Again, I will try to find out more next week.

Good info. Thanks!

[matttaylor]

PrivateMd.com...labs at a decent price.

a lot cheaper than buying health insurance went to this website, its no good, where are the tests? its just a big advertisement for doctors

[canthavetoomanytoys]

I just need help with paying blood work all else i can handle.. I applied for BlueCross & BlueShield lets suppose after i get accepted i go to a doc that ive never been to before to and get some blood work by him? Could this cause problem anyhow?

Sorry for these dumb questions but i really know NADA about health plans..

You are going to have to be careful that no one can connect the dots. I would probably not disclose such information to a new doctor either.
Furthermore I would cease business with any Lab or pharmacy chain and start fresh without a history if they will be submitting claims. For example, if you have been going to quest then with new insurance don't go back, go to labcorp instead.
Thankfully computerized record keeping has not advanced to the point of having a central record; what you need to do is preserve a gap between your former health history and your present... Think witness protection! :coolgleamA:

BTW, hold off seeking direct care for TRT. Make that a gradual build up...perhaps starting with general symptoms when you start. Perhaps I am being too careful but consider if you are labeled as pre-condition and the Obama plan gets repealed or modified.

[RickWalia]

I just need help with paying blood work all else i can handle.. I applied for BlueCross & BlueShield lets suppose after i get accepted i go to a doc that ive never been to before to and get some blood work by him? Could this cause problem anyhow?

Sorry for these dumb questions but i really know nothing about health plans..

BUMP

P.S Matt :thumbup1: Private MD is great!!!

[RickWalia]

You are going to have to be careful that no one can connect the dots. I would probably not disclose such information to a new doctor either.
Furthermore I would cease business with any Lab or pharmacy chain and start fresh without a history if they will be submitting claims. For example, if you have been going to quest then with new insurance don't go back, go to labcorp instead.
Thankfully computerized record keeping has not advanced to the point of having a central record; what you need to do is preserve a gap between you former health history and your... Think witness protection! :coolgleamA:


Thank You VERY much!!!!

[matttaylor]

BUMP

P.S Matt :thumbup1: Private MD is great!!!
show where on the site the lab tests are for sale?

[RickWalia]

show where on the site the lab tests are for sale?

Wait im confused the site i was looking at was PrivateMDlabs.com
the one mentioned was PrivateMD.com

[canthavetoomanytoys]

Thank You VERY much!!!!

Check out my edit also. Your welcome!

[RickWalia]

Beginning in plan years on or after September 23, 2010 – Pre-existing condition exclusions are prohibited for children under 19, dependents up to age 26 will be able to obtain coverage through parents’ health plans, routine preventive care will be covered without cost-sharing, limits on lifetime coverage will be eliminated along with other changes.

Thats so gay!! I turn 19 in a few days its the gayest timing :glare: