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Whatever you get, just make sure there is no break in coverage or (sm)

Posted By: Main concern on 2007-08-12
In Reply to: Anyone been on COBRA - siren

pre-existing conditions will not be covered.  Check archives.  People in the know.


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Even if she doesn't need it during that 3 months, she needs it not to have a break in coverage if
xx
In WordPerfect, could someone please tell me how to make a line break
so it keeps the justification?  Ctl+shift+L just moves down another line and does not justify.  Thank You. 
coverage

I think it's great to see a thread discussing this subject. 


However, when it comes to "prejudice," it has always been with us, since the beginning of time.  It is a human problem, not a white American problem, as so many people seem to be saying.  Some of the most prejudiced people I have encountered in my few decades of life have been non-whites.  When I lived in Latin America, I learned that brown-skinned people discriminate each other based on how light their skin tone is - the lighter the skin, hair color and eye color, the more prestige they had.  Some of our U.S. African-American soldiers were called derogatory names by the Somalians when we were over there - a real eye opener for them.  They thought they were "going home" and then were assailed with hatred and expletives because of their dark skin.


We all need to guard against letting our attitudes harden our hearts towards other people.  It is a life-long process.  I recently realized that my financial concerns because of income loss from this job of MT - with losing jobs to overseas, the foreign-born dictators making it so hard to earn a decent line count - were hardening my heart towards immigrants.  I am in the process of reassessing my attitude and thoughts about that.  I don't want to turn into an angry, hateful, bitter old bigot. 


 


Coverage

That is the one problem with own accounts.  After three days to Tahoe-Reno I came back to 14 tapes as no one wanted anyone else.  But am thinking of taking nearly a week off later this year and so I would like some coverage.  I used to work for a small local MTSO here as an IC and still keep in touch and I might see if there is someone there that wants to do an extra tape or two during the week I am gone.  Also see if there is a chapter of local AAMT in your area -- and I am not sure if it is the national AAMT but here in Portland there is a group of MT's and I got a list of names from them who will do back up and overflow.  I haven't joined but have talked to a few people there and we do some networking.  I have been doing this for so long in the Portland area that I continuously run into people that did either the OHSU account I did or worked for one of the offices previously, etc.  It is a small world.  That is also how I get my people contact.  Also run an ad in the paper well ahead of when you are going to leave.  But there is always the fear that they could "take away" your account but since most of the gals that have helped me out I used to work with -- I don't worry about that.  And you know how it is the first few days on the account -- you don't do that well so they are either ready to kill my docs since I am so used to them or the office says -- "don't ever leave again" because that person does things different that we all appreciate each other immensely when I get back.  But there are ways, just gotta put a little effort into it.  They don't need to do it all but I came back to 14 tapes and if I could have had half done, it would have been nice.  Good luck. 


What coverage?
say what?????
Thanks, we already have a used car without full coverage.

The payment's not that big on it, except when there's a mixup at the bank and they deduct one check twice with the same amount and same check number.  It just feels like the money mojo magnet is gone from my life this week!  LOL  Everything seems to go wrong all at once. 


Vacation coverage

I have five accounts and two I have IC's who work for them -- psych accounts no problem when I leave town.  But my other three, have asked that I have NO ONE work on the account but me and they hold the tapes and I do them when I come back as fast as I can and sometimes wishing I had not taken time off.   No they work with me but then I don't take off much time and when I do it is usually a couple of days and the weekend so we are all not stressed.   If I were to have surgery or something I have friends that would help out and the accounts realize that it would be necessary.  That is one of the drawbacks of having your own accounts.  No work --no money.   But it does make you appreciate your time off.


If you are looking for single coverage, you

S/B able to get something reasonable.  If you're looking for family coverage it is doubtful you would find anything under $350.00/mo.  You might want to look into medical savings accounts.  You have to qualify for these and I'm not sure what the criteria is, but Google it.   If you are a non-smoker and have no pre-existing medical issues, aren't grossly overweight, and not planning a baby anytime soon, you might want to look at getting mainly a major medical plan that would cover you in event of hospitalization or something catastrophic, and just pay routine care out of pocket.


We currently have insurance through DH job, but when I was looking for independent coverage Celtic had the cheapest and then Medcost was the next cheapest.  I called several agencies and they all quoted me on Medcost, but the premiums varied as much as $200.00/mo.   BCBS has something caled Blue Advantage that you might want to look at.  I hate BCBS because they are such a pain to deal with and deny a large percentage of claims, but it might be an option. 


If you have private coverage on yourself, you would not--sm
need workers' compensation on yourself. your private insurance would cover anything happening to you. If you have employees, they may need it, but only if you offered them employee insurance benefits. JMO.
I had individual coverage - sm
when I was IC and SE for a while.  It was expensive - but now I think it would be impossible as I am older.  Considerations are preexisting conditions.  My daughter lost her job and has Graves disease.  She is 23 years old and was flat turned down - no amount of money could get her coverage.  COBRA is costing 380 dollars a month until her new job's coverage kicks in.  If you have any preexisting conditions it may be extremely pricey.  Also do not let insurance lapse  - because anything you might have will not be covered for a period of time - usually a year.  If you are young and have no problems and depending on where you live - individual coverage can be found - before my daughter had problems we got it for under 100.00 a month.  Our state does have a program for people who cannot get coverage but I have not checked to see what that entails - you might call your state and see.
Work both jobs until you get new coverage or
buy your own policies.

It is a choice and you're making it.

If you're going to stay in hell, please do not complain about the temperature!
Diskriter needs weekend coverage - nm
no msg
Thanks for your response. If I opt out of the cobra coverage,
does my current coverage stop immediately (last employment day), at the end of the current pay period, or at the end of the final pay period? Thanks!
medical insurance coverage
My dept. here in radiology transcription is possibly going to be outsourced.  I have been looking at possibly working at home for an agency if this happens.  I have done some looking and found that alot of agencies do offer medical insurance, but does anyone know how good it is and can you cover dependents?  Any information would be appreciated.
Offer vacation coverage (sm)

I have offered just coverage for vacations, etc. and have networked that way, but I know that is tough when you are full-time from home and not in a medical type setting.  I think it is a shame that more do not frequent the State Boards here.  I like hearing everyone's opinions, but if the State Boards were frequented more, I think we could all really network a little more.  I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine type of thing.  Most people do not like to do that because they are afraid you will take their account, but I believe in being trusting, and that is bad karma!  JMO.


So this does qualify as continuous coverage, right? Thanks for your help. NM
sss
wants to work weekends and they need weekend coverage.
Most companies now are going a Tu-Sa shift of Sun-Thu.   Clinic work usually is M-F.  
Caught a bit of it on Fox ticker but no live coverage..
yet.   Where do you live?  How horrible for you and all the kids to have to go through a nightmare like this :(  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
I only have single coverage with them. but as I recall from the literature it was about
$500 a month or so, maybe a little less. Give them a call or e-mail and I am sure they will tell you.
If you keep it digital, it will be much easier to find coverage (sm)
if you have to leave town or if you go on vacation. I use the TASP on the sticky note above (MetroScript) and when I went on vacation I simply told all my docs I would be gone for that week and they all agreed to hold the dictation except for one. That one account I did on vacation because all I needed was my laptop and an Internet connection to do the work. It was a very cool solution. Additionally, if the work is digital you have a much larger pool to choose from when it comes to getting someone to cover for you. You're not bound by any geographic restrictions. Hope this helps!
Any idea what the premiums are for family coverage
??
You'll have to go to their websites and see what the coverage area
is for each.  That may eliminate some choices.  You can also view their plans on-line.  As far as I unknow they are unlimited and the monthly fee is $60 to $70.  The cards can cost as much as $200, but they often run promotions if you sign a 2-year contract.   Lots of companies do not allow wireless as it is not secure. 
Health insurance coverage question...sm

I just started a new MT job and will get health insurance when my benefits quick in.  I want to put my husband on my insurance.  My question is- he has spina bifida and I am concerned that the insurance company will deny him coverage.  Can they do that?


Thanks


Radiation Oncology vacation coverage
Does anyone out there with a private radiation oncology account want to exchange vacation coverage? I have three doctors in a small clinic, average 600 lines a day. They are very particular about quality and need 24-48 hour turnaround at the very most. DSS digital voice files, and all three very good dictators--no accents. I really need to be able to take a few weeks a year and some long weekends here and there and would love to find someone in a similar position willing to exchange time with me.
No belly. Full coverage, as previously stated.

I did not say I looked like a teeny bopper or hooker.  I said I traded my stretch shorts and t-shirts for denim shorts and a tank top.  Yeah, the shorts are somewhat low rider because they don't come up to my bra like the stretchy shorts do, but they've got a full rise that covers the crack and belly button.


Oh, no!  I must be a wanna-be trampy teenager!  Maybe next I'll go out and get some red satin thongs, a belly button ring and a butt tattoo because y'all are jumping on me like that's what I'm trying to do.  If you can't understand the concept of "full coverage", stay out of the conversation.


Insurance is good, but I'd recommend you don't get too specific in coverage.
You could contact a company like Colonial Supplemental Insurance to get accident coverage and consider what other policies you might need, not just for your hands. After all, what if you are in an accident and it's your back that's keeping you away from your desk?
Sprint advertises they have the largest coverage area. They should have

a map on their website showing coverage area.  I haven't used a broadband card yet.   I know someone who used a Verizon air card and they said they were able to get service everywhere they went.  They were on the west coast, where it seems more reasonable that there would be a wider range of service.   You can check Verizon's website for coverage area too.  Another option may be for you to get dial-up at your mother's house.   You can get People PC for $10.95/month, but I don't know if they require a contract.   If none of the big ISPs have a local number you can get service through a small local provider and they usually do not require a contract.  I have traveled extensively and have spent several weeks in some places where dial-up was the only available option at the time and even though I had an ISP they did not have local service.  


Another option is to try the free trials with various ISPs if they have service in your mom's area.   There is no charge is you cancel before trial period is up. 


 


Chamber of Commerce or your own state might offer coverage for IC/SE

If you are an IC and work from home, join your local Chamber of Commerce and sign up for one of the plans they offer.

The premiums are not cheap, but at least you have a chance for health insurance. 
 

If you are under a certain yearly income, many states offer plans. I live in NY.  Besides coverage through my local Chamber of Commerce (I had to drop the plan as it was too expensive), I was covered under Healthy New York (something like $150 per month), then went to  Family Health Plus, but am now on Social Security Disability and am covered under Medicare (NOT cheap, either!) 

 

Don't give up. Go to your state's web site. Somewhere there you should be able to find a "health" link. Or, try your state's department of health site and see what they have to offer. Many states offer insurance for the self employed, unfortunately you have to search for the link!

I think pre-existing stuff may kick in if you have have no certificate of previous coverage.
nm
Yes, it does constitute "creditable coverage." The only policy I found that was not considere
short-term policy. As you can tell, I've done this  A LOT... So, I've hit every scenario..
I use the Simply Sheer. Love it. Great coverage and feels like no makeup at all. nm


Take a break
I have felt this way many times while transcribing. I have actually taken a leave of absence to get over it. It does help.
a break...
You said that Hispanics did not gang rape and were not pedophiles - that it is always white men and of course, priests. You want to apologize to Catholics for accusing all priests for what a very few did? You honestly don't think other churches' religious leaders are pedophiles?

Give the rest of us a break and go educate yourself before you post on here.

BTW, how old are you? You sound like a 12-year-old with your puhleeez...........
It is definitely a better tax break
and you get flexible hours like an IC while having your employer share of SS tax paid by the company.
They can still break
They can still break while the doctor is dictating or rewinding or when you are playing to covert.  There is still that possibility.  Kind of like BCP's -- not 100% guarantee
5 a.m. and now time for a break

I've always said I'd rather break a leg....sm

than a hand... and sure enough I did.  A few years ago I fell off the top of a ladder and as I was falling, which only took about 5 seconds, my MT survival instincts took over and I stuck my foot out to protect my hands.  Three surgeries later I was back at work with a cast on my right leg from ankle to thigh.  Believe me, you'll adjust to using your left foot.  I did it for almost a year.


Do it anyway. I have not had a break either, but am taking off 18-23 - sm
my mental health is more important than $. Going up to my dad's for a few days to celebrate Jen's last chemo (8/17), have her rest by the pool at his house, visit the Herr's plant, go to Dutch Wonderland, Philly zoo, etc. Just me and my 2 girls to have a little fun together...and for me to see my dad and my friends up in PA. Shouldn't be doing it money-wise, but tough, I know I deserve it and my kids too. We couldn't take a formal vacation due to Jen's chemo and some restrictions, so this is the next best thing. -- If you feel you can't take 5+ days off then do 2-3 and go out and do something. It will make you feel better.
No, I just was finished with my break and had to
get back to work. VPN is not connecting and I'm on hold with tech support.

There are a few things that would make me leave: A really harsh line rate cut for the same work; being forced to be an employee with a set schedule are two reasons that come to mind immediately.
Give yourself a break (sm)

and do something else this year, it doesn't have to be forever.  Also, I think you should tell your mother the problem.


You can join me, I have an evil stepmother and nobody would pick me up from the Amtrak and now the tickets are sold out and it's too late to go for the holidays.  On the other hand, I find dealing with it so draining that I'm off the hook this year and can do whatever I want, I won't be spending my holiday on the freeway.  Good luck!


How do you break into op reports?
Is there one specialty or type of report that's easier or faster or generates more lines?  Is it the platform?  Which platform is the best?  I really would like to have a half-decent MT income in 2006.  I have the SUM program ops tapes but no keys.  Thanks.
I know what you mean but I have been lucky this break - sm
First day of break we left for Disney on a Make-A-Wish trip for my daughter who has/had a Wilms tumor (03/2005). So we had 6 days of fun there at a wonderful place called Give the Kids the World Village....only children with cancer, recovering from cancer, etc., stay there, great place. So back from that, had Christmas at home then I took them to see my dad (saw their other grandparents on Christmas day) and we are leaving from his house this morning. So they have been kept pretty busy and have had a blast. Granted my paycheck will be pretty poor (took off for Disney of course) and worked very minimally while at my dads. Key is to keep them busy and not bored I guess. Of course I have to get until Tuesday now at home but with all the gifts from Christmas, etc. I think they will be able to entertain themselves for a while....plus they usually pester my DH before me....but I have a very light work schedule for the weekend ( a whole 30 minutes of work, I think--haven't checked yet though) and don't work again until Tuesday. So I am enjoying it since next week won't be so leisure filled. Try to enjoy some, just make a little less for 2 weeks, then jump back in the grind!
hate to break it to you
but the JC is just a company paid by the hospitals to rate them. They really really don't do anything other than that. Your email will be deleted faster than you can say "where'd it go?" Some of the Americans are worse than the foreigners, slurring, sounding like on a mixture of crack and or meth.
should be "planes" - Wow, I need a break! nm
xx
Give me a break!!

If you are working that much and making $6000 to $7000 a month it's a good thing... the only way you will be able to spoil your kids is w/material things.. would rather work less and enjoy what little time they are little....
I have read so many times about people who say they make all this money... I often wonder what else these people do with thier lives???
How to break in to OPs or orthopedics?
Any companies willing to work with a very experienced radiology MT?  TIA
To get a break your in-laws might consider...
respite care for a week or two. It would cost about what they are paying the private nurse. They would not even have to really "get away." Just having a break from constant care would be a vacation. I know; been there and done that!
You might try to coordinate it with your break
instead of sitting there fuming while you're trying to hear Dr. Mushmouth. You could ask him to give you an idea of when he might be doing it and be ready to quit work for 20 minutes or so while he cuts the grass outside your window. But be real nice about it or he'll get all offended (if he's like my DH). :oD
Give her a break

You sound like such a rightious person, hope you don't need help some day.  Again I would much rather have her collect some unemployment until she can find a job that truly suits her than just have to take any job.  You can say the employer pays it but it is a 'Undefined benefit" that we all have when we work enough hours and if someone lays you off or fires you for cause as long as you weren't stealing or doing something against the rules.   Much better than the welfare fraud, the illegals coming in and taking our tax dollars after having only been here for a few weeks/months.  At lease she has been in the workforce contributing to society and her taxes.  So get off her back, give her some space so she can find a job that suits her and doesn't have to take the first one that comes along.  And no, I am a MTSO and cannot collect unemployment so I am not personally involved in this.


 


Give her a break!
For crying out loud! You obviously have never taken time away from your own accounts (Yes, time = money!) to try to train someone only to have her turn around and quit on you. It is frustrating, time consuming and costs money to the person who is kind enough to try to give her a break. This person is totally within her rights to feel violated. Personally I wouldn't give out her name either, but I wouldn't bash the original poster for stating her frustration over the situation. Please walk a mile in someone else's shoes before you criticize them.
First of all do quit, take a break - sm
since you don't have to have the money. Since you like MT then get another MT job on a PT basis. Do maybe 30 minutes a day, which should give you about $25-$50 a day, sure won't be a huge paycheck but enough to give you a little more time for yourself and your sanity. Why kill yourself when you don't have to. If you don't want to switch jobs for some reason then cut back on the amount of work. But from the sounds of it you need a new, easier, job. Get looking!