Insurance Q. for (my) new job

[Bobbi]

By this time tomorrow, I'll be sitting down to negotiate a new job - putting final touches on the package being presented by one of the company's owners.

The insurance is a major aspect.

My understanding according to the owner is: All employees (including owners and managers) have HMO. They're making an exception and allowing me to go remain with a PPO, which was verified this morning.

Possibly someone's been through similarly or understands far better (than do I) how it works...


I'm wondering if it's possible that, though the policy administrator (company underwriting) is definitely changing, can the policy itself be retained?

Instead of being unemployed and taking on the policy myself under COBRA, can the new company pick up the existing policy and the billing?

If, by chance, that the same insurance provider ends up the one I'm with (by choice), and a totally new policy has to be attained, will that mean that the process wipes the slate clean and it means none of my past medical goes against the cap on the sum of coverage?

Now that I understand my PPO's protocols and qualification criteria for, i.e., medications consistently Rx'd, DME, rehab., etc., I prefer working with what I understand (and my doctors are totally clear on). Also, I don't want to have to change any of my doctors.


A friend at work told me not to over-think this. But: That person doesn't have chronic medical (expenses or conditions) to think about. I want to be prepared for tomorrow. And, as I mentioned, so much of what happens does depend on the insurance package that will be presented. I don't think I can go back and do an "Oopsie, I've changed my mind. Let's start all over."

[BrokenBladder]

Bobbi it's my understanding that even if it's the same insurance company that your new employer can't take over your current Cobra.
Starting with a new group plan, even if it's the same insurance company, would start the slate out as if you were a new client. The original cap you had was with your old employer and this is BRAND new.
I'm not sure what state your in but I worked in the insurance business for year and never heard of them transferring through the same compnay as you're referring to.
Good luck with the new job. I hope you have some answers before tomorrow, I know how important this is.

[Bobbi]

B.B.,

Right now, I'm not under COBRA. In a few weeks, I might find myself in that position, though, meaning I could end up without a company contract :(.

Since the policy is ongoing, right now, I'm wondering if it could be transitioned to the new company. I think, you've answered that for me, and... thank you :).

I apologize for the confusion :o.

I'm in California and the policy is administered (by the company and insurance) out of Oregon, which is where the current parent company is headquartered. The insurance in OR, then, processes through Washington state.

Pearl, at the SD forum, posted a link about insurance yesterday, and I'm reading the .pdf for California today :) :

http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net/ca.pdf

[Bobbi]

P.S.: The owner I'm meeting with tomorrow just called as I've been sitting here reading the info. Pearl had linked to :D.

It is the same insurance company - that I currently have- that the owner's finalizing with - to offer me the PPO I want. What a huge relief! (This happened on the condition that I not breathe a word of this to the other employees; eventually, the company will be offering others the option of HMO or PPO, but, for now, it's HMO they have.)

I know that some people are happy with the care that they receive under their HMOs, but the one the company offers totally bites.

I think tomorrow may turn out to be a no-brainer; one of the managers said he "wants me" and "needs me" (some travel is required, but... an expense account is already included in the package I'll be reviewing tomorrow).

I just want this job to work out; it'd make for a smooth transition - without more worry about COBRA, making mortgage payments, and on and on. The current company's GM has stated that he'll release me early and work out the details on my severance package, so that I don't lose it entirely. (I may lose a bit of that, but I'd rather be working.) The company I'm with was "acquired," and they use centralized hiring where corporate is located; the position I'd be in is already filled - and has been way before the company was purchased. The option, at this point, without this job pending: Relocation. That's not a choice at the top of my list rght now.)

[BrokenBladder]

Bobbi I'm so glad you found the answers and it sounds like things may be working out for you.
I must say that I feel that twinge of jealously because I've been out of work since 2001. There is no way that I could work physically, but I'm happy to hear that you have found a new.....hopefully better job. Keep us posted on how things go tomorrow.

[Mark N]

Congratulations on the new job and it sounds like everything is working out okay for you. These changes are always hard to deal with and I was thankful that when I was a teacher that my insurance was the same no matter where I was teaching. Now with my insurance tied in with my wife's job it is very difficult to deal with a job change.

[Bobbi]

Believe me, B.B. (Lisa): I so much appreciate what you've addressed and helped me out with understanding. I couple that with the leads or guide that Pearl led me to read and ... right now, things are looking good. If I must, come morning and the sit-down, I will ask to also meet with H.R. and go over what may remain uncertain to me (at that time). Nothing like a crash course, only I've not been in this "situation" before.

Please, do not feel any pangs of "jealousy." There's no reason for that. I do admit, however, when I see some of the things others are able to accomplish, I also feel those pangs :). But... If I could, but if not for this and that: my preference would be get my body to a point where it feels okay to be living within my skin. I can't afford that. I've also weighed what would happen if I went out on way premature retirement or SS and... I don't want to wax too personal, but it's not an option for me.

I am scared. I'll be having to go to an area at times that is not in the least of crime rates :(. I'm sure my wheelchair will scare off criminals: not. I won't state what my defense mechanisms are, but they are perfectly legal and I'd only do stuff I'm prepared to follow-through with, since having someone with me at all times is just not realistic. (I've been reading on what others, disabled, do for self-defense. So, it's also realistic for me to be prepared.)

I wish my life would have continued as it was... with work. There are times, though, stuff changes.

This is a major sucky point in my life and I elaborated on it in the SD forum some weeks ago. I got the news that the company was closing the day after New Year's. I'm just doing my level best to make the most of a situation that so many were not prepared to face.


Mark: (((thank you ))). I'm hopeful that, a few months from now, this will all have faded and I'll just reflect on the lessons learned. I want this behind me so much I can almost taste it.

[BrokenBladder]

Bobbi I really hope things go well today!!
You mentioned that you find some good reading about self defense things for the disabled, where did you find that reading? I would be interested in reading some of that myself.
After reading your last post I know no one should really feel those "pangs" of jealousy. In alot of ways we all want to change things, but truthfully we should just make the best out of what we have.
Can't wait to hear how your day went!!!

[Kira]

Congrats on the new job!! I don't know enough about the insurance stuff to answer your questions, but I wanted to say congratulations!

[Bobbi]

This is where I've been reading about self-defense ideas, Lisa:

How do I protect myself? (http://sci****tgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=76486)


As of right now (3:30 p.m. PST), I'm awaiting a phone call re: the job.

It's going as I thought it would: It's hinging on annual income and insurance benefits, so I've shared the "package" (income and benefits being proposed) with two trustworthy friends - for their opinions. It's a take it or leave it situation.

Within an hour, I'll be able to share whether everything is finalized.

[BrokenBladder]

Thanks for letting me know where to find the info.
I hope you hear good news soon.:)

[Bobbi]

The deal is sealed :D. I got a new job. Whew!

The negotiating lasted almost the entire day. I saw the offer, countered it and received a counter-offer... and ended up with more income and with my PPO.

By looking at the insurance policy, this time, it appears to be a bit better than my current one re: DME, in-home help and so on.

[BrokenBladder]

Congradulations Bobbi!! That was great that you ended up with a better deal than they originally offered. Let's have a cyber glass of champayne~~wow taste good, haven't had that in a long time!!

[Jyes]

Great news Bobbi, so happy for you and I am sure they will be happy with their decision to hire you...................... :)

Jyes

[Bobbi]

Hee hee... thanks, Lisa :). I'll toast to it.

Thank you for the help, once again.

I've got to sit down this weekend and read over all the insurance info. carefully.

I can see already that the lifetime benefits were also bumped to $3 mill.

I just have to figure out what's the diff. between forumulary (sp?) and generics.

Too, by Monday morning, I might even be receiving a raise without going to work day-one on the job yet; I said that it would help if the original figures I countered with could be considered. And, that's a go. Monday, I'll know.

The best part of the process was being told, by one of the owners: "We need you more than you need us."

[Kathi49]

Congrats Bobbi! That is great news! Now you can breathe a sigh of relief. :) I am in with you and Lisa as well...a toast!

[Kathi49]

Oh, Bobbi, one quick favor when you are done with your champaign. :)

Could you please go over to the Spinal Disorders forum and give me your input on my Rhizotomy post LOL! I know you are partying and I don't blame you at all, I just want your input. :) Thanks and congrats again!

[Bobbi]

Jyes is one of the "trustworthy" friends I confided in while determining whether to accept or reject the counter offer to my countering the original offer :). So... thank you, Jyes :D.


Kathi, I did respond at the SD forum. If you have other Q's feel free to ask away :). If I simply don't know, no worry, I'll let you know ;).


P.S. I never want to go through such a dramatic job loss (having news of a company closure dumped right after a holiday) again in my lifetime. But... if it does happen, it will be in my memory bank how this has felt and what it takes to pull through. A ton of humor, good friends, and not being afraid to ask for support and accept it, since others also have a lot of wisdom and ideas.

Another benefit of this job is: No probationary period. I think that that sometimes tends to hinder people, afraid of tripping so a proverbial best foot (truly) is not put forward.

I'm gonna save the big celebration for next weekend. This day has just been so mentally challenging :).

[curiousforever]

Woo hoo! I'm so glad! I went thru a lay off - about 3 months after splitting with my ex. Awful awful thing.

But a raise and good insurance!! You go girl!

[roz1950]

Stay with the PPO .http://scosoft.com/h/s/1a98aa81.gif HMOs are awful. http://scosoft.com/h/s/3039183a.gif

[Pearl4949]

Hi Bobbi,
I Hope all is going well for you. I will check back later.
Hugs, Pearl

[Bobbi]

Roz1950, that's my plan. It's the PPO :).

Thank you, Pearl.

So far, so good. Tomorrow I tender my 2-week notice (to do the polite thing, though not really a mandate; it will just read better down the road that I went through all the formalities.) Right now: I'm working for sadists, needing me to help the take-over process flow more smoothly.

Y'know, in all the years I owned a business (publishing health-related journals): I never asked anyone (editors, columnists, or staff writers) to just "hang around" or anything of that nature. When things were just not working out with people, we did "sit down" discussions and talked. The idea was not to pick them of their skills and leave them feeling discounted or dejected or depleted. It was to help them in their goals and to advance into a position that suited their skills and personality.

Maybe the diff. is, I'm a computer geek these days and... some think a pocket protector absorbs the tears, not realizing... feelings don't bounce off so easily.

But all-in-all, the important thing for me to remember is: I have my "friends" and will also create a personal plan - for living beyond what work entails :). I just will not walk away from this feeling embittered, which would be a huge pitfall.

[Mark N]

Bobbi, congratulations on getting the new job. You are taking a good approach with the old company and you never know how it will help you in the future.

[Bobbi]

Thank you, Mark. I really like the GM and other managers with the current company (the one acquired). They'll remain life-long friends.

There are new developments :D.

Gave my two-week notice. It appears everything will be smooth sailing here on out. I'm getting my total severance and un-used vacation pay - along with an "incentive" amt., which I didn't know about until today :).

My last day is within the first week of March; the GM ageed so that I will be under my current insurance until the end of March.

Now, the news about the new job...

I'd asked that my original pitch for income be reconsidered over the weekend. It was, and a revised offer was made this morning, which I'm accepting.

The base on annual income was increased and I pay $0.00 for insurance. The company is paying the full amount. (Two options were, again, offered re: income and insurance. After thinking about it, and with insurance coverage ever-increasing, it seems that it's a more sound decision to have the company cover it in-full, instead of covering any portion of that myself.)

In addition, I'll have to work, approximately, one month away from home, transportation covered, and a home is being provided (at the company's expense).

I'm almost feeling as if hiring a personal job negotiator could have been helpful :D.

Things are no longer in limbo land, and now I can start planning my Spring garden (which I had put on-hold as long as everything was so uncertain).

:)

[carolynms]

Bobbi,
Congradulations! I am joining in on the virtual celebration, and having one in your honor. I hope things transition smoothly for you. I am sure you have some anxieties, but hopefully, this will work out without too much stress. I think you were very smart about negotiating the fine details of your insurance! Do you think you will like working for this new company?
Keep us posted, and again, congradulations!

Carolyn

[Mark N]

Bobbi, glad to hear everything is now worked out and you had so many things go in your favor. Good luck with the new job and the spring garden.

[Bobbi]

Thanks :).

Everything was confirmed - in writing - this morning and, now, it's totally "official" and will be announced to others (at current work) by tomorrow. The GM is making the annoucement; he wanted to do so last evening, only I wanted to see the owners' signatures in my hands first.

I think I will like it (new job) Carolyn. I've been told that I'll have autonomy - in creating and implementing a program being developed and in training people (who will be using the program, etc.).

One of the owners doggies go to work with the owner every day. That really appealed to me ;).


Mark, now that I don't have to put energy into this other stuff, I can take some time this weekend and tinker with some design software to get ready for that garden :D.