State of the Union

[bearishgurl]

FIH, if you are referring to my “flyover-country” brethren, no, the only anger I have witnessed was from a cousin and her spouse (who are small biz owners) who signed up for BCBS PPOs on the healthcare.gov exchange. After getting their ID cards in the mail, they discovered the nearest in-network primary care provider to them was 34 miles away and the nearest specialist of any kind was 81 miles away.

They complained vociferously about lack of providers participating in the exchange.

And they live about 22 miles from a large city!

[FlyerInHi]

[quote=bearishgurl]FIH, if you are referring to my “flyover-country” brethren, no,
[/quote]

Things are hunky dory then.

[quote=bearishgurl]
the only anger I have witnessed was from a cousin and her spouse (who are small biz owners) who signed up for BCBS PPOs on the healthcare.gov exchange. After getting their ID cards in the mail, they discovered the nearest in-network primary care provider to them was 34 miles away and the nearest specialist of any kind was 81 miles away.

They complained vociferously about lack of providers participating in the exchange.

And they live about 22 miles from a large city![/quote]

And what kind of health care did the cousin have before? Was the anger justified?

[bearishgurl]

[quote=FlyerInHi][quote=bearishgurl]FIH, if you are referring to my “flyover-country” brethren, no,
[/quote]

Things are hunky dory then.

[quote=bearishgurl]
the only anger I have witnessed was from a cousin and her spouse (who are small biz owners) who signed up for BCBS PPOs on the healthcare.gov exchange. After getting their ID cards in the mail, they discovered the nearest in-network primary care provider to them was 34 miles away and the nearest specialist of any kind was 81 miles away.

They complained vociferously about lack of providers participating in the exchange.

And they live about 22 miles from a large city![/quote]

And what kind of health care did the cousin have before? Was the anger justified?[/quote]

They had COBRA before from the small manufacturing co she retired from (he ran the small biz while she was still working) and when that ran out, they went without for 2-3 years, until they were “required” to sign up on the exchange or pay a penalty (fall 2014).

Yes, I checked into their lack-of-provider story after I returned home in mid-November and found it was true. And that’s THE major PPO in that region which offers plans on the exchange. As is BSoC in CA. My cousin’s area was on my “retirement short list” but I took it off after finding out this information.

I will only sign up for a PPO. I’ve never had any other kind of plan (1st in line to pay my bills, that is) and won’t accept any other kind of plan. If Covered CA in my region no longer offers a PPO, I will leave the exchange and obtain my coverage elsewhere … or even leave the county or state, if necessary. My “tax subsidy” isn’t so much that it’s making the decision for me.

I now feel the ACA was a big lie perpetrated on US citizens. My BSoC policy purchased on the exchange only reimburses my providers 1/4 to 3/4 of what Aetna did for the same procedures/tests. Hence, I received a one-page radiological report last month instead of the 12-page detailed report I received for the same procedure back in 2013. It’s the old adage at play here, “you pay for what you get.”

My 2016 renewal premium (back in early November) for my exchange-purchased BSoC plan was going to be 3x what my Aetna premium was in fall of 2013, before they dumped my “grandfathered” policy and told me to sign up on the exchange. Hence, I ended up downgrading one metal level for 2016. But I resent being told what I need in the way of depth and breadth of coverage. I was perfectly happy with the way things were, my selection of providers and the competition of healthplan carriers within CA prior to the ACA. I feel healthcare reform should have been focused primarily to assist with the monthly cost for a policy obtained on the states’ high-risk pools (purchased by those who couldn’t qualify to purchase a healthplan directly from carriers due to a pre-existing condition). They didn’t need to fvck the rest of us up … especially those who went to great lengths to qualify medically for a policy (which we thought we’d have until we turned 65).

As it stands, my healthplan premiums have gone up 300% in 2 years and are in no way based upon my own usage anymore.

I feel the passing of the ACA into law is what could very well ruin the 55-64 year-old set financially (and cause all of the best providers not to accept health insurance at all) if the ACA isn’t scrapped in its entirety.

And no, I’m not a registered Republican.

[flyer]

The point of my post was just to share information (one item for which I don’t have the source, as it was passed on to me) and to explore the possibilities of why so many in this country are unhappy about the “State of the Union.”

Things definitely seem to point to economic dissatisfaction for a large percentage of Americans, so it’s definitely a possibility.

I realize most of us Piggs are not dealing with these issues for many different reasons, but when a huge number of the populace are, and will be going forward, it’s definitely a concern for our society as a whole.

[spdrun]

Agreed. Toss the ACA into the sewer. Replace with a base level of public insurance. Done.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=flyer]The point of my post was just to share information (one item for which I don’t have the source, as it was passed on to me) and to explore the possibilities of why so many in this country are unhappy about the “State of the Union.”

Things definitely seem to point to economic dissatisfaction for a large percentage of Americans, so it’s definitely a possibility.

I realize most of us Piggs are not dealing with these issues for many different reasons, but when a huge number of the populace are, and will be going forward, it’s definitely a concern for our society as a whole.[/quote]

Understand, flyer. I think the right-wing-oriented MSM plays a big part in inciting “rage” in Joe and Jane 6p over the status quo. I think its hard for a lot of people to think for themselves over all that noise … especially those who have never been taught to think critically. In my experience, the people who fall for this crap are the ones who have little or no education beyond HS and also those who are prone to blindly following the teachings of religious “cults.” Yes, they may have a fairly good job (or may have retired from one) but their main source of “entertainment” outside work and chores is TV (especially those who live in areas where winters are long).

I haven’t watched more than 4 hours of TV per month over 20 years. When my last kid left, I downgraded to “Economy Service” (for $38.50 mo) but this last week, I turned in my box to the cable company for good. I’m so over it and I didn’t nearly get my money’s worth all those years.

[flyer]

Beyond the hype, I also think there is some just cause for concern among many when they see things like their kids not being able to get the jobs they want, or buy homes, and wondering if their retirement funds will last for the duration, etc., etc.

Guess we’ll all just have to wait and see how all of this plays out.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=spdrun]Agreed. Toss the ACA into the sewer. Replace with a base level of public insurance. Done.[/quote]

Between October and December 2015, three out of eight of my “renowned” longtime SD providers have elected to “retire” and close up shop. Two of them cited in letters that their decisions were not based upon their age but the fact that they were unable to keep their offices open due to the low reimbursements from Covered CA plans as well as Medi-Cal (from the one provider who accepted it).

I guess I’ll be out on the hunt sometime this year to replace two of them. They’ve all offered referrals to their patients.

It’s going to get ugly out there, folks. Put yourself in a medical provider’s place (who has fairly high overhead and often has to pay their own malpractice ins premiums). Especially one with 40+ years of experience who has made a name for themselves.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=flyer]Beyond the hype, I also think there is some just cause for concern among many when they see things like their kids not being able to get the jobs they want, or buy homes, and wondering if their retirement funds will last for the duration, etc., etc.

Guess we’ll all just have to wait and see how all of this plays out.[/quote]

Although I only had two years of college out of HS, I didn’t get the “job of my dreams” right away after college. It took me a few years to land my first FT job with benefits.

Fortunately, the PT jobs I had DID have benefits and I was able to live off my wages from them. I did buy my first home fairly young but it wasn’t located in an area of SD that I (or anyone else here) would likely consider even remotely desirable to live in today.

I think part of the problem of the college-educated Gen Y set’s “failure to launch” is that they are “too picky” about what job/housing they will accept … straight out of the gate. This mindset keeps them from moving on with their lives into adulthood. In some cases, their parents may be part of the problem by enabling them to live rent-free in their homes into oblivion.

[poorgradstudent]

[quote=bearishgurl]

I think part of the problem of the college-educated Gen Y set’s “failure to launch” is that they are “too picky” about what job/housing they will accept … straight out of the gate. This mindset keeps them from moving on with their lives into adulthood. In some cases, their parents may be part of the problem by enabling them to live rent-free in their homes into oblivion.[/quote]

Well, speaking specifically of San Diego county, I think it’s stupid to make your adult child pay $1000 a month to rent an okay room if you have a room in your home unused (and everyone gets along).

Most of the Gen Y’s I personally know that don’t live with their romantic partners live with roommates in kinda crummy apartments geared towards young people.

[FlyerInHi]

I agree with BG. Maybe the kids are lazy bums.

If one is well-to-do and has connections, and provided one’s kids with all the advantages; and one’s kids are still not able to make it, then that means the kids are “inferior”, not hard working enough, or one is enabling the kids. One just needs to look in the mirror and accept the facts.

BG, we don’t agree on all issues, but I admire your can-do attitude. Take the cards you’ve been dealt and do what needs to be done. You’re a strong woman, a real feminist, and self-sufficient. And it seems like you’ve imparted excellent values onto your kids.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=poorgradstudent][quote=bearishgurl]

I think part of the problem of the college-educated Gen Y set’s “failure to launch” is that they are “too picky” about what job/housing they will accept … straight out of the gate. This mindset keeps them from moving on with their lives into adulthood. In some cases, their parents may be part of the problem by enabling them to live rent-free in their homes into oblivion.[/quote]

Well, speaking specifically of San Diego county, I think it’s stupid to make your adult child pay $1000 a month to rent an okay room if you have a room in your home unused (and everyone gets along).

Most of the Gen Y’s I personally know that don’t live with their romantic partners live with roommates in kinda crummy apartments geared towards young people.[/quote]

No, $1000 is too high. $350 to $450 is more in order, depending on house and amenities (own bath, pool, and jacuzzi, etc which run up the cost of utilities with more people inviting guests over and using them). At the very least, they should reimburse their parents for the extra utilties their presence causes (this could be substantial, depending). Also, they should be required to remain employed. If they have a job they don’t like, they should find another before quitting. They also shouldn’t be allowed to come in at all hours into the main home, disturbing other family member(s) who are sleeping and also do their fair share of chores, including taking trash out and cans in and mowing the lawn and weeding (if the parent(s) don’t have gardeners).

IMO, there also needs to be something in writing as to the “rental” provisions and when this will all end (student loan paid off, car paid off, etc).

It was totally unheard of in my day to buy a new or newer car and expect to move back in with parents to pay for it. I’ve seen a lot of this in recent years, especially among CC students (full and PT) who attempt to take 8-10 years to finish CC, while living with parents and driving better vehicles than their parents are.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=FlyerInHi]I agree with BG. Maybe the kids are lazy bums.

If one is well-to-do and has connections, and provided one’s kids with all the advantages; and one’s kids are still not able to make it, then that means the kids are “inferior”, not hard working enough, or one is enabling the kids. One just needs to look in the mirror and accept the facts.

BG, we don’t agree on all issues, but I admire your can-do attitude. Take the cards you’ve been dealt and do what needs to be done. You’re a strong woman, a real feminist, and self-sufficient. And it seems like you’ve imparted excellent values onto your kids.[/quote]

Well, thanks, FIH.

I’ve just seen this kid-with-every-advantage thing play out multiple times in multiple states and it’s not a pretty picture. In the worst cases, these kids had multiple kids out of wedlock while living at mom and/or dad’s “manse” from age 18-30ish and could never figure out a way to move out on their own. “Family money” really has nothing to do with it. Being “spoiled” by parents (and grandparents) to the point the kid feels utterly entitled to a certain lifestyle has everything to do with it. JMHO.

As to my “toolbelt diva” confidence, it is increasing every month as I learn more tasks to add to my “can-do” repertoire. As a lifetime “desk jockey,” I’ve been in the back room trying to solve everyone else’s problems for so long that I didn’t have a clue on how to do every-day things every homeowner needs to learn and depended on other people to do them for me. And I no longer wish to pay a “professional” an exorbitant amount to do these tasks. For example, in the last month I have learned how to: install a wifi thermostat, use grab-its to remove stripped screws and properly install self-closing cabinet hinges (trickier than they look). All seemingly small things but my list (and my confidence as well as my tool collection) is slowly growing, mainly thanks to you-tube. Next on my list is heavy carpet removal which I realize is more “grunt work” than anything. We’ll see how that goes. Heavy furniture moving will be the hardest and I’m going to have to get help for that. I’ve got people with pickups who can take me to the dump.

There are more than nine ways to skin a cat :>-)

[FlyerInHi]

[quote=spdrun]Agreed. Toss the ACA into the sewer. Replace with a base level of public insurance. Done.[/quote]

That will happen maybe eventually when people come to their senses. When health care takes up too large a share of gdp then businesses will support reform.

The achievement of obamacare is the consensus on healthcare for everyone. They cannot repeal obamacare without an alternative. I wonder how those who argued that healthcare should not be rationed will extricate themselves. Realistically, it’s not possible for everyone to have access to Mayo clinic, MD Anderson, UPenn or even UCSD or UCI.

[FlyerInHi]

Congrats, BG. You’re a doer, not a whiner.

About wifi thermostat, I think you have an older house where then C wire is often not connected, or even existing for that matter. If you connected the C wire, then my hat’s off to you.

BTW, SDGE installs free ecobee wifi thermostats. But they can up your temperature in the summer, if you run AC. Which one did you get?

Learning to be your own general contractor takes time. I suppose knowledge is why contractors charge a lot like doctors or lawyers. Since i started remodeling places, I’ve built a pretty good “rollodex” (really a smart phone). Whenever i see people doing work, I stop, talk to them and get phone numbers.

On the issue of spoiling kids, the worse is enabling substance abuse, bailing out of jail, etc….

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