Roadking

This, too, may have already been covered, but:
What's the quick and dirty on the health plan under the new contract?

(I just saw that "Sicko" movie last night. Michael Moore is a fat pig who I wouldn't insure either, but nonetheless the movie got me thinking about health coverage and the potential suck-factor if you ain't got a good one!)

NorthTxFlyBoy

No change to heathcare benefits prior to retirement. The one good thing about the very long contract duration is that the company agrees to foot 100% of the premiums for the duration.

The heathcare plan for retirees would go bye-bye.

-NTFB

atpcliff

Hi!

Roadking: It's the US. Everyone has sucky health care, unless you're Congress, or you're filthy rich, which means you don't need healthcare-you just pay cash.

We've been through a number of health care providers, between my wife's two companies, and my career changes. They were all crap, and most of them expensive, too.

I think I read that NetJets is Aetna? I would like to know the details of how you find a qualified clinic/doctor/hospital, and how that affects the cost of medical care.

Thanx a bunch!

cliff
YIP

PS-If we used a health care system similar to Canada's, I wouldn't be asking the above question. Anyone in Canada can go into ANY clinic, hospital, or doctor's office and get service. Where I live now, with the health care plan my company has, I have the choice of 1 dentist and 1 orthodontist. American freedom at it's finest.

dhc8fo

Yes, and maybe you won't be able to have the procedure you want/need because they don't think it should be covered....or it takes you a year to get the appointment in the first place.

Do some research. The Canadian medical system has its problems.

I will stick with our crappy medical programs over a socialized program anyday, but that is just me.

9999

That is right on the money. It takes forever to get seen and most of those with these ailments need to be seen much sooner than the system will support.

jtf560

NetJets uses Aetna. There are 2 choices and both do not require a referel to see specialists. One has a small yearly deductible and allows much more out of network stuff while the other has no deductible and requires you to use the Aetna network- good network in some places and not so good others. Overall I spend nearly $5000 less for family health coverage here per year than I would have with the high deductible and high monthly payroll deductions at my last employer.

Roadking

Well guys, I'll admit I am a spoiled benefactor of Uncle Sugar-- or Sam, depending on your point of view-- so I know nothing about how corporate healthcare plans work.

When I'm told my salary is 69K per year with full medical coverage, does that mean I pay nothing out of pocket except a deductible when I'm sick? Or do I need to knock 4K off that 69K when I'm computing my beer money?

Does one have to take a physical to qualify for NetJets health plan? Will they be looking for reasons to disqualify you or raise your deductible due to history, lifestyle, genetics, whatever??

These are probably really dumb questions to most of you, but I appreciate any replies for dummies... I wish I'd never watched that damn movie. Ignorance is bliss.

NorthTxFlyBoy

I made the same transition from TriCare last year. It's similar, but with less B.S. No physical required. The company pays all premiums. The co-pays are a little higher than Tri-care Prime. If you are retaining gov't-provided heathcare as a military retiree, then Tricare will pay the difference if the co-pay from your primary insurance is higher.

Aetna has been VERY easy to work with. Under our plan, the list of providers, at least in Dallas, is very large and we don't even require a referral to see a specialist.

You also get to choose if you want to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses each year. It can be used for all kinds of co-pays to dentists, m.d's, eye-exams or even non-presciption meds. This could be a significant tax savings, depending on your family situation.

Overall, no complaints here. I think that says alot for a heathcare plan.

-NTFB

faipsrule

I start indoc on the 3rd of Dec and will be able to vote on the TA, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. If the Blogosphere is accurate I will vote for it, but I would love to get a copy to read before I actually vote. Does it live in cyberspace anywhere or can I call Derinda and get a copy or at least a summary to read. BTW, all the a/c from my class have been the ultra so far.

Bill Lumberg

Faipsrule,

Check your PMs.