New Medical Shenanigans
10-24-2021, 06:20 PM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2019
Posts: 983
Originally Posted by Flyhayes
Honestly, I'd much rather have the second opinion from the mayo clinic. If it could save me from an unnecessary spinal surgery (and all the issues that go with it) vs other effective medical treatments, I'm all for it.
Quite often, surgery isn't the best option but is still what surgeons opt for.
A quick google search finds this: https://www.npr.org/templates/story/...ryId=125627307
Sure, why wouldn't the company want to save money if it's not even needed for effective treatment? If it helps you why not? If it keeps my insurance premiums down, why not?
Sounds more to me that you like getting upset for the sake of being upset, especially when it's the Mayo Clinic and not some fly by night dr.
Quite often, surgery isn't the best option but is still what surgeons opt for.
A quick google search finds this: https://www.npr.org/templates/story/...ryId=125627307
Sure, why wouldn't the company want to save money if it's not even needed for effective treatment? If it helps you why not? If it keeps my insurance premiums down, why not?
Sounds more to me that you like getting upset for the sake of being upset, especially when it's the Mayo Clinic and not some fly by night dr.
10-25-2021, 06:39 AM
#13
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2014
Position: Semi-Retired...
Posts: 3,128
Originally Posted by Flyhayes
Having access to the Mayo Clinic is a pretty big deal. With the reputation that the Mayo Clinic has, I find it highly unlikely that anyone would willfully tarnish it, let alone risk ruining their personal careers for the likes of JetBlue.
From speaking with them over the years, in simplest terms, they're both convinced - for example - that the insurance industry would rather spend 2 million on reviews than spend 1 million on unneeded procedures.
10-25-2021, 01:07 PM
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2017
Posts: 320
Originally Posted by FlyingDutch
Questions from a potential new hire.
What are the opinions on Blue vs Green health plan?
And how about United vs BCBS? I live in NYC if that matters.
What are the opinions on Blue vs Green health plan?
And how about United vs BCBS? I live in NYC if that matters.
The game is you max out your healthy rewards and contribute from your paychecks up to the $7500 maximum, then pay for all medical expenses on your own. The contributions grow tax free and can be removed after 65 triple tax sheltered for medical care, or double tax sheltered for normal retirement expenses.
As for United vs BCBS...
They have different contracts at different hospitals. This could make a huge difference in how much you pay for care, but no one will tell you those rates, you might as well flip a coin.
10-28-2021, 07:00 AM
#17
On Reserve
Joined APC: Aug 2014
Posts: 10
Originally Posted by MainlineFlyer
Buried in the new benefits package is a potential landmine, the mandatory review by a company selected doctor. Before the company will pay for a spine procedure you must get an eReview. Based on this review they can force you to go to travel to another state, for their doctor to look at you. Think of this as an arbitration hearing for your healthcare. The company is willing to pay to fly you, and put you up in a hotel to see this doctor. How do you think he is going to find for your upcoming procedure? Now in any fights with the insurance company you will have your doctors vs this company shill.
We have seen how this works in "binding arbitration", where the arbitrators are chosen by the company. The outcomes are nearly always in the companies favor, and if they aren't damages awarded are tiny. Right now its limited to spinal care (good thing pilots don't get back pain), but I expect this to expand.
Here is the full text:
A note about Spine Support: Before your spine procedure can be covered by JetBlue Medical, Crewmembers and dependents will need to have a mandatory eReview from experts at Mayo Clinic, which is covered at 100%. If onsite travel to Mayo Clinic is recommended, the cost is covered by JetBlue, based on your Medical Option.
We have seen how this works in "binding arbitration", where the arbitrators are chosen by the company. The outcomes are nearly always in the companies favor, and if they aren't damages awarded are tiny. Right now its limited to spinal care (good thing pilots don't get back pain), but I expect this to expand.
Here is the full text:
A note about Spine Support: Before your spine procedure can be covered by JetBlue Medical, Crewmembers and dependents will need to have a mandatory eReview from experts at Mayo Clinic, which is covered at 100%. If onsite travel to Mayo Clinic is recommended, the cost is covered by JetBlue, based on your Medical Option.
Are you sure this is new? My wife was on the verge of needing spinal surgery a couple of years ago, and I seem to remember seeing this clause at that time. This would have been 2-4 years ago. I think has been around for a while.
10-28-2021, 07:49 AM
#18
New Hire
Joined APC: Jan 2013
Posts: 9
Originally Posted by mere
Are you sure this is new? My wife was on the verge of needing spinal surgery a couple of years ago, and I seem to remember seeing this clause at that time. This would have been 2-4 years ago. I think has been around for a while.
11-03-2021, 04:35 AM
#19
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2016
Posts: 360
Since we're talking medical and it's open enrollment, what are peoples thoughts on short term disability?
From my understanding it pays up to 60% for 26 weeks, BUT if you work in Massachusetts, NY or CA, the states already have government funded STD for it's residents that would cover you first. For Boston based pilots, MA covers 43% up to $1084 weekly for 2022, and our out of pocket short term will cover the other 17%. Is it worth getting when the benefit is potentially that low?
From my understanding it pays up to 60% for 26 weeks, BUT if you work in Massachusetts, NY or CA, the states already have government funded STD for it's residents that would cover you first. For Boston based pilots, MA covers 43% up to $1084 weekly for 2022, and our out of pocket short term will cover the other 17%. Is it worth getting when the benefit is potentially that low?
11-03-2021, 06:46 AM
#20
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2005
Posts: 323
Originally Posted by AYLflyer
Since we're talking medical and it's open enrollment, what are peoples thoughts on short term disability?
From my understanding it pays up to 60% for 26 weeks, BUT if you work in Massachusetts, NY or CA, the states already have government funded STD for it's residents that would cover you first. For Boston based pilots, MA covers 43% up to $1084 weekly for 2022, and our out of pocket short term will cover the other 17%. Is it worth getting when the benefit is potentially that low?
From my understanding it pays up to 60% for 26 weeks, BUT if you work in Massachusetts, NY or CA, the states already have government funded STD for it's residents that would cover you first. For Boston based pilots, MA covers 43% up to $1084 weekly for 2022, and our out of pocket short term will cover the other 17%. Is it worth getting when the benefit is potentially that low?
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