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What's Your Ailment?

Huntn said:
So I’m researching to understand what the draw back of the HMO plan, besides less choice.
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There could be no other HMO drawbacks. Just the possibilities that you won't be able to get a new provider you prefer (e.g., a specialist for a new condition) or that provider services could involve more delays. I think of PPOs as a way to pay for more peace of mind.

Providers can change which insurance plans they accept, from time to time, but there's not much you can do about that.
 
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Doctor Q said:
There could be no other HMO drawbacks. Just the possibilities that you won't be able to get a new provider you prefer (e.g., a specialist for a new condition) or that provider services could involve more delays. I think of PPOs as a way to pay for more peace of mind.

Providers can change which insurance plans they accept, from time to time, but there's not much you can do about that.
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Yes, a possibility with the sobering aspect that that I might have to pay might double if OON. And that would depend on the price range. Example crown $600 vs $1000.
 
Huntn said:
Example crown $600 vs $1000.
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If you are in good health then that might be significant. If you aren't then that $1000 is trivial when a significant medical problem could easily run into 6 digits. Lots of stories in the news about HMO patients who have major problems in getting the medical treatments or seeing the specialists that they need.
 
HDFan said:
If you are in good health then that might be significant. If you aren't then that $1000 is trivial when a significant medical problem could easily run into 6 digits. Lots of stories in the news about HMO patients who have major problems in getting the medical treatments or seeing the specialists that they need.
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With the HMO plan, which was confirmed, a crown would be "zero" for the patient. 🤔 I keep wondering what the cache is... and everything else is on par or better than the PPO plan I'm currently on.
 
Huntn said:
everything else is on par or better than the PPO plan I'm currently on.
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If you are in good health then might be similar. It's when you need treatments/doctors that aren't on their limited lists that there a problems trying to get exceptions. Know someone who has cancer. They are able to go to the top cancer treatment hospitals in the country which would be difficult if not impossible with an HMO.

" On major disadvantage is that it is difficult to get any specialized care because the members must get a referral first. Any kind of care that is sought that is not a referral or an emergency is not covered. "

 
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HDFan said:
If you are in good health then might be similar. It's when you need treatments/doctors that aren't on their limited lists that there a problems trying to get exceptions. Know someone who has cancer. They are able to go to the top cancer treatment hospitals in the country which would be difficult if not impossible with an HMO.

" On major disadvantage is that it is difficult to get any specialized care because the members must get a referral first. Any kind of care that is sought that is not a referral or an emergency is not covered. "

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At 71, I’m mentally preparing myself to check out. I see the end on the horizon, even if my Dad is 96. 😉 I’m observing what he is going through. If someone told me I had a serious cancer tomorrow, I would get treatment, but not do back flips to save myself, que sera. 🙂
 
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Huntn said:
At 71, I’m mentally preparing myself to check out. I see the end on the horizon, even if my Dad is 96. 😉 I’m observing what he is going through. If someone told me I had a serious cancer tomorrow, I would get treatment, but not do back flips to save myself, que sera. 🙂
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You aren't alone :) The most difficult thing for most of us to do is to not always remember to enjoy every moment at hand. Yes, we go through downs such as ailments, seeing suffering around us, etc., and often forget to enjoy the good moments in between. Once the time has passed and our family members or friends are not longer with us, it is too late to tell them how much we would have liked to have them near when they were alive. Those missed moments later turn into regrets. This I tell from experience, for I lost my oldest son in early 2023, and while he and I knew that I loved him, I cannot but to miss him and wish for him to be here with the rest of the family.
 
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AlaskaMoose said:
You aren't alone :) The most difficult thing for most of us to do is to not always remember to enjoy every moment at hand. Yes, we go through downs such as ailments, seeing suffering around us, etc., and often forget to enjoy the good moments in between. Once the time has passed and our family members or friends are not longer with us, it is too late to tell them how much we would have liked to have them near when they were alive. Those missed moments later turn into regrets. This I tell from experience, for I lost my oldest son in early 2023, and while he and I knew that I loved him, I cannot but to miss him and wish for him to be here with the rest of the family.
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Sorry to hear this, something about parents should not have to bury their children. 😔

At times I am greatful for this experience, meditation reinforces, and at other times not so much. This life can feel like a grind which includes worries and disappointment, especially as your mobility degrades, but not about the worry of passing on. :)
 
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Interesting. My throat has been bothering me, too, for the past two or three days.

Otherwise, though, I feel fine.
 
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I've been noticing some intermittent lower back pain over the past couple of months. Not awful, but noticeable at times, and not something I'm used to. Sometimes I have to get up more ah, deliberately than I used to. I suppose part of that is being 73; but I went to a spine specialist to get checked out. Sure enough, I have some arthritis in my lower spine, and a slight reduction in the space between the two lowest lumber vertebrae.

So the doc gave me some exercises to do, which are designed to increase flexibility and strength in my lower back. They are a pita to do, but I'm starting out slowly and getting used to doing them. He thinks that over time, doing those will take care of my pain. Especially if I lose 10 or more pounds.

Next step would be steroid injections, but he doesn't believe that will be necessary. According to him, I'm in pretty good shape for my age.
 
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Matz said:
I've been noticing some intermittent lower back pain over the past couple of months. Not awful, but noticeable at times, and not something I'm used to. Sometimes I have to get up more ah, deliberately than I used to. I suppose part of that is being 73; but I went to a spine specialist to get checked out. Sure enough, I have some arthritis in my lower spine, and a slight reduction in the space between the two lowest lumber vertebrae.

So the doc gave me some exercises to do, which are designed to increase flexibility and strength in my lower back. They are a pita to do, but I'm starting out slowly and getting used to doing them. He thinks that over time, doing those will take care of my pain. Especially if I lose 10 or more pounds.

Next step would be steroid injections, but he doesn't believe that will be necessary. According to him, I'm in pretty good shape for my age.
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I never do as many stretches as I should. Probably something to work on for 2025!
 
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