Health Care Scenarios

[MrFedEx]

Scenario #1: Let's say you hit 50 and go in for your routine colonoscopy. FedEx pays for it since it's preventive care. Bad news...you have colon cancer. Let's see what FedEx pays.
Colonoscopy: Paid
Surgery and follow-up medical: $125,000. FedEx pays 70% on the Consumer Choice Option= Your Cost is $37,500 + Employee Deductible of $2,250= $39,750.
With Consumer Premier Option: $25,000 + $1,200 for Employee Deductible= $26,200


How about Breast Cancer?
Mammography: Paid
Surgery and follow-up medical: $175,000. FedEx pays 70% on the Consumer Choice Option= Your Cost is $52,500 + Employee Deductible of $2,250= $54,750
With Consumer Premier Option: $35,000 + $1,200 for Employee Deductible = $36,200


Chronic Illness? Child with serious heart condition No surgery (yet)

Monthly office visits at $250 per visit (12) + additional required medical testing and monitoring ($25,000)
With Consumer Choice Option: $900 + $4500 family deductible + $7,500= $12,900
With Consumer Premier Option: $600 +$2,600+ $5,000= $8,200

Subtract $400, $650, or $800 accordingly for the pitiful HRA. Yep, you are screwed. Guess you will have to dig into the 401k or declare bankruptcy. Thanks, Fred!

 

[shadey]

Except you forgot to go over the annual out of pocket maximums for your scenarios. That makes them grossly overestimated. You are doing nothing better than the talking heads when you try to strike fear into those that either don't take the time to research things for themselves or can't comprehend what they have read. I have sat on the sidelines here for years so I know you will bash me because I didn't agree with you. I'm thick skinned so have at it. To add to your scenario's, what type of care do you think you are going to get with no insurance? Yes, health care costs are rising and will continue to rise, but apparently you have limited your knowledge to just this company. Most companies are raising their rates and providing less coverage. As for those companies that are not self insured, the insurance companies make the profits as they are all for profit companies.

Try getting past the idea that anybody in this life owes you anything. If you believed everything you were told in this company and never planned for the "what if" then that is a mistake that you made. I, as well as everyone else, hate what has been taken away from us over the many years I have been here, but there are a great many of us that have prepared ourselves for what might happen in the future. Some have lived there lives paying attention to the signs that were shown and made adjustments to their lifestyles to minimize the impact. So instead of sitting here whining about what you don't have and waiting for Fred to give it back to you, go do what YOU need to do to right YOUR ship. Otherwise, if the big purple ship does go down, you will certainly go down with it.

 

[chargerlou]

Except you forgot to go over the annual out of pocket maximums for your scenarios. That makes them grossly overestimated. You are doing nothing better than the talking heads when you try to strike fear into those that either don't take the time to research things for themselves or can't comprehend what they have read. I have sat on the sidelines here for years so I know you will bash me because I didn't agree with you. I'm thick skinned so have at it. To add to your scenario's, what type of care do you think you are going to get with no insurance? Yes, health care costs are rising and will continue to rise, but apparently you have limited your knowledge to just this company. Most companies are raising their rates and providing less coverage. As for those companies that are not self insured, the insurance companies make the profits as they are all for profit companies.

Try getting past the idea that anybody in this life owes you anything. If you believed everything you were told in this company and never planned for the "what if" then that is a mistake that you made. I, as well as everyone else, hate what has been taken away from us over the many years I have been here, but there are a great many of us that have prepared ourselves for what might happen in the future. Some have lived there lives paying attention to the signs that were shown and made adjustments to their lifestyles to minimize the impact. So instead of sitting here whining about what you don't have and waiting for Fred to give it back to you, go do what YOU need to do to right YOUR ship. Otherwise, if the big purple ship does go down, you will certainly go down with it.

You are SOOO Full of IT!!!!

 

[MrFedEx]

Except you forgot to go over the annual out of pocket maximums for your scenarios. That makes them grossly overestimated. You are doing nothing better than the talking heads when you try to strike fear into those that either don't take the time to research things for themselves or can't comprehend what they have read. I have sat on the sidelines here for years so I know you will bash me because I didn't agree with you. I'm thick skinned so have at it. To add to your scenario's, what type of care do you think you are going to get with no insurance? Yes, health care costs are rising and will continue to rise, but apparently you have limited your knowledge to just this company. Most companies are raising their rates and providing less coverage. As for those companies that are not self insured, the insurance companies make the profits as they are all for profit companies.

Try getting past the idea that anybody in this life owes you anything. If you believed everything you were told in this company and never planned for the "what if" then that is a mistake that you made. I, as well as everyone else, hate what has been taken away from us over the many years I have been here, but there are a great many of us that have prepared ourselves for what might happen in the future. Some have lived there lives paying attention to the signs that were shown and made adjustments to their lifestyles to minimize the impact. So instead of sitting here whining about what you don't have and waiting for Fred to give it back to you, go do what YOU need to do to right YOUR ship. Otherwise, if the big purple ship does go down, you will certainly go down with it.

Yep, I miscalculated. Your annual Out-Of-Pocket Maximum would be $12,500 under the CCO, $39,500 under the OON of the same, and $9,600 for CPO and OON of the CPO would be $28,800. The scenario for the sick child would be accurate. I'm glad you think this is a good deal, because it isn't.
Apologists like you are why we are where we are right now...behind the 8-ball. This is still a plan that most employees cannot afford to use, or do you disagree with that too?

Nobody owes me anything other than a square deal. I have also made alternative arrangements to create a decent income in spite of FedEx...a second job, which I've had for many years. If you think that Fred hasn't been screwing you, I'm sad you can be so oblivious. There are many companies that haven't raised rates like this...UPS is one of them. Employees pay nothing for coverage. They have proposed eliminated coverage for working spouses, who already have their own insurance.

Also, I don't intentionally mislead people, ala' FedEx. I made a mistake, plain and simple.

 

[vantexan]

Yep, I miscalculated. Your annual Out-Of-Pocket Maximum would be $12,500 under the CCO, $39,500 under the OON of the same, and $9,600 for CPO and OON of the CPO would be $28,800. The scenario for the sick child would be accurate. I'm glad you think this is a good deal, because it isn't.
Apologists like you are why we are where we are right now...behind the 8-ball. This is still a plan that most employees cannot afford to use, or do you disagree with that too?

Nobody owes me anything other than a square deal. I have also made alternative arrangements to create a decent income in spite of FedEx...a second job, which I've had for many years. If you think that Fred hasn't been screwing you, I'm sad you can be so oblivious. There are many companies that haven't raised rates like this...UPS is one of them. Employees pay nothing for coverage. They have proposed eliminated coverage for working spouses, who already have their own insurance.

But he's right that many companies, not just FedEx, are adjusting their offerings to lower their costs. FedEx will meet the standards set by Obamacare and the employee is free to purchase healthcare elsewhere. But since the employee works for a company that provides what Obamacare deems affordable he and his family won't be eligible for subsidies. Obamacare has made it possible for companies to lower their costs, so blame it. The government could have set standards that would have required little out of pocket for the employee but they didn't. What the government did was hammer the middle class in the process. The rich might grumble but they can afford it. The poor get subsidies. If you work for a company that meets the minimum you have to settle for what's offered.

 

[MrFedEx]

But he's right that many companies, not just FedEx, are adjusting their offerings to lower their costs. FedEx will meet the standards set by Obamacare and the employee is free to purchase healthcare elsewhere. But since the employee works for a company that provides what Obamacare deems affordable he and his family won't be eligible for subsidies. Obamacare has made it possible for companies to lower their costs, so blame it. The government could have set standards that would have required little out of pocket for the employee but they didn't. What the government did was hammer the middle class in the process. The rich might grumble but they can afford it. The poor get subsidies. If you work for a company that meets the minimum you have to settle for what's offered.

I don't think Obamacare is going to be what people expected either, and the president has been a disappointment to me on health issues, as well as labor. My hope is that the proposed exchanges will offer an alternative to high-cost care like the FedEx plan we're seeing now. One of the big reasons the corporate implementation was rolled-back to 2015 was so it wouldn't hurt Democrats in the mid-terms. That tells me it's problematic. But FedEx could certainly afford to do better by their employees, and this is just another takeaway that Fred can perform and push the blame on Obamacare.

That said van, how would this new plan have affected you when you went through your heart issues a few years ago? My initial thought were that you would have been up Creek.

 

[shadey]

Apologist, no. A realist, yes. Never said it was a good deal or that Fred hasn't been screwing us, but these are the options that are now in front of all of us. Not what UPS or any other company is being offered, but the one that we, like it or not, work for. Have a few friends that have experienced tragic illnesses with no insurance and while they may never pay any of the tremendous bills they have incurred, I can assure you that the stress and lack of piece of mind that they and their families experience is a burden they would rather not carry. Nobody would want to pay the max out of pocket costs that may accrue, but it certainly can be done. And if that time arises when you, a family member or anyone else may experience a tragic illness or injury you will certainly be glad you have some insurance, even if it is not as good as others.

 

[Bankrupt]

I fear that come oct 1st I will have no option but to stay w FedEx insurance unless I quit and go on Medicaid. I will be falling in the scenario of the $9600 max out of pocket. Be aware that number does not include your monthly premiums or any copays.(they don't count towards the max) So the real num is closer to 14k or 15k. Hopefully the govt will recognize this as unaffordable and offer me something better. Im in my 40's and have worked since I was 14 yrs old. Even my pride won't keep me from doing whats best for my family. I ll be able to find part time work while the govt pays my medical bills since my billion dollar employer thinks I can afford to pay over half my take home pay in medical.
Sad but true

 

[vantexan]

I don't think Obamacare is going to be what people expected either, and the president has been a disappointment to me on health issues, as well as labor. My hope is that the proposed exchanges will offer an alternative to high-cost care like the FedEx plan we're seeing now. One of the big reasons the corporate implementation was rolled-back to 2015 was so it wouldn't hurt Democrats in the mid-terms. That tells me it's problematic. But FedEx could certainly afford to do better by their employees, and this is just another takeaway that Fred can perform and push the blame on Obamacare.

That said van, how would this new plan have affected you when you went through your heart issues a few years ago? My initial thought were that you would have been up Creek.

I may have declared bankruptcy. That's the reality. Kiplinger's Financial Magazine gives a very detailed run down of Obamacare this month. You can get up to 90% coverage with state exchange platinum plans, but your premiums will be high. Literally the best, most affordable option is pay the penalty and take your chances. We'll be out of the country at least 335 days a year which exempts us. We'll pay as we go for much more affordable care in Mexico.

 

[Goldilocks]

Gotta say, I'd rather have Hillary as President than who we have now. Did I say that? Coming from a true Republican. Desperate times my friends.

 

[StuffItFred]

Gotta say, I'd rather have Hillary as President than who we have now. Did I say that? Coming from a true Republican. Desperate times my friends.

At this point I think anyone would be better. Sad to say

 

[MrFedEx]

Apologist, no. A realist, yes. Never said it was a good deal or that Fred hasn't been screwing us, but these are the options that are now in front of all of us. Not what UPS or any other company is being offered, but the one that we, like it or not, work for. Have a few friends that have experienced tragic illnesses with no insurance and while they may never pay any of the tremendous bills they have incurred, I can assure you that the stress and lack of piece of mind that they and their families experience is a burden they would rather not carry. Nobody would want to pay the max out of pocket costs that may accrue, but it certainly can be done. And if that time arises when you, a family member or anyone else may experience a tragic illness or injury you will certainly be glad you have some insurance, even if it is not as good as others.

I have no illusions about going back to the good old days at Federal Express...that ship has sailed and been scrapped years ago. The new plan is basically Catastrophic Coverage. If you have a chronic condition that requires many specialist visits, testing, and perhaps even additional specialists, you are in a world of hurt. What if one of your kids also has a chronic condition? As you correctly pointed-out, there are out-of-pocket maximums, but those take a huge chunk out of already diminished incomes here at Express. A few years ago, it wasn't uncommon to see couriers and RTDs making $55,000-$65,000 with a lot of OT. That's a rarity now, and the annual maximums could easily throw someone over the edge financially.

 

[Bankrupt]

Apologist, no. A realist, yes. Never said it was a good deal or that Fred hasn't been screwing us, but these are the options that are now in front of all of us. Not what UPS or any other company is being offered, but the one that we, like it or not, work for. Have a few friends that have experienced tragic illnesses with no insurance and while they may never pay any of the tremendous bills they have incurred, I can assure you that the stress and lack of piece of mind that they and their families experience is a burden they would rather not carry. Nobody would want to pay the max out of pocket costs that may accrue, but it certainly can be done. And if that time arises when you, a family member or anyone else may experience a tragic illness or injury you will certainly be glad you have some insurance, even if it is not as good as others.

Certainly one may be able to pay the max out of pocket once but if you are faced with this burden year after for treatment of a chronic disease it's literally impossible. Last year I had over $8000 in medical expenses this year it's more and next year it will be even worse. Oh I'm getting a 2% raise in oct so The $16 extra each week will cover that?

 

[StuffItFred]

Certainly one may be able to pay the max out of pocket once but if you are faced with this burden year after for treatment of a chronic disease it's literally impossible. Last year I had over $8000 in medical expenses this year it's more and next year it will be even worse. Oh I'm getting a 2% raise in oct so The $16 extra each week will cover that?

​In fecal matter fred's head this makes sense.

 

[shadey]

Unfortunately most of us will face a major illness or injury at some point and I am sure that those that do will be happy to have the insurance we have. Being shuffled to a county hospital for treatment or care because you carry no insurance or medicaid is not exactly quality care. Yes, the costs to many may be financially overwhelming. I certainly don't have the answers, but this problem is not one created by or affecting only FedEx.

 

[MrFedEx]

Certainly one may be able to pay the max out of pocket once but if you are faced with this burden year after for treatment of a chronic disease it's literally impossible. Last year I had over $8000 in medical expenses this year it's more and next year it will be even worse. Oh I'm getting a 2% raise in oct so The $16 extra each week will cover that?

You go backwards every year. I'm in the same boat with one of my kids. My FedEx income keeps going down, my insurance coverage pays for less each year, and the cost of living continues to rise. Meanwhile, FedEx pretends they are offering us "quality healthcare at affordable rates". This is a steaming load, and no matter how much perfume they throw on it, it's still going to stink.

A secondary reason for this plan is that it's going to encourage more employees to just leave.

 

[klein]

Well, I just had a colonscopy a few months ago.
They found multiple polyps (cancer cells).
They removed them all in the same procedure. (I understand most American surgeons, do not do this, and make another appointment for removal).
Which is really hard to do for the patient - empty out bowl again !
But, it's a money maker for these doctors.

Anyways, the kind of part-time work I do, I would never qualify in the US for health insurance, add my pre-conditions, then certainly not !
And yup, follow-up is neccesary after 12 months.
No problem here in Canada, but if I was in the US, I would have no money to pay for it, and most likely would be left to die.

 

[Mr. 7]

Scenario #1: Let's say you hit 50 and go in for your routine colonoscopy. FedEx pays for it since it's preventive care. Bad news...you have colon cancer. Let's see what FedEx pays.
Colonoscopy: Paid
Surgery and follow-up medical: $125,000. FedEx pays 70% on the Consumer Choice Option= Your Cost is $37,500 + Employee Deductible of $2,250= $39,750.
With Consumer Premier Option: $25,000 + $1,200 for Employee Deductible= $26,200


How about Breast Cancer?
Mammography: Paid
Surgery and follow-up medical: $175,000. FedEx pays 70% on the Consumer Choice Option= Your Cost is $52,500 + Employee Deductible of $2,250= $54,750
With Consumer Premier Option: $35,000 + $1,200 for Employee Deductible = $36,200


Chronic Illness? Child with serious heart condition No surgery (yet)

Monthly office visits at $250 per visit (12) + additional required medical testing and monitoring ($25,000)
With Consumer Choice Option: $900 + $4500 family deductible + $7,500= $12,900
With Consumer Premier Option: $600 +$2,600+ $5,000= $8,200

Subtract $400, $650, or $800 accordingly for the pitiful HRA. Yep, you are screwed. Guess you will have to dig into the 401k or declare bankruptcy. Thanks, Fred!

I just noticed that you don't talk about the max. out of pocket.
Consumer choice:
Employee: $6,250
Family: $12,500

Consumer Premier:
Employee: $3,200
Family: $9,600

These figures are for In-Network only. Who would pay to go out of network?

 

[Bankrupt]

I just noticed that you don't talk about the max. out of pocket.
Consumer choice:
Employee: $6,250
Family: $12,500

Consumer Premier:
Employee: $3,200
Family: $9,600

These figures are for In-Network only. Who would pay to go out of network?

Lets not forget your premium to actually have the insurance does not count towards the out of pocket max. Roughly 4k this year I haven't seen the monthly cost for 2014 but we all know it will be more. Not to beat a dead horse but fedex doesn't purchase healthcare for its employees so all premiums paid go to fedex.

 

[Mr. 7]

I'm paying $1 + change a week for the crap plan now.