Already US Healthcare Blows

[stormchaser]

:down: We haven't changed over from Blue Cross/Blue Sheild and already I have found US Healthcare sucks. My wife has cancer and is being treated by some of the best cancer doctors in the US if not the world and none of them are in the US Healthcare system. In fact the choice of doctors in that field close to my area (I'm near a big city) are far and few between. I can see already that this is a bare necessities healthcare system and once again we get screwed. And all you koolaid drinkers don't tell me that if I don't like it go find other employment because since my wife has cancer I have to wait at least 5 years before she is deemed cancer free. That keeps me here. Not my choice. I can't wait for the 5 years to go by so I can get out. If I had other options I would be gone in a flash. It just keeps getting worse!!! :angry:

 

[insp89]

:down: We haven't changed over from Blue Cross/Blue Sheild and already I have found US Healthcare sucks. My wife has cancer and is being treated by some of the best cancer doctors in the US if not the world and none of them are in the US Healthcare system. In fact the choice of doctors in that field close to my area (I'm near a big city) are far and few between. I can see already that this is a bare necessities healthcare system and once again we get screwed. And all you koolaid drinkers don't tell me that if I don't like it go find other employment because since my wife has cancer I have to wait at least 5 years before she is deemed cancer free. That keeps me here. Not my choice. I can't wait for the 5 years to go by so I can get out. If I had other options I would be gone in a flash. It just keeps getting worse!!! :angry:

stormchaser, Wish there was something I could do or say that would make a difference.
I do sympathize completely with your situation. A close friend of mines wife also has cancer. GOD bless you and your wife.
I guess we all have to sacrifice insignificant things [like DECENT HEALTH CARE], to keep the FAT CATS rolling in stock optons and bonuses. :angry:

 

[wings396]

Before you get to upset, check with US Healthcare about your options. I had them a few years ago when US first offered them as an option. I seem to recall that if you couldn't locate a specialist to your liking, that you could go out of network. There was an additional cost for doing so, but may be well worth it in your case. Being that your wife has a pre-existing condition, that may permit you to stay with her current specialists. I wish you both all of the best in her recovery.

 

[AIRWOMAN]

:down: We haven't changed over from Blue Cross/Blue Sheild and already I have found US Healthcare sucks. My wife has cancer and is being treated by some of the best cancer doctors in the US if not the world and none of them are in the US Healthcare system. In fact the choice of doctors in that field close to my area (I'm near a big city) are far and few between. I can see already that this is a bare necessities healthcare system and once again we get screwed. And all you koolaid drinkers don't tell me that if I don't like it go find other employment because since my wife has cancer I have to wait at least 5 years before she is deemed cancer free. That keeps me here. Not my choice. I can't wait for the 5 years to go by so I can get out. If I had other options I would be gone in a flash. It just keeps getting worse!!! :angry:

Check the website. I copied this from the site. Hope this can help.

In Treatment / Transition of Care Requests
If your current physician or care facility is not a member of the UnitedHealthcare network as of January 1, 2007 and you are

in the middle of major treatment (e.g. surgery, third trimester pregnancy), you may qualify for Transition of Care medical benefits.

If authorized, this means that your care may be covered at In-Network levels, even though you are not using an In-Network facility or seeing an In-Network physician.

Authorization is required for Transition of Care benefits. To get more information on qualification or to request Transition of Care benefits, please call a UnitedHealthCare Customer Care professional at 800-528-0811.

 

[insp89]

Ya know, It's just ANOTHER kick in the teeth that stormchaser has to call or do anything different due to the change over to UHC !
I believe that Usairways is self insured, and these insurance companies should be under the obligation [NO QUESTIONS ASKED] to keep things [at least] status quo.

 

[PITbull]

:down: We haven't changed over from Blue Cross/Blue Sheild and already I have found US Healthcare sucks. My wife has cancer and is being treated by some of the best cancer doctors in the US if not the world and none of them are in the US Healthcare system. In fact the choice of doctors in that field close to my area (I'm near a big city) are far and few between. I can see already that this is a bare necessities healthcare system and once again we get screwed. And all you koolaid drinkers don't tell me that if I don't like it go find other employment because since my wife has cancer I have to wait at least 5 years before she is deemed cancer free. That keeps me here. Not my choice. I can't wait for the 5 years to go by so I can get out. If I had other options I would be gone in a flash. It just keeps getting worse!!! :angry:

USAirways designs their own "summary discription plan" and they are self insured. They use Insurance companies as Administrators of "THIER" plan. Folks need to know that if USAirways can Walmart the health care, it will squeeze every dime it can. Company doesn't care about employee illness or providing reasonable health care for their employees to recover from illness or disease. They'd rather look to fire you if they can.

This is one of the reasons I won't fly USAirways, or give them my business if I have a choice on who to fly.
This year I've flown USA3000 3 times, NW, and CO. And my closest friends and family won't fly them either.

I don't WalMart shop and I won't fly USAirways unless I am stuck some where because of a cancellation and then use my passes. I won't finance or support a company who treats employees the way USAirways continues to do.

 

[NewHampshire Black Bears]

:down: We haven't changed over from Blue Cross/Blue Sheild and already I have found US Healthcare sucks. My wife has cancer and is being treated by some of the best cancer doctors in the US if not the world and none of them are in the US Healthcare system. In fact the choice of doctors in that field close to my area (I'm near a big city) are far and few between. I can see already that this is a bare necessities healthcare system and once again we get screwed. And all you koolaid drinkers don't tell me that if I don't like it go find other employment because since my wife has cancer I have to wait at least 5 years before she is deemed cancer free. That keeps me here. Not my choice. I can't wait for the 5 years to go by so I can get out. If I had other options I would be gone in a flash. It just keeps getting worse!!! :angry:

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

stormchaser,
FIRST off, prayers and BEST WISHES TO Your Wife, and you.
My wife and I went through the same situation(5 Years)

Now a Question. Are you refering to United Healthcare ??

If so, I had/have UHC as an AA retiree.
I mention this because I had an issue with skin cancer, on my leg(It turned out to be NON melenoma..Thank GOD), but I was treated in NY, at Memorial Sloan Kettering..THE BEST in the WORLD !!!!!!!!!!!............"PERIOD" !

UHC has MSK on their list.
Now I'm not sure Which big city you're near, but check around, because the TOP 4 cancer institutions in the US, are LCC cities.

1. LGA...MSK
2. IAH...MD Anderson
3. BWI/DCA...Johns Hopkins
4. MSP......Mayo Clinic

But as others have said, do ALL your UHC research.

Good luck Buddy !!!!!!!!!!!

NH/BB's

 

[Harry Callahan]

stormchaser, prayers have been said for your wife & for all employees undergoing difficult times.

 

[ALCARLOS]

I believe that Usairways is self insured, and these insurance companies should be under the obligation [NO QUESTIONS ASKED] to keep things [at least] status quo.

Unfortunately, employer cutbacks in medical insurance is occurring at most companies, regardless of the industry.
I hope they can make arrangements for her to continue the treatement she is finding successful.

 

[insp89]

Unfortunately, employer cutbacks in medical insurance is occurring at most companies, regardless of the industry.
I hope they can make arrangements for her to continue the treatement she is finding successful.

Unfortunately, A lot of people try to explain away sleazy, penny pinching medical insurance practices at THIS company.

[Especially when it doesn't pertain to them personally].

 

[AIRWOMAN]

stormchaser,

Being a cancer survivor myself, 4 years and 2 months, I can't speak as to how UHC will handle it. During my treatments & surgery, AWA had Mayo Health insurance....and that was the BEST!! I never saw a bill for anything!!

But do not go without a fight during the changeover.

Best of luck to you and your wife.

 

[lostplanetairman]

:down: We haven't changed over from Blue Cross/Blue Sheild and already I have found US Healthcare sucks.

Not to nitpick, but I'm trying to understand your point.

US Healthcare was sold to Aetna in the 1990's. No one calls it that now.

Are you referring to UnitedHealthcare?

If a company is self insured, it doesn't matter who administers it. It's just a matter of following the plan the company designs. It's up to the company to choose an administrator that has an appropriate network.

Good luck to you.

HR Diva

 

[Awa Contract]

Stormchaser - the lady to talk to at corporate is Jan Ashley - she seems to call all the shots - when I had coverage problems one conversation with her and everything was taken care of. Best wishes for your wife's recovery.

 

[stormchaser]

Sorry I meant UnitedHealthcare. Thanks to all you well wishers and your suggestions. You guys bring a tear to my eyes. You're in our hearts.

PS - Once again the knuckleheads jump in and go off on their tangents and get off subject. I guess some have to get on their soapboxes no matter what.

 

[PHL BULL]

:down: We haven't changed over from Blue Cross/Blue Sheild and already I have found US Healthcare sucks. My wife has cancer and is being treated by some of the best cancer doctors in the US if not the world and none of them are in the US Healthcare system. In fact the choice of doctors in that field close to my area (I'm near a big city) are far and few between. I can see already that this is a bare necessities healthcare system and once again we get screwed. And all you koolaid drinkers don't tell me that if I don't like it go find other employment because since my wife has cancer I have to wait at least 5 years before she is deemed cancer free. That keeps me here. Not my choice. I can't wait for the 5 years to go by so I can get out. If I had other options I would be gone in a flash. It just keeps getting worse!!! :angry:

I feel your pain...see the thread CAREMARK SUX! not here for the flight bennys anymore, tix are cheep the health bennys are the only real peark left...let's not let them go to $#@* good luck to you...