A note for those concerned about health care. I have heard that there are some serious concerns and horror stories out there in light of the changes from our government health care. I don't believe people are exaggerating and that I worry about some of the struggles people will face with this system. I can only speak for my family but here is a personal experience we are facing.
As a minister I have had to pay for my own insurance, even though it comes off my salary. I have had Regence Blue Cross for 25+ years. I have been happy with them and felt that they were financially comparable to other companies. Every year since I turned 45, the premiums have increased. I have had to read a difficult packet of info and navigate a web of numbers, percentages, and what they don't cover to find what works best for us.When I finally call for help, I have been given help--although I am not sure what is being covered. Yes, I am frustrated that they would pay for my rehab, if I started using narcotics, but not for my and my family's dental care--even though I brush my teeth twice per day. All in all I have been happy. Funny thing is that we have always been a healthy family and had few visits to the doctor every year. I did feel we were paying a lot of money, "Just in case."
This past month we were notified that our premium's would again rise, and this time much more than the past.
Nathan Rix, one of our Agape folks who works for the State Government explained how Cover Oregon will work. I looked at the site and within a half an hour was able to navigate the site, ask questions, and find out about the providers that will be offering care. When all is said and done our insurance premium will be 55% less than we are paying now, and our boys will be on the Healthy Kids (OHP) program. We qualify that much for government reimbursement. Lori and I will probably have better insurance than we have had in the past and also may have dental care. The boys will also have quality care.
I know that things are not finalized and there are a few things we will have to wait for, in order to have this completed, but I feel very optimistic about what changes are being made by the health care system. I can't speak for everyone, and know that there are some stories that are not as positive--but for this Oregon resident who has worked hard, paid taxes, and tried to help those who are in need--I would say Long Live Oregonians!
A note for those concerned about health care. I have heard that there are some serious concerns and horror stories out there in light of the changes from our government health care. I don't believe people are exaggerating and that I worry about some of the struggles people will face with this system. I can only speak for my family but here is a personal experience we are facing.
As a minister I have had to pay for my own insurance, even though it comes off my salary. I have had Regence Blue Cross for 25+ years. I have been happy with them and felt that they were financially comparable to other companies. Every year since I turned 45, the premiums have increased. I have had to read a difficult packet of info and navigate a web of numbers, percentages, and what they don't cover to find what works best for us.When I finally call for help, I have been given help--although I am not sure what is being covered. Yes, I am frustrated that they would pay for my rehab, if I started using narcotics, but not for my and my family's dental care--even though I brush my teeth twice per day. All in all I have been happy. Funny thing is that we have always been a healthy family and had few visits to the doctor every year. I did feel we were paying a lot of money, "Just in case."
This past month we were notified that our premium's would again rise, and this time much more than the past.
Nathan Rix, one of our Agape folks who works for the State Government explained how Cover Oregon will work. I looked at the site and within a half an hour was able to navigate the site, ask questions, and find out about the providers that will be offering care. When all is said and done our insurance premium will be 55% less than we are paying now, and our boys will be on the Healthy Kids (OHP) program. We qualify that much for government reimbursement. Lori and I will probably have better insurance than we have had in the past and also may have dental care. The boys will also have quality care.
I know that things are not finalized and there are a few things we will have to wait for, in order to have this completed, but I feel very optimistic about what changes are being made by the health care system. I can't speak for everyone, and know that there are some stories that are not as positive--but for this Oregon resident who has worked hard, paid taxes, and tried to help those who are in need--I would say Long Live Oregonians!
As a minister I have had to pay for my own insurance, even though it comes off my salary. I have had Regence Blue Cross for 25+ years. I have been happy with them and felt that they were financially comparable to other companies. Every year since I turned 45, the premiums have increased. I have had to read a difficult packet of info and navigate a web of numbers, percentages, and what they don't cover to find what works best for us.When I finally call for help, I have been given help--although I am not sure what is being covered. Yes, I am frustrated that they would pay for my rehab, if I started using narcotics, but not for my and my family's dental care--even though I brush my teeth twice per day. All in all I have been happy. Funny thing is that we have always been a healthy family and had few visits to the doctor every year. I did feel we were paying a lot of money, "Just in case."
This past month we were notified that our premium's would again rise, and this time much more than the past.
Nathan Rix, one of our Agape folks who works for the State Government explained how Cover Oregon will work. I looked at the site and within a half an hour was able to navigate the site, ask questions, and find out about the providers that will be offering care. When all is said and done our insurance premium will be 55% less than we are paying now, and our boys will be on the Healthy Kids (OHP) program. We qualify that much for government reimbursement. Lori and I will probably have better insurance than we have had in the past and also may have dental care. The boys will also have quality care.
I know that things are not finalized and there are a few things we will have to wait for, in order to have this completed, but I feel very optimistic about what changes are being made by the health care system. I can't speak for everyone, and know that there are some stories that are not as positive--but for this Oregon resident who has worked hard, paid taxes, and tried to help those who are in need--I would say Long Live Oregonians!
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