[VegasNurse05]

I have 2 questions about Kaiser benefits...

1. If you are working as a traveler at a Kaiser hospital can you get Kaiser health benefits?

2. If you have Kaiser health benefits can you see a specialist in Southern California if you are living in Northern California?

I know this is random! Thanks in advance to anyone who knows the answer!

[vkgirl9193]

Hopefully I can help you, I've been with Kaiser for 10 years this July - but not in nursing....yet (I hope).

First off, which area do you live in? There are different nursing unions within California, so there are differences. However, most benefits are fairly universal between unions/job classes. Plus, I'm not quite sure what a traveler RN is. But, if you are employed by Kaiser the following benefits would typically apply.

1. Generally speaking, Kaiser gives medical benefits when you are in a part time position of 20 hrs/week (minimum). Typically, whole family is covered (age restrictions for kids), $0 employee contribution and great coverage. Trust me, I know. Had 31 week preemie who was in NICU for 32 days and I was in for 6 days. Our total cost - $0.

2. It doesn't matter where you live. You can go to any Kaiser. It's not uncommon for us to have members who live in states (AZ) that don't have Kaiser, but have kept their Kaiser coverage and see their physicians here in California. Yep, really.

I hope that helps!

[ethelbsnrn]

Originally Posted by vkgirl9193

Hopefully I can help you, I've been with Kaiser for 10 years this July - but not in nursing....yet (I hope).

First off, which area do you live in? There are different nursing unions within California, so there are differences. However, most benefits are fairly universal between unions/job classes. Plus, I'm not quite sure what a traveler RN is. But, if you are employed by Kaiser the following benefits would typically apply.

1. Generally speaking, Kaiser gives medical benefits when you are in a part time position of 20 hrs/week (minimum). Typically, whole family is covered (age restrictions for kids), $0 employee contribution and great coverage. Trust me, I know. Had 31 week preemie who was in NICU for 32 days and I was in for 6 days. Our total cost - $0.

2. It doesn't matter where you live. You can go to any Kaiser. It's not uncommon for us to have members who live in states (AZ) that don't have Kaiser, but have kept their Kaiser coverage and see their physicians here in California. Yep, really.

I hope that helps!

With the whole family - does that mean even the parents or parents-in-law of employees?

Thanks.

[suzanne4]

If you are a travel nurse at Kaiser, you are not an employee of theirs. So the only way that you could get their insurance would be if your employer actually offers it. As a travel nurse, you are not entitled to any benefits that their employees receive.

[suzanne4]

Originally Posted by ethelbsnrn

With the whole family - does that mean even the parents or parents-in-law of employees?

Thanks.

No, it only covers spouses and children. Parents are neve covered under your insurance plan anywhere.

[vkgirl9193]

I was thinking that's what was meant by travelling, but I just wasn't sure with all the different terminology out there. I know that we had or may still have the option to cover parents, but at a HUGE cost. My mom's premium was like $600-800 per month. But, she couldn't get any coverage due to COPD/Asthma, and this didn't exclude membership due to pre-existing conditions. I think our nursing union (Orange County) offered that as well. There are a certain amount of benefits that tend to cross all unions, but not all!

I know I like working for Kaiser and do plan on staying with them once I complete ns. Yes, it's not perfect, but our pay is competitive and so are the benefits. For example, at 10 years I receive - 20 days vacation, 3 weeks sick time, 5 Flex days, retirement (don't ask me, I don't know what the specifics), and benefits that cover my immediate family (spouse and children). From what I understand, the UNAC contract is essentially the same.

[suzanne4]

Originally Posted by vkgirl9193

I was thinking that's what was meant by travelling, but I just wasn't sure with all the different terminology out there. I know that we had or may still have the option to cover parents, but at a HUGE cost. My mom's premium was like $600-800 per month. But, she couldn't get any coverage due to COPD/Asthma, and this didn't exclude membership due to pre-existing conditions. I think our nursing union (Orange County) offered that as well. There are a certain amount of benefits that tend to cross all unions, but not all!

I know I like working for Kaiser and do plan on staying with them once I complete ns. Yes, it's not perfect, but our pay is competitive and so are the benefits. For example, at 10 years I receive - 20 days vacation, 3 weeks sick time, 5 Flex days, retirement (don't ask me, I don't know what the specifics), and benefits that cover my immediate family (spouse and children). From what I understand, the UNAC contract is essentially the same.

But that amount is not what we would call coverage for them, they are not included as your immediate family in determining coverage. Do not think that it is even an option any longer. Insurance has changed significantly over the past few years.

[vkgirl9193]

While, no they are not covered by my plan, they are still able to receive medical coverage. The fact is, that for several years prior to age 65, my mom could not get medical insurance due to pre-existing conditions. About 6 years ago, they announced parent coverage benefits. Basically, if you had a parent who wanted Kaiser, but couldn't get it on their own - like my mom - they would be able to become a member without being denied because of pre-existing conditions. But, they would need to pay the premium. Our concern for our mom getting financially wiped out from a bad asthma attack and reliance on medication from Mexico prompted her to sign up for this coverage she would otherwise never be able to get if not for my being an employee. So, it is coverage and it is considered a benefit by Kaiser.

My first post was not meant to mislead the OP in thinking that parents were covered for free. When I think whole family, I think of spouse and children.

I just double checked the HR site, and it is still being offered for UNAC and UHW. My contract says that this is from the National contract.

[VegasNurse05]

Thank you for all the replies. So my next question is....are there any travel companies that offer Kaiser insurance??

[portobello]

do kaiser hires newly Grad RNs? i have my BSN-RN but no experience at all coz i just passed my nclex license last dec of 2007.

i wonder if they are open for the whole year or if they have any nursing shortage? is july and august good to apply to them?