Health Insurance crap at new Job?

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

OK, so I am one of the lucky nurses to have enough luck to get a job in California as a New Grad at St. Bernardine Medical Center. Good training program, good student tuition reimbursement, etc BUT then I look at the health care options. They were trying to sell me on the free HMO for me and my family....

In my experience HMO is good if you have nothing wrong with you, however, I have had really bad experiences because of my health problems. So I go to look at the PPO option and there ISN'T one!!!! All there is, is a POS, but all the research I've done is that it's still pretty much an HMO. Anyone have any insight as to this plan?

I'm honestly tempted to begin the search for a new job, it makes me feel really bad to do this as I have already committed to them as a New Grad. But, my family's health is my priority, I have a heart condition among other things from birth defects when I was born. As well my husband has psoriatic arthritis and is routinely seen by rheumatologist.

I just want to know if POS it's going to do my family and I justice, or should I really contemplate the seeking out new employment?

I already know from personal experience that the HMO is not a good option.

Thank you!

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Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

Is there an independent insurance broker in your area whom you could contact and discuss your options? Perhaps there is additional insurance that you could purchase that would not jepoardize your limited insurance selection at your new place of employment.

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Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

I have had a surprisingly good experience with Blue Cross HMO this past year. It isn't perfect, but it has been much better than I thought it would be. It really is up to the PCP you choose, so choose wisely. If you can stay with the PCP you currently have, you should be OK. The only problem I have had is that my favorite physical therapist doesn't participate. I have back and neck disc issues (previous surgery), and that is important. However, every other specialist I have asked for has been approved for me at $15 a visit. We are all up to date on vaccinations and physicals now. It has really been a pleasant surprise for me.

I ended up switching because my ortho surgeon no longer takes the PPO--they cut back on reimbursement. But he still takes the HMO. Strange, huh? I just made sure I went with a PCP that would refer me to him and that he was in my IPA. I feel pretty confident that I can advocate for us if need be. Just my experience.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Thank you for letting me know about the HMO! I had a really bad experience with the PCP I had picked originally. I needed a cardiologist referral that he didn't want to give, until I told him he better do a EKG or I wasn't leaving. He did the EKG and wrote the referral. But then they recommended surgical correction of my heart condition, and I made it all the way to the surgeon, who took one look at my insurance, didn't even listen to my heart and said that we would wait!

Hopefully I'll have a better experience this time.

Thank you!

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What was the starting pay? I am a LVN and have a job interview coming up. I am not a new grad. I have been a LVN for 3yrs.

Thanks

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Specializes in ED/TELE.

I can't speak for all hospitals, but from my experience, the hospitals that I've worked for all offer an HMO-like insurance in which you have to use providers that are within the hospital's network. I've never actually taken advantage of those benefits b/c I have benefits through my husband and I prefer to work per diem, but everyone seems pretty happy with the care they get. Plus, in this economy and job market, you should count your blessings that you were able to find a job as a new grad. It wouldn't hurt to at least try a go at it with the insurance that's offered. Have you talked to other employees? How happy are they with their health plan?

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Not a new grad. Been a LVN for 3yrs. Post LVN I was a CNA, medical records, etc for 9 yrs :D. So, they might be lucky to have me :)

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

RTDN....i do not know the LVN salary. I know the hospital pays fairly well for the area. As a new grad RN I started at 31.73. ...which was the highest I was able to find in the area.

Good luck in your interview.

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Thanks. I am at $26hr where I am now. No benefits though. Well see what they want to offer me. I heard there is more than me going on this interview. So, who knows. :nurse:

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Well good luck. I don't think it'd be 26/hr there. And if you forgo the benefits, they only offer 100$ for it. (I know, total crap). I wish you luck!

PS Where on earth did you find 26/hr as an LVN? The highest paying job I was able to find in the area as an LVN about 3 years ago was 22/hr.....

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Interview went well. They said the questions they asked me, I was the only one to get them right! You should have seen they way some were dressed. Kind of sad. Good for me.

They said benefits were free.

Did you work there?

It's $21hr. Then they have an old rule, that if you lived over 40 miles they paid travel pay ($30 day). Add the $1400 bonus we get every six months as they don't give raises per say. I work at a facility as a LVN, I don't go to people's houses for care. lol.

$21x160hrs a month = $3360

$30 travel pay x 20 days = $600

$2800 a yr div by 12 months = $233

total = $4193 div 160hr = $26hr

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I work at St. B's in the ICU. The health benefits are free if you take the HMO option. The POS option cost a little bit, but like 50/month.

I'm assuming this is for the Urgent care?

If they were that positive in the interview I'm sure you got the job. It did take them about a week to call me back, so don't freak out if they don't call you right away. I think it's just their HR system.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

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