Government interference created the subprime mess - 3 years ago Greenspan URGED people to get adjustable mortgages. He also - if you remember - kept the Fed Rate artificially low creating a non-incentive to saving.
Now, Government is poised to make the mess even worse. What happened to the FREE MARKET? What happened to individuals taking responsibilities for their own actions?
I'm really sick and tired of government involvement in every aspect of personal life. What scares me the most, is most people don't even perceive what's happening. The tyranny of the majority is the future.
The government, the all-wise government - will soon take a similar tack with the Social Security & Medicare Crisis. As you may, or may not, be aware, both programs are destined to go broke. Of course, the programs will become 'means tested' meaning that those who saved, who scrimped, who were smart enough to save for their own retirements and medical expenses in old age, will be dropped from the system. Those unfortunate 'victims' who were too dumb or lacked any foresight and/or took no personal responsibility for themselves, will of course be taken care of.
I hadn't read the details before. My company pays for 6 months STD at 60% of gross pay and their LTD is 24 months "your occupation", the remainder "any occupation", based on my reading: "During the first 24 months, the plan pays benefits for any covered disability
that prevents you from working in your occupation. After 24 months, the plan provides benefits for any covered disability that prevents you from working in a reasonable occupation."
What is reasonable to them? I'm not sure. But this is a good heads-up that I'll need to focus on retraining, not just recovery, for those 24 months. I'll also have to check my supplemental LTD, which I believe is the "your occupation" type for life, but it covers the other 40% of income.
the 2 trick work very good for me .The second tips was the best.i tried on my old dodge.3 dent dissapear like in this video . really amazing and useful
I think the best way to combat this is to make and consistently use a grocery price book-that way you know the best unit price you can get on an item that you buy with any regularity, so you know a deal when you see one, and when you don't.
I made one a few weeks ago and have already noticed a HUGE drop in my grocery bill. totally worth the hassle.
Wow. I never heard of those three definitions of occupation, and normally I do read the fine print on this kind of stuff.
So I checked out the insurance I have and learned that it is for my regular occupation (whew) but only for two years. So it's good to know that I have two years to find and train for a new occupation if I get a disability that lasts that long.
As for short-term disability insurance, I don't need it. I now have enough sick leave saved up that I am covered for many months at my full salary.
Congratulations on your decision to make this trip. I am very confident that you shal return with rave reviews. There are many misconceptions about the ability of medical professionals abroad. I think we have alot to learn from the east. They have learned from us and combined their eastern knowledge with our western expertise to arrive at an improved model. I will follow your case to see how it goes.
We just signed up for Blockbuster's service after having Netflix for a while. They're clearly fighting for their lives, so the service is very generous - the in-store exchanges mean you get the new one you picked up, PLUS the next one in your queue mailed, and if you return the in-store movie within 37 days, the worst you pay is $1.34. The 3 at a time plan is turning out to be too much for us.
The other big advantage to the online services is a really extraordinary selection of documentaries, foreign films and educational video.
Store-brand eggs are not the same as good pastured organic eggs in terms of taste, nutrition, or humane treatment. For a protein source that's already so cheap, it's worth the extra few cents each for something that's demonstrably healthier for us, the chickens, and the environment. The same is true of milk and other animal products.
Allow me to introduce you to our successful concierge company specializing in India. We are America's Medical Solutions Pvt., Ltd. an Indian company exclusively owned and operated by Americans.
I think what I'll write may sound a lot like an advertisement, but I think what I have to say will be very interesting to your readers.
Because we live here 24/7/365, and because we are Americans ourselves, and because we've been here over twenty plus years, we are a comforting voice and a warm hand to hold when so far from home and undergoing serious surgery. We keep contact with the family and friends and ever so many other functions.
Folks who have never traveled outside the United States but require Indian medical attention and prices find our free services absolutely essential. The doctors, hospitals and clinics pay us referral fees, so we are a genuinely free
concierge service, and one without commitments to anyone except our client.
We have valuable experience pointing our inquirers to a number of qualified
hospitals, doctors and clinics for every imaginable procedure, including the latest in hip resurfacing, LASIK procedures, etc., which the US has only just approved and instituted. Our surgeons have had more than four years of practice in these fields, and the best of them are teaching their counterparts in the States.
Also, because we live here, we are the silent but ever scrutinating observers keeping daily tabs on the accredited institutions, and they know it.
We help with virtually everything you can imagine from the bios on the physicians to reasonably priced long term stays all of which spells out "peace of mind," to patient and the home folks alike. We are a complete destination management company and absolutely free of cost.
Our concierge services include sightseeing and all kinds of activity planning keeping the time of year and holidays in mind. We cater the finest five star hotels to clean, westernized and inexpensive bed & breakfast establishments. We require our service providers to give us transparent all-inclusive packages and prices. Our concierge services include all airfares, domestic & International, lodging, transfers, special seating and accommodations required by the patient
and their traveling companion(s).
As a matter of fact, with India's pricing, one can afford to throw the whole family on a plane and enjoy one of the most diverse and colorful cultures in the world.
Our most important product is caring with the comforts like home, from folks that you would call friends at home, because we are from home.
Amy, since you're coming to India, be sure to make Bombay (Mumbai) a stop over. We'd be delighted to show you around.
Very best wishes for success in reaching for your dreams. Please contact me for anything I may do for you while you're there in New Delhi.
While your in India you should look into the pharmaceuticals end of things. India is one country that ignores US patent laws on medicines. They are also one of the biggest producers of generic and brand name drugs. Ironically they are contract producers for some of the big name US drug companies.
But the prices of drugs are tiny due to the exchange rate, cost of production there and not being forced to jack prices for patent holders. But what I found in researching all of this is that there wasn't a way to find licensed pharmacies in India that would ship to the US. If someone was able to figure out the standards used in India and a way to verify what pharmacies were reliable this could break the stranglehold on US patients.
Imagine being able to buy a $200 prescription for $20.
About prices...
As you probably noticed, "regular" pricing doesn't mean very much any more. Many major retailers seem to ignore "regular" prices and sell at 40% off on a regular basis, and never never at the "was" price. Food chains also play fast and loose with "regular" prices.
Some 40 years (or so) ago, the FTC enacted regulations that governed pricing, warrantees, and advertising in general. As far as I know, these rules are still in effect, although my guess is that most retail managers and employees don't get too involved. It was different "back then". When the laws were enacted, it was a major learning/training experience in the retail business. "Back then" meaning when laws meant what they said, and businesses were at risk for straying from the straight and narrow. It was about that time when the "Truth in Lending" laws became a major factor in "time payment" and revolving charge sales. In both cases, the FTC was effective in enforcing these laws.
Of course, this is all history now. Laws may be on the books, but enforcement is never initiated by the government. To challenge a retailer's deceptive advertising, now requires that the victim initiate the lawsuit, something that happens as often as pigs fly.
just as a matter of interest, you may want to take a peek at the laws.
Disability benefits that are paid or partially paid by your employer also fall under ERISA law. This is a deal with the devil that the government made with the insurance industry. What it does is ties the hands of the employee and limits your ability to sue if the insurance does not cooperate.
You then can't sue for damages for the headache and problems the insurance company caused by denying the claim and dragging it on for years. It also limits some other avenues for recourse you would have under insurance policies you bought on your own. The other big icky secret is that any money you get from a policy that is under ERISA and all or partially employer sponsored is that money you get is taxable and at a rather high rate.
If you have the option to maybe get your employer to pay you more in trade for not having the LTD through them so you can use that extra money to shop around and buy your own policy you could come out way ahead if something bad happens.
Really research the insurance companies too, some have horrid reputations for denying claims and harassing claimants. Even if your employer is paying for that LTD insurance if the company is a total nightmare you might want to go buy your own insurance because theirs could be utterly worthless.
A note on #10--love it! When travelling internationally in the developing world, it's important to look for these kinds of efforts locally when looking for keepsakes or gifts from your travels. When I was in Ethiopia I found a similar effort and it was a pleasure to know that my souvenir-dollars were going to fund a women-and-children's shelter where they taught people how to make various crafts and paid them fair wages.
First of all, good luck with your health care situation. Second of all, if you have the extra time, I happen to know that Beth at http://www.wanderlustandlipstick.com is looking for stories from women who have traveled to India. Might be something you want to check out.
In my other comment, I should have mentioned that many countries upgrade their medical systems before dentistry. You can get good medical care in a lot of countries. It's likely that dentistry will follow.
A quality dental office requires a larger capital investment than some kinds of medical offices do. That's one reason why Cuba is able to give good medical care with a very limited budget.
I should disclose the fact that I'm a dentist.
I wish you success in your treatment. I'll be reading your blog...
I hope all goes well with your trip and treatment. I didn't realize how common it is to go overseas to seek treatment until I picked up a copy of Good Housekeeping. Here's a link to an article, Passport to Cheaper Health Care? I look forward to reading about your journey.
Any tips on how to find good agents/companies who actually handle disability insurance, either online or in person? I've done a lot of searching, but there doesn't seem to be many options out there--not like auto or life insurance. :-(
My biggest shopping day of the year is December 26th. Suddenly, "holiday" vases and glassware are the 50% off. Target is a good place for exotic designer or faux designer housewares that make both "next Christmas," birthday, or even "Pretend-you-didn't-get-the-gift-to-them-in-all-the-holiday-hubub."
My new favorite cheap gift comes from the clearance bins of Old Navy. A set of 3 blown glass 3-inch decorative balls pre-Christmas will run $8, but $2.97 or even $0.97 cents after the holiday. They're gorgeous enough to split up and make three friend's trees more festive.
I know that lots of foods carry risks with them. I also understand the difference between *eliminating* risk (which is impossible) and *managing* risk, which is what each of us does when we put on our seat belt.
When I saw this post, I thought 'Great idea! Now I can eat raw sprouts again.' I haven't eaten them for years because of the risk of salmonella and e. Coli.
Unfortunately, even the sprouts you sprout yourself may carry the same risks as the ones you buy in the store.
I truly hope that this is something that works for you!
I have been frustrated with "modern" medicine for quite some time and I'm not surprised that other countries are surpassing us in this field (and others.)
It's sad that it's cheaper to get on a plane and travel that far. Even sadder that the quality of care is more then likely better.
On a side note, from what I understand, S. Korea is where you want to go for major dental work. I had a roommate from there who wouldn't have dental work done here. She'd fly home to have it done. I've heard the same from other people as well.
I'm a regular reader who's about to lose employer-sponsored disability insurance, and I'm about to explore my options of paying for my own coverage. This was a great primer - thanks so much!
Since a whole lot of doctors here are from India anyway, there are probably good reasons to go to India. My questions would be about the procedure itself: Exactly what happens? What are the side effects? What are the risks? What should be the results? Over what amount of time? Why would stem cells help Lyme disease? and on and on
Government interference created the subprime mess - 3 years ago Greenspan URGED people to get adjustable mortgages. He also - if you remember - kept the Fed Rate artificially low creating a non-incentive to saving.
Now, Government is poised to make the mess even worse. What happened to the FREE MARKET? What happened to individuals taking responsibilities for their own actions?
I'm really sick and tired of government involvement in every aspect of personal life. What scares me the most, is most people don't even perceive what's happening. The tyranny of the majority is the future.
The government, the all-wise government - will soon take a similar tack with the Social Security & Medicare Crisis. As you may, or may not, be aware, both programs are destined to go broke. Of course, the programs will become 'means tested' meaning that those who saved, who scrimped, who were smart enough to save for their own retirements and medical expenses in old age, will be dropped from the system. Those unfortunate 'victims' who were too dumb or lacked any foresight and/or took no personal responsibility for themselves, will of course be taken care of.
Am I the only one that sees the absurdity?
I hadn't read the details before. My company pays for 6 months STD at 60% of gross pay and their LTD is 24 months "your occupation", the remainder "any occupation", based on my reading: "During the first 24 months, the plan pays benefits for any covered disability
that prevents you from working in your occupation. After 24 months, the plan provides benefits for any covered disability that prevents you from working in a reasonable occupation."
What is reasonable to them? I'm not sure. But this is a good heads-up that I'll need to focus on retraining, not just recovery, for those 24 months. I'll also have to check my supplemental LTD, which I believe is the "your occupation" type for life, but it covers the other 40% of income.
it work very well for me too.i saw another video http://www.metacafe.com/watch/963248/remove_car_dent_with_a_lighter/
i tried this method too.unbelievable the dent is gone.
but i do have to heat 1 minute instead of 30 seconds
the 2 trick work very good for me .The second tips was the best.i tried on my old dodge.3 dent dissapear like in this video . really amazing and useful
I think the best way to combat this is to make and consistently use a grocery price book-that way you know the best unit price you can get on an item that you buy with any regularity, so you know a deal when you see one, and when you don't.
I made one a few weeks ago and have already noticed a HUGE drop in my grocery bill. totally worth the hassle.
Wow. I never heard of those three definitions of occupation, and normally I do read the fine print on this kind of stuff.
So I checked out the insurance I have and learned that it is for my regular occupation (whew) but only for two years. So it's good to know that I have two years to find and train for a new occupation if I get a disability that lasts that long.
As for short-term disability insurance, I don't need it. I now have enough sick leave saved up that I am covered for many months at my full salary.
Congratulations on your decision to make this trip. I am very confident that you shal return with rave reviews. There are many misconceptions about the ability of medical professionals abroad. I think we have alot to learn from the east. They have learned from us and combined their eastern knowledge with our western expertise to arrive at an improved model. I will follow your case to see how it goes.
Taylor
For google reader I mean.
Amy you don't have an RSS feed on your blog??????
Why not?
We just signed up for Blockbuster's service after having Netflix for a while. They're clearly fighting for their lives, so the service is very generous - the in-store exchanges mean you get the new one you picked up, PLUS the next one in your queue mailed, and if you return the in-store movie within 37 days, the worst you pay is $1.34. The 3 at a time plan is turning out to be too much for us.
The other big advantage to the online services is a really extraordinary selection of documentaries, foreign films and educational video.
Store-brand eggs are not the same as good pastured organic eggs in terms of taste, nutrition, or humane treatment. For a protein source that's already so cheap, it's worth the extra few cents each for something that's demonstrably healthier for us, the chickens, and the environment. The same is true of milk and other animal products.
Hi Amy,
Allow me to introduce you to our successful concierge company specializing in India. We are America's Medical Solutions Pvt., Ltd. an Indian company exclusively owned and operated by Americans.
I think what I'll write may sound a lot like an advertisement, but I think what I have to say will be very interesting to your readers.
Because we live here 24/7/365, and because we are Americans ourselves, and because we've been here over twenty plus years, we are a comforting voice and a warm hand to hold when so far from home and undergoing serious surgery. We keep contact with the family and friends and ever so many other functions.
Folks who have never traveled outside the United States but require Indian medical attention and prices find our free services absolutely essential. The doctors, hospitals and clinics pay us referral fees, so we are a genuinely free
concierge service, and one without commitments to anyone except our client.
We have valuable experience pointing our inquirers to a number of qualified
hospitals, doctors and clinics for every imaginable procedure, including the latest in hip resurfacing, LASIK procedures, etc., which the US has only just approved and instituted. Our surgeons have had more than four years of practice in these fields, and the best of them are teaching their counterparts in the States.
Also, because we live here, we are the silent but ever scrutinating observers keeping daily tabs on the accredited institutions, and they know it.
We help with virtually everything you can imagine from the bios on the physicians to reasonably priced long term stays all of which spells out "peace of mind," to patient and the home folks alike. We are a complete destination management company and absolutely free of cost.
Our concierge services include sightseeing and all kinds of activity planning keeping the time of year and holidays in mind. We cater the finest five star hotels to clean, westernized and inexpensive bed & breakfast establishments. We require our service providers to give us transparent all-inclusive packages and prices. Our concierge services include all airfares, domestic & International, lodging, transfers, special seating and accommodations required by the patient
and their traveling companion(s).
As a matter of fact, with India's pricing, one can afford to throw the whole family on a plane and enjoy one of the most diverse and colorful cultures in the world.
Our most important product is caring with the comforts like home, from folks that you would call friends at home, because we are from home.
Amy, since you're coming to India, be sure to make Bombay (Mumbai) a stop over. We'd be delighted to show you around.
Very best wishes for success in reaching for your dreams. Please contact me for anything I may do for you while you're there in New Delhi.
Don Wood, Director
www.AmericasMedicalSolutions.com
While your in India you should look into the pharmaceuticals end of things. India is one country that ignores US patent laws on medicines. They are also one of the biggest producers of generic and brand name drugs. Ironically they are contract producers for some of the big name US drug companies.
But the prices of drugs are tiny due to the exchange rate, cost of production there and not being forced to jack prices for patent holders. But what I found in researching all of this is that there wasn't a way to find licensed pharmacies in India that would ship to the US. If someone was able to figure out the standards used in India and a way to verify what pharmacies were reliable this could break the stranglehold on US patients.
Imagine being able to buy a $200 prescription for $20.
About prices...
As you probably noticed, "regular" pricing doesn't mean very much any more. Many major retailers seem to ignore "regular" prices and sell at 40% off on a regular basis, and never never at the "was" price. Food chains also play fast and loose with "regular" prices.
Some 40 years (or so) ago, the FTC enacted regulations that governed pricing, warrantees, and advertising in general. As far as I know, these rules are still in effect, although my guess is that most retail managers and employees don't get too involved. It was different "back then". When the laws were enacted, it was a major learning/training experience in the retail business. "Back then" meaning when laws meant what they said, and businesses were at risk for straying from the straight and narrow. It was about that time when the "Truth in Lending" laws became a major factor in "time payment" and revolving charge sales. In both cases, the FTC was effective in enforcing these laws.
Of course, this is all history now. Laws may be on the books, but enforcement is never initiated by the government. To challenge a retailer's deceptive advertising, now requires that the victim initiate the lawsuit, something that happens as often as pigs fly.
just as a matter of interest, you may want to take a peek at the laws.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/decptprc.htm
Strangely enough, a close look at the actual prices in the government's CPI index marketbasket is quite far from reality.
Disability benefits that are paid or partially paid by your employer also fall under ERISA law. This is a deal with the devil that the government made with the insurance industry. What it does is ties the hands of the employee and limits your ability to sue if the insurance does not cooperate.
You then can't sue for damages for the headache and problems the insurance company caused by denying the claim and dragging it on for years. It also limits some other avenues for recourse you would have under insurance policies you bought on your own. The other big icky secret is that any money you get from a policy that is under ERISA and all or partially employer sponsored is that money you get is taxable and at a rather high rate.
If you have the option to maybe get your employer to pay you more in trade for not having the LTD through them so you can use that extra money to shop around and buy your own policy you could come out way ahead if something bad happens.
Really research the insurance companies too, some have horrid reputations for denying claims and harassing claimants. Even if your employer is paying for that LTD insurance if the company is a total nightmare you might want to go buy your own insurance because theirs could be utterly worthless.
What a wonderful list.
A note on #10--love it! When travelling internationally in the developing world, it's important to look for these kinds of efforts locally when looking for keepsakes or gifts from your travels. When I was in Ethiopia I found a similar effort and it was a pleasure to know that my souvenir-dollars were going to fund a women-and-children's shelter where they taught people how to make various crafts and paid them fair wages.
First of all, good luck with your health care situation. Second of all, if you have the extra time, I happen to know that Beth at http://www.wanderlustandlipstick.com is looking for stories from women who have traveled to India. Might be something you want to check out.
In my other comment, I should have mentioned that many countries upgrade their medical systems before dentistry. You can get good medical care in a lot of countries. It's likely that dentistry will follow.
A quality dental office requires a larger capital investment than some kinds of medical offices do. That's one reason why Cuba is able to give good medical care with a very limited budget.
I should disclose the fact that I'm a dentist.
I wish you success in your treatment. I'll be reading your blog...
I hope all goes well with your trip and treatment. I didn't realize how common it is to go overseas to seek treatment until I picked up a copy of Good Housekeeping. Here's a link to an article, Passport to Cheaper Health Care? I look forward to reading about your journey.
Any tips on how to find good agents/companies who actually handle disability insurance, either online or in person? I've done a lot of searching, but there doesn't seem to be many options out there--not like auto or life insurance. :-(
I can't receive money in my country with Paypal :P
There are lots of programmers in the Esperanto community...
They should make a more international Paypal alternative!
My biggest shopping day of the year is December 26th. Suddenly, "holiday" vases and glassware are the 50% off. Target is a good place for exotic designer or faux designer housewares that make both "next Christmas," birthday, or even "Pretend-you-didn't-get-the-gift-to-them-in-all-the-holiday-hubub."
My new favorite cheap gift comes from the clearance bins of Old Navy. A set of 3 blown glass 3-inch decorative balls pre-Christmas will run $8, but $2.97 or even $0.97 cents after the holiday. They're gorgeous enough to split up and make three friend's trees more festive.
I know that lots of foods carry risks with them. I also understand the difference between *eliminating* risk (which is impossible) and *managing* risk, which is what each of us does when we put on our seat belt.
When I saw this post, I thought 'Great idea! Now I can eat raw sprouts again.' I haven't eaten them for years because of the risk of salmonella and e. Coli.
Unfortunately, even the sprouts you sprout yourself may carry the same risks as the ones you buy in the store.
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA202343
Does anyone have suggestions for how to reduce the risk?
I truly hope that this is something that works for you!
I have been frustrated with "modern" medicine for quite some time and I'm not surprised that other countries are surpassing us in this field (and others.)
It's sad that it's cheaper to get on a plane and travel that far. Even sadder that the quality of care is more then likely better.
On a side note, from what I understand, S. Korea is where you want to go for major dental work. I had a roommate from there who wouldn't have dental work done here. She'd fly home to have it done. I've heard the same from other people as well.
I'm a regular reader who's about to lose employer-sponsored disability insurance, and I'm about to explore my options of paying for my own coverage. This was a great primer - thanks so much!
Since a whole lot of doctors here are from India anyway, there are probably good reasons to go to India. My questions would be about the procedure itself: Exactly what happens? What are the side effects? What are the risks? What should be the results? Over what amount of time? Why would stem cells help Lyme disease? and on and on