Job Search! Part-time w/benefits, please!!!

Hello everyone!

I have been reseaching companies that offer medical benefits to their part-time employees.  (esp--Whole Foods Market, REI, Starbucks, Barnes & Noble...)

I am interested if anyone has had personal experience working for any of these companies--or knows someone who has been approved for WLS through any of these companies' respective insurance carriers.  I am considering changing jobs--but I want to make sure whichever company I move to, that their insurance covers bariatric procedures--NO EXCLUSIONS!

Please note:  I have worked for Starbucks in the past, and I would prefer avoiding a repeat performance! 

I look forward to your sage advice...

Greg

aww, they all look like they're having fun!! except the lil beyotch who came out to ask when she could take her lunch then proceeded to tell me I ordered wrong.. pfffth...you were too busy looking at a schedule let alone hear me talking to someone else... newayz... good luck tho!!

Greg,

Did you try your school's insurance yet?  Or maybe some kind of state medical assistance?  I know MN has GREAT health insurance...

 To be honest I had ruled the school insurance out, but now--thanks to you--I'm going to do more digging.

Originally when I read through the pamphlet, I saw that it said it had a $1400 maximum benefit per surgery.  BUT just tonight did I see that it had a PART B - MAJOR MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS for which the maximum benefit is 25,000.  In the listed exclusions it does not mention WLS, but there is also a clause that states that the pamplet is not the Policy.

So--I will call the company tomorrow.  Also, it seems to be a claim-based Student Injury and Sickness Plan, where you send them your bills along with a claim-form. I don't see how pre-authorization for surgery would fit in...

I guess I'll find out tomorrow...

;)
G

Let me know what you find out!

It's just as I suspected, Brian.  WLS is not covered on the policy. 

What about state aid?  Medical assistance?  I know if you make under a certain amount here in MN you could qualify for some kind of medical assistance...i had a few friends using it while in school...i never did cause i really didnt have any medical issues...

There is WA State Basic Health (state-sponsored)--but they are required to CUT 40,000 members by January 2010--and they are no longer accepting applications.  (THANKS, CRUDDY ECONOMY!!!)

I am waiting for a call back from SHIBA (WA's Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors)--hopefully, they might shed some light onto my options.

I hope they are able to give you some more options.  Maybe buying your own health insurance is an option?  I know expensive, but it's worth looking into as well...

WLS is an exclusion on ALL individual policies in the State of WA -- across the board.