Search found 670 matches

by orlandoman
Sat Mar 23, 2024 6:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MediGap Underwriting, Moving Up to Plan G: What Do the Insur Cos Evaluate?
Replies: 16
Views: 1332

Re: MediGap Underwriting, Moving Up to Plan G: What Do the Insur Cos Evaluate?

Went from a Advantage plan to Medicare & a supplement about 3 years ago. Got a call from the supplement underwriting 2 days after the application & they asked about two things, neither were listed in the application:

1. See you got an oxycodone prescription in 2014 why? Ans - had an outpatient surgery & it was prescribed.
2. See you saw a Psychiatric specialized Nurse Practitioner in 2020, why? Ans - went to a Walgreen's Minute Clinic for flu symptoms & that was the person on duty.

No further questions were asked & policy was issued next day.
by orlandoman
Fri Mar 01, 2024 5:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Claim Denials
Replies: 17
Views: 1896

Re: Medicare Claim Denials

placeholder wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:41 pm
tallguy3891 wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 7:57 pm Anyone ever have Medicare A/B deny a claim for ANYTHING?
Yes as my lab tests are normally no cost but they denied the a1c test because it hadn't been established as medically necessary so I will try to appeal and for sure make the doctor provide verification.
My doctor has also had an A1C test done on me & I've had to pay for it. A1C is used to test for diabetes & Medicare won't pay for it unless you have been diagnosed with diabetes. Do you want diabetes diagnosed as a current condition on your medical records, for it to be paid for?
by orlandoman
Mon Feb 12, 2024 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?
Replies: 174
Views: 16134

Re: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?

snackdog wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 2:31 pm Many people rave about the Detroit-style Motor City pizza at Costco. About 20 grams of fat per slice! We didn't like it much but you might.

Image
We thought it was great ... COSTCO only had the Double Pepperoni, but the Walmart Neighborhood Market near us has multiple varieties including Supreme.

Here's an article from last week about the Detroit style https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/city- ... -check-out
by orlandoman
Mon Feb 12, 2024 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?
Replies: 174
Views: 16134

Re: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?

snackdog wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 2:31 pm Many people rave about the Detroit-style Motor City pizza at Costco. About 20 grams of fat per slice! We didn't like it much but you might.

Image
We thought it was great ... COSTCO only had the Double Pepperoni, but the Walmart Neighborhood Market near us has multiple varieties including Supreme.
by orlandoman
Thu Jan 25, 2024 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history
Replies: 165
Views: 16276

Re: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history

There have been a number of discussions of Medicare 'Excess Charges': > Doctor's have 3 options 1. Opt-Out, they do not accept Medicare 2. Participating, means they accept Medicare assignment (allowed) amount 3. Non-Participating, they can charge Excess Charges > Doctors who are Non-Participating (can charge Excess Charges) - They are paid 95% of the Medicare allowed amount - They can, but are not required, to charge an Excess amount, not to exceed 15% of the 95% of the allowed Medicare amount - Medicare will not be the one-stop biller for the non-participating provider - Only 2% of doctors contracted with Medicare are allowed to charge an excess charge and more than 40% of those are in the mental health industry. Excellent explanation of E...
by orlandoman
Sat Jan 20, 2024 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history
Replies: 165
Views: 16276

Re: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history

FYI, here's a strange twist on Plan 'N' ... yes, you have up to a $20 copay for a Dr. visits & $50 for for an ER visit ... there is no co-pay for an Urgent Care facility visit (it's a coding particularity). See item #12 https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Health-Pla ... dance2.pdf
by orlandoman
Wed Jan 03, 2024 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Series I Savings Bond Portfolio Tracker
Replies: 40
Views: 11140

Re: Series I Savings Bond Portfolio Tracker

Just updated my saved Google Doc's spreadsheet copy with a 1/1/2024 date:
- the following column (E) is showing an error & not calculating the Total value & Current value:
Total Value
WITH 5yr Penalty
Current Value
-The error listed:
Two of the bonds I listed say - 'Function INDEX of parameter 2 is 6. Valid values are between 0 and 5 inclusive'
The rest say - 'Function INDEX of parameter 2 is 5. Valid values are between 0 and 4 inclusive'
- Have never had an error when updating date before

Suggestions & thanks!
by orlandoman
Sun Dec 24, 2023 3:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6658
Views: 1238924

Re: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)

RE: Redemption of Multiple I-Bonds on the Same Day

In January I have (4) $10k I-Bonds I want to redeem from my account & (4) $10k I-Bonds from my wife's account. I originally thought I'd redeem them all on the same day, the 1st week in January. Then, I got to thinking what if only $70k got deposited into my bank account ... how easy would it be to track which $10k I-Bond didn't get deposited? Now, I'm thinking of only doing one at a time until the funds are deposited, but that would spread it out about 2-3 weeks.

Anyone with experience/comments on this concern?
by orlandoman
Mon Dec 18, 2023 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Protecting Assets Nursing Home Care
Replies: 64
Views: 9521

Re: Protecting Assets Nursing Home Care

IRA's, if they have any, are protected in some states, normally required to be in RMD status https://www.medicaidplanningassistance. ... -401k-ira/

FYI, it is an excellent reference site.
by orlandoman
Sat Dec 16, 2023 2:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6658
Views: 1238924

Re: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)

I'm a bit more confused after reading the last few threads ...

If spouse A does not purchase any I-Bonds for themselves in 2024, can Spouse B give Spouse A $20,000 in I-Bonds from Spouse B's existing Gift Box for them in January 2024 or only $10,000?
by orlandoman
Sun Dec 03, 2023 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Suspending Social Security
Replies: 5
Views: 1262

Re: Suspending Social Security

Just an FYI, when my wife called SS to suspend her benefits the SS person on the phone didn't know she was talking about, I had to get on the phone & tell the SS person to speak to her supervisor, she did & was told what to do to suspend my wife's benefits. I was really surprised that she had no idea what suspending benefits meant! By the way, benefits automatically restart at age 70 or you can call before you reach 70 to restart before 70.
by orlandoman
Fri Dec 01, 2023 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29718

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

I know lots of people say something like, 'I haven't had any problem with my MA plan', 'All my doctors take my MA plan' or 'I don't know any one who's care was denied on a MA plan' ... - You don't need your auto insurance ... until you do - You don't need your homeowner's insurance ... until you do - You don't need access to a particular doctor ... until you do - You don't need a medical procedure without a prior approval or delay ... until you do In your life, you may not need to use your auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, or need a larger pool of doctors or almost no prior approval delays/denials ... it's all a personal decision, no right or wrong decision. There are wrong decisions. Some Advantage plans are terrible and should be av...
by orlandoman
Fri Dec 01, 2023 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 25-Month CD at 12.73% APY
Replies: 16
Views: 4294

Re: 25-Month CD at 12.73% APY

Saw this in the doc's:

"CD’s are always in AmeriStar’s name and control."

"Borrower Pays Fee to AmeriStar
The Borrower pays AmeriStar a fee of up to 7% for AmeriStar to make a Courtesy Deposit into TD Bank."

https://www.ameristarinvestment.com/_fi ... d6e1a3.pdf
by orlandoman
Thu Nov 30, 2023 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Article: Why Long-Term Care Insurance Falls Short for So Many
Replies: 88
Views: 10128

Re: Article: Why Long-Term Care Insurance Falls Short for So Many

The 'costs' for us reserving funds in very safe accounts for many years are much higher than the LTCi fees after taxes. There is no case I am aware of where all of the factors for any financial analysis are knowable thruout your lifetime. OK, I understand, thanks. I would not reserve funds in very safe accounts for many years to cover this potential expense. Agree, that could be a drag on investments throughout lifetime. Fact is, as I guess your response points out, the cost for LTC for anyone to predict for themselves is unknowable. Could be a very big number, could be zero, could be in between. The issue here is there are two different risks being lumped together under the umbrella of "Long-Term Care": the first is more like lo...
by orlandoman
Thu Nov 30, 2023 5:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29718

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

I know lots of people say something like, 'I haven't had any problem with my MA plan', 'All my doctors take my MA plan' or 'I don't know any one who's care was denied on a MA plan' ...

- You don't need your auto insurance ... until you do
- You don't need your homeowner's insurance ... until you do
- You don't need access to a particular doctor ... until you do
- You don't need a medical procedure without a prior approval or delay ... until you do

In your life, you may not need to use your auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, or need a larger pool of doctors or almost no prior approval delays/denials ... it's all a personal decision, no right or wrong decision.
by orlandoman
Wed Nov 29, 2023 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29718

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

Hospitals and doctors are fed up with Medicare Advantage
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/ ... 1148&ei=28
by orlandoman
Fri Nov 24, 2023 5:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Favorite calculator(s) to estimate how many years portfolio will potentially last...
Replies: 54
Views: 9174

Re: Favorite calculator(s) to estimate how many years portfolio will potentially last...

Ptarmigan wrote: Fri Nov 24, 2023 4:39 pm
orlandoman wrote: Wed Nov 22, 2023 11:15 am Check out the no-cost downloadable Flexible Retirement Planner - https://www.flexibleretirementplanner.com/wp/
I'm glad it's not just me that uses this.
It's a great no-cost downloadable retirement calculator, I've been using it for years. Since, it's no-cost, no $ to market or publicize, I guess. Since it resides on your computer, you have complete control, access & confidentiality. Because of that, there is slight extra work to occasionally update tax rates, inflation rates, etc.
by orlandoman
Fri Nov 17, 2023 6:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases
Replies: 64
Views: 8424

Re: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases

I looked at a few random pages on the same above report on page 181 United Healthcare policies are listed 5 times, United Healthcare Co of NY, United Healthcare of AL, United Healthcare of AZ, United Healthcare Insurance Co. & United Healthcare Ins. Co. of America . I think it's probably best to agree we're really not sure. Page 181 is part of the company index. Every NAIC market share report has a company index at the back. The market share data is at the front of the report. UnitedHealthcare Ins Co 2,879,431,744 Golden Rule Ins Co 12,703,337 Pacificare Life & Hlth Ins Co 7,248,828 Sierra Hlth & Life Ins Co Inc 5,845,336 United Hlthcare of AL Inc 611,621 United Hlthcare of AZ Inc 6,401 Mid West Natl Life Ins Co Of TN 3,528 Nat...
by orlandoman
Fri Nov 17, 2023 5:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases
Replies: 64
Views: 8424

Re: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases

Live in FL & I have supplement N with Mutual of Omaha. Got a 2024 rate increase of 2.5% starting in January.

My wife who is 7 years younger has Plan N with United Healthcare got a rate increase in June of 5.6%.

Seems my MOA rate increases are 50% of United Healthcare's.
by orlandoman
Fri Nov 17, 2023 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases
Replies: 64
Views: 8424

Re: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases

Can anyone point to any factual data to support that Mutual of Omaha uses closed/dead pools to drive premiums up, more than any other company. Information from say the last 5-10 years, seen lots of comments about this, but no factual data. FYI, I'm a MOA policyholder. Have a look at this report on Loss Ratios for Medicare Supplement policies. The report is for 2021 and lists the Loss Ratios, which is basically how much they are paying out in claims. https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/publication-med-bb-medicare-loss-report.pdf Now look at PDF page 9. This would suggest that Mutual of Omaha does play games.You'll see the companies that sell Medicare Supplement policies listed, sorted in order of market share. Notice that companies...
by orlandoman
Fri Nov 17, 2023 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases
Replies: 64
Views: 8424

Re: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases

Can anyone point to any factual data to support that Mutual of Omaha uses closed/dead pools to drive premiums up, more than any other company. Information from say the last 5-10 years, seen lots of comments about this, but no factual data. FYI, I'm a MOA policyholder. Have a look at this report on Loss Ratios for Medicare Supplement policies. The report is for 2021 and lists the Loss Ratios, which is basically how much they are paying out in claims. https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/publication-med-bb-medicare-loss-report.pdf Now look at PDF page 9. This would suggest that Mutual of Omaha does play games.You'll see the companies that sell Medicare Supplement policies listed, sorted in order of market share. Notice that companies...
by orlandoman
Fri Nov 17, 2023 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases
Replies: 64
Views: 8424

Re: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases

Can anyone point to any factual data to support that Mutual of Omaha uses closed/dead pools to drive premiums up, more than any other company. Information from say the last 5-10 years, seen lots of comments about this, but no factual data. FYI, I'm a MOA policyholder.
by orlandoman
Thu Nov 16, 2023 6:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29718

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

mrc wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 5:39 am
meowcat wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 4:42 am
On original Medicare, the entire US healthcare system is your network. There are some exceptions. 98% of all Doctors, hospitals and specialists take Medicare assignment. The remaining 2% are Pediatricians (for obvious reasons) and psychiatrists.
The odds of you finding a healthcare provider during your entire senior life that doesn't take Medicare is almost zero.
Plenty of physicians don't accept Medicare assignment: My wife's gyn and her endo do not. We found two right off the bat.
"We’re proud to share that 98% of providers participate in Medicare."
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/enrollment ... 20provider.
by orlandoman
Wed Nov 15, 2023 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29718

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

There is a lot of information back and forth on the MA plans and supplement plans. I am curious to know if anyone has ever tried to switch from MA to a supplement plan and what their experience was doing that, specifically in a state NOT like NY where they allow you to switch in and out freely? I live in Florida, no automatic switching. In 2021 after having been on a MA PPO plan for about 7 yrs, I switched back to Medicare & a supplement (I got approved for the supplement before cancelling the MA plan). There was medical underwriting. The medical underwriting dept. asked about 2 items 1) in 2014 I underwent an out patient surgery procedure & was given a painkiller prescription ... they saw the prescription in an online database ins...
by orlandoman
Wed Nov 15, 2023 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29718

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

So are you saying that the folks who have posted in this thread that they like their MA plans are naive, uniformed, or both? Really? Replying to this post to ensure you see it. My brother-in-law is with AT&T and he is deciding whether to stick with his existing UHC plan G along with his wife that starts Medicare in January or move to the AT&T UHC Advantage plan which is a going into effect. They live in the Orlando FL area which UHC holds a big footprint. The numbers certainly look good. He has specifically asked me for my feedback. Knowing that you were in the insurance business, have extensive knowledge and insight, and that you have an MA policy I would appreciate your informed opinion on the following. 1) Impact of Prior Author...
by orlandoman
Sat Nov 11, 2023 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29718

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

Hard to tell the MA future:

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. health insurer Cigna Group is exploring the sale of its Medicare Advantage business, which manages government health insurance for people aged 65 and older, a move that would mark a reversal of its expansion in the sector, according to people familiar with the matter.

Cigna, which got into the Medicare Advantage business with its $3.8 billion acquisition of HealthSpring in 2011, would be backing away at a time the U.S. government is tightening its purse strings in reimbursing health insurers for their services, should it go through with the move.
https://money.usnews.com/investing/news ... ss-sources
by orlandoman
Tue Oct 24, 2023 6:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why Isn't A High Deductible H.O. Policy Available?
Replies: 22
Views: 2323

Why Isn't A High Deductible H.O. Policy Available?

Lots of articles/discussions about the high rising homeowner's policy cost. Especially in places like Florida, where I live.

Why isn't there a homeowner's policy with a high deductible option, like $10,000, $20,000 or $50,000 available? Maybe there is, but I haven't seen one. It would reduce insurance company claims & probably offer a highly reduced premium. I'd welcome that option.

I do understand that it would probably be only an option for those without a mortgage ... possibly many on this forum, for example.

Thought?
by orlandoman
Mon Sep 18, 2023 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: changing G plan to N supplement plan?
Replies: 64
Views: 6700

Re: changing G plan to N supplement plan?

Interesting detail on Plan 'N' ... there is up to a $20 co-pay for a doctor visit & $50 at ER if not admitted ... BUT, there is no co-pay at an Urgent Care Center, it has to do the way Urgent Care's are coded.
by orlandoman
Mon Aug 28, 2023 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Representative Payee
Replies: 33
Views: 2186

Re: Social Security Representative Payee

FYI, if you log on to your online Social Security account, at the bottom of the page is link that allows you to designate 'in advance' a representative payee, should the need arise in the future.
by orlandoman
Fri Aug 25, 2023 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Advantage Plan / Dr. Ordered Test "Denied"
Replies: 102
Views: 9485

Re: Medicare Advantage Plan / Dr. Ordered Test "Denied"

FYI, the situation may be getting worse for those with Medicare Advantage plans, although not specific to your issue, here's a recent article "Denied by AI: How Medicare Advantage plans use algorithms to cut off care for seniors in need" https://www.statnews.com/2023/03/13/med ... elligence/
by orlandoman
Fri Aug 25, 2023 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Copenhagen or Stockholm for Summer 2024
Replies: 11
Views: 1139

Re: Copenhagen or Stockholm for Summer 2024

Visited both this month on a Baltic cruise & spend an extra day in each city. I'd vote for Stockholm. One of the highlights of our Baltic cruise was the Vasa Museum in Stockholm https://www.vasamuseet.se/en.
by orlandoman
Wed Aug 23, 2023 5:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: VikingOcean early payment date
Replies: 6
Views: 948

Re: VikingOcean early payment date

Viking has a VERY loyal base of cruisers. The Viking experience fits it's target market and they are willing to accept the early payment, for the Viking experience & will continue to do so. Most Viking ocean cruises had a $100 penalty per person if cancelled 120+ days from cruise date, read terms/conditions. You can always wait to book closer to cruise date, but risk pricing change & cabin availability. We are Viking cruisers.
by orlandoman
Thu Jul 27, 2023 6:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Password Manager Safety [vs. manual entry]
Replies: 34
Views: 2836

Re: Password Manager Safety

www.StickyPassword.com is one of the few password managers that gives you the option to synch all your devices using your home network ... nothing goes to the 'cloud'.
by orlandoman
Thu Jul 06, 2023 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Traditional Medicare or an Advantage Plan?
Replies: 134
Views: 17667

Re: Traditional Medicare or an Advantage Plan?

For those looking at MA plans, I suggest downloading the complete plan document & search for 'prior approval' or 'prior approval may be required' & see how many times that comes up.

FYI, today, July 6th the FDA is expected to approval Leqembi for Alzheimer's, with an annual price of $26,500. It would be a Part B drug (IV infusion), not Part D drug. Most MA plans I have reviewed have a 20% co-payment for Part B drugs. This would go towards your out of pocket maximum.
by orlandoman
Thu Jun 01, 2023 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Defense against the dark arts - Pickpockets!
Replies: 123
Views: 13018

Re: Defense against the dark arts - Pickpockets!

I always do foreign travel with this $59 travel vest, very lightweight, lots of pockets, keep passport in zippered inside pocket facing body. With a jacket over the vest, not sure how someone would get to inside zippered pocket. Also, putting keys, phones, etc. in the pockets, make it an easy one item take off for airport security. https://www.magellans.com/itemdy00.aspx ... 954B+BK+XS
by orlandoman
Sun May 21, 2023 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Insurance 2023 Rate Increases
Replies: 38
Views: 4044

Re: Home Insurance 2023 Rate Increases

Live in the Orlando metro area, our renewal was up 53% last month, from last year.. The homeowners insurance situation in Florida is pretty dire.
by orlandoman
Fri May 12, 2023 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco Michelin - Cross Climate SUV
Replies: 21
Views: 3076

Re: Costco Michelin - Cross Climate SUV

I recently decided between Defender 2's & Cross Climate 2's. Bought Defenders' for 3 reasons ... Defender 2's longer warranty, live in Florida, so snow driving isn't an issue & I checked a few different tire chains and all had Defender's in stock, only one had Cross Climate's in stock ... decided to go with the most in-stock tire in the case a quick replacement was needed. Bought at COSTCO.
by orlandoman
Thu Apr 27, 2023 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Casual dinner meeting/job interview
Replies: 62
Views: 6173

Re: Casual dinner meeting/job interview

Also, one technique that is sometimes used is to prearrange with the restaurant to make a mistake in the interviewee's meal to see how they react. Wow. I had no idea. Is this common? Used to do something similar for the business I ran--because we were testing for the exact skills the interviewee would need on the job.  It's best to treat everything in an interview like a test. Because, in a way, it is.  So what would I do as the interviewee in the "pre-arranged mistake" case? After the waiter left, I'd say the following to the interviewer: "Hmm, I ordered lamb chops, but it looks like they brought me pasta. You know, in a situation where my meal was the most important thing, I'd call back the waiter and bring it politely to ...
by orlandoman
Thu Apr 27, 2023 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Casual dinner meeting/job interview
Replies: 62
Views: 6173

Re: Casual dinner meeting/job interview

ResearchMed wrote: Thu Apr 27, 2023 11:57 am
retiredjg wrote: Thu Apr 27, 2023 11:53 am
orlandoman wrote: Thu Apr 27, 2023 11:35 am Also, one technique that is sometimes used is to prearrange with the restaurant to make a mistake in the interviewee's meal to see how they react.
Wow. I had no idea. Is this common?

I find this surprising, unless it's in the corporate DR or cafeteria.
Otherwise, I can imagine someone telling others something like, "Yikes, I placed a really simple order over at X's Cafe, and wow, did they ever got it wrong!"

RM
As an interviewee, you know the likely questions & answers, either from previous interviews or searching the internet. One hard thing, for an interviewer to do, is to give the interviewee an unexpected question or situation, that they would not normally had planned for, to see how they react.
by orlandoman
Thu Apr 27, 2023 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Casual dinner meeting/job interview
Replies: 62
Views: 6173

Re: Casual dinner meeting/job interview

As a retired sales leadership coach, when hiring:
- I recommend 3 interviews, different locations, including a casual meal & include other people in at least 1 interview
- At a casual meal: 3 things things to look for 1) the way they interact with the restaurant staff 2) the way they order their meal & 3) their manners

Also, one technique that is sometimes used is to prearrange with the restaurant to make a mistake in the interviewee's meal to see how they react.
by orlandoman
Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How should I negotiate for this car?
Replies: 16
Views: 2623

Re: How should I negotiate for this car?

Bikes4life wrote: Tue Apr 11, 2023 6:56 am Look up Kevin Hunter the homework guy on YouTube.

Tons of helpful videos on there for car buying tricks and negotiations.

Templates to utilize and other resources here as well:

https://thehomeworkguy.com/
+1 Great info on buying a car!
by orlandoman
Fri Mar 31, 2023 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Finance. A car for three months, then pay it off?
Replies: 15
Views: 1268

Re: Finance. A car for three months, then pay it off?

Many finance deals include a prepayment penalty ... you need to make sure on this.

"Thirty-six states and Washington, D.C., let auto lenders charge prepayment penalties for loans with terms of 60 months or less. Lenders are prohibited by law from charging a prepayment penalty for an auto loan of 61 months or longer."
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-expe ... t-penalty/

It has been suggested to get a 72 month loan ... then, you the loan off right away.
by orlandoman
Fri Mar 24, 2023 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deciding on Medigap vs Medicare Advantage
Replies: 76
Views: 8351

Re: Deciding on Medigap vs Medicare Advantage

ModifiedDuration wrote: Fri Mar 24, 2023 5:10 pm
orlandoman wrote: Fri Mar 24, 2023 4:22 pm Only very limited changes can be made on Traditional Medicare, for example when the annual Part B deductible went from $203 in 2021 to $233 in 2022 to $266 in 2023.
Actually the Part B deductible decreased from $233 in 2022 to $226 in 2023.

(And, needless to say, Congress can make whatever changes they want at any time to Traditional Medicare.)
Yep, typo, thanks, for mentioning that!
by orlandoman
Fri Mar 24, 2023 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deciding on Medigap vs Medicare Advantage
Replies: 76
Views: 8351

Re: Deciding on Medigap vs Medicare Advantage

Medicare – 3 Types of People - people who have decided on a Medicare Advantage plan - people who have decided on Traditional Medicare, with or without a supplement - people who haven’t decided yet or are reconsidering For those who haven’t decided yet or are reconsidering, here are the variable factors (summary): 1. Price of plan (many/most MA plans have no monthly premium, supplements have a monthly premium) 2. Deductibles 3. Co-pays 4. Out of pocket maximum’s 5. Extra benefits: prescriptions, dental vision, OTC, etc. (not offered with Traditional Medicare) 6. Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO Networks 7. Medical procedure/test prior authorization requirements On a Medicare Advantage plan, all of the above can change on a yearly basis. I also ...
by orlandoman
Sat Mar 11, 2023 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Homeowners Insurance Port Orange Florida
Replies: 25
Views: 2529

Re: Homeowners Insurance Port Orange Florida

For those considering Citizens Insurance, understand that the coverages may not be the same as other policies & that there can be assessments of up to 45% of the premium if they can not pay claims due to large storm losses. Here's an article I found that summarizes my comments https://insuranceresourcesllc.com/five- ... insurance/. I do understand that Citizens may be the only choice for many Floridian's.
by orlandoman
Thu Mar 09, 2023 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AMEX Premium car rental insurance
Replies: 24
Views: 2601

Re: AMEX Premium car rental insurance

"The Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver benefit provides reimbursement for damages caused by theft or collision up to the Actual Cash Value of most rented cars." From my Chase Sapphire Benefits booklet. But the next sentence says: The Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver acts as primary coverage and covers theft, damage, valid loss-of-use charges imposed and substantiated by the auto rental company, administrative fees, and reasonable and customary towing charges (due to a covered theft or damage) to the nearest qualified repair facility. If the cover related only to the "Collision" in "Collision Damage Waiver" it wouldn't cover theft. CDW and LDW are often used synonymously. For example, from the Avis site: W...
by orlandoman
Thu Mar 09, 2023 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AMEX Premium car rental insurance
Replies: 24
Views: 2601

Re: AMEX Premium car rental insurance

I used to buy this coverage regularly, but never had a claim. I now have the Chase Sapphire Preferred card with includes primary coverage on all rentals booked with the card. There was thread a few years ago about whether the Chase or AmEx coverage was better. I think the conclusion was they were about the same. I think the AmEx cover is a good deal, but there are other options. Understand that Chase & most credit cards protect against collision damage ... AmEx Premium coverage protects against damage (dents, scratches, etc in addition to collision) big difference in coverage. The Chase coverage is a "Collison Damage Waiver" that (I think) operates the same way as the damage waiver sold by the rental agencies. Are you saying ...
by orlandoman
Thu Mar 09, 2023 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AMEX Premium car rental insurance
Replies: 24
Views: 2601

Re: AMEX Premium car rental insurance

cowdogman wrote: Thu Mar 09, 2023 10:45 am I used to buy this coverage regularly, but never had a claim.

I now have the Chase Sapphire Preferred card with includes primary coverage on all rentals booked with the card.

There was thread a few years ago about whether the Chase or AmEx coverage was better. I think the conclusion was they were about the same.

I think the AmEx cover is a good deal, but there are other options.
Understand that Chase & most credit cards protect against collision damage ... AmEx Premium coverage protects against damage (dents, scratches, etc in addition to collision) big difference in coverage.