COVID-19

[ab2cmiller]

I agree that there are people with a pathological need to draw attention to themselves on the internet.

lmao

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

I agree that there are people with a pathological need to draw attention to themselves on the internet.

Reps, lots of reps

 

[IrishLion]

I agree that there are people with a pathological need to draw attention to themselves on the internet.

POY

 

[Irish2155]

Learned the hard way this morning that liquor stores in Indiana now don't open until noon and everything is curb side service. You have to call your order in ahead of time then go pick it up. Supposedly, they'll have it ready and waiting to collect $$$ outside upon your arrival. Shit's getting way too complicated...

 

[GrangerIrish24]

Learned the hard way this morning that liquor stores in Indiana now don't open until noon and everything is curb side service. You have to call your order in ahead of time then go pick it up. Supposedly, they'll have it ready and waiting to collect $$$ outside upon your arrival. Shit's getting way too complicated...

same here. im having to order my cigars online now.

 

[TorontoGold]

Maybe, but I don't think he'd be facing the same odds as the larger pool of people. He's not dumb and works in healthcare, he knows better than to go in unless things are serious.

I think the reason we see 80% negative tests are because there are far too many people with "nothing better to do". They want to test positive because they can get on facebook and get the spotlight for a couple of weeks.

There are more and more people with meaningless lives that want to be part of something.

Testing positive and "surviving" a virus might be their life's work.

Having a large portion of the public get tested is quintessential to stopping the virus. You can not deny that having access to more information about the spread is crucial. I highly doubt anyone feels the urge to go into a disease ridden place where if they're not careful could contact the virus if they didn't already have it.

It's annoying to see people post about having the coronavirus, but rather them than you. This is one of the times where being a busy body actually helps the general public.

 

[Irishize]

Having a large portion of the public get tested is quintessential to stopping the virus. You can not deny that having access to more information about the spread is crucial. I highly doubt anyone feels the urge to go into a disease ridden place where if they're not careful could contact the virus if they didn't already have it.

It's annoying to see people post about having the coronavirus, but rather them than you. This is one of the times where being a busy body actually helps the general public.

You’re right about the point that we need data...and more of it. The more data the epidemiologists have, the more they can accurately project what may be around the corner.

I hate that the current projections (the IMHE from UW seems to be getting the latest attention now) come to an abrupt stop in August. Everyone is expecting a 2nd wave but we don’t have enough data to confirm 100%. Then...if there is a 2nd wave, will the US have stockpiled enough PPE/ventilators/ICUs to avoid the threat of overwhelming the system?

If we do...that’s great and maybe we can avoid a full ceasing of the economy. Of course, the 2nd wave that most Americans may be dreading is the latter half of 2020 when unemployment is at high double digit numbers, stimulus (rescue) checks are being delayed for months b/c the system is overwhelmed & businesses are shuttering faster than the death rate of the 1st wave of COVID-19.

Regardless of fault, the inability to be able to have an exit strategy is reminiscent of the end of the Vietnam War when America just wanted it to end but couldn’t develop an efficiency exit strategy. Partly to blame was the partisan politics that infects today’s landscape.

 

[notredomer23]

You’re right about the point that we need data...and more of it. The more data the epidemiologists have, the more they can accurately project what may be around the corner.

I hate that the current projections (the IMHE from UW seems to be getting the latest attention now) come to an abrupt stop in August. Everyone is expecting a 2nd wave but we don’t have enough data to confirm 100%. Then...if there is a 2nd wave, will the US have stockpiled enough PPE/ventilators/ICUs to avoid the threat of overwhelming the system?

If we do...that’s great and maybe we can avoid a full ceasing of the economy. Of course, the 2nd wave that most Americans may be dreading is the latter half of 2020 when unemployment is at high double digit numbers, stimulus (rescue) checks are being delayed for months b/c the system is overwhelmed & businesses are shuttering faster than the death rate of the 1st wave of COVID-19.

As my understanding from Fauci and Birx, the point of what we're doing now is so that when there is a second wave, we are ready to identify it, trace anyone that's been in contact, isolate them, and crush it. Doing that, you don't have to change the way of life. Now, that is significantly easier said than actually done. But that is the plan, and what seems to be working in SK.

 

[wizards8507]

This is normal and good, right?

 

[Legacy]

Jobs report is out. Another 6.6 million people filed for unemployment. All told, in the past three weeks, 16.6 million Americans have filed for unemployment aid. That now totals Nearly one in ten employees lost their jobs. In the previous two weeks, one of the sectors that was an engine of job growth - heath care - has had the most job losses. Since the money-making areas in health care - elective procedures and surgeries - have been suspended, hospitals, private practices and urgent cares are laying off workers in anticipation of losses from uncompensated and very expensive care. The stimulus package for hospitals won't be enough to cover their losses in the short term and the long-term. More people who lost their private insurance switch to Medicaid or will be uninsured. Medicaid pays sixty cents on the dollar that private insurance pays. The only recourse hospitals and health care systems will have is to cut more expenses - cut more jobs, close money-losing clinics and hospitals as in rural areas. This will be a long, slow recovery in the health care sector. Meanwhile, tax revenue for states and the feds will decrease with corresponding increase in the federal debt.

Health care as we knew it may be changed for years, if not permanently.

 

[Legacy]

Secondary impacts affecting health care jobs to above will be the length of time for processing Medicaid applications, how many job earners now unemployed were the family's source of health care insurance, any increase in disability claims, how many people no longer have medications for their chronic diseases, subsequent admissions for uncontrolled chronic diseases, increases in premiums and deductibles by private health insurance companies.

Future changes could include block grants to the states for Medicaid, SCOTUS ruling that the ACA is unconstitutional, tax increases by the states to balance their budgets.

This has a paywall, but the titles of the articles on this website are informative and can be searched on Google for free access for local or national impacts.
Modern Heatlhcare

 

[Legacy]

Estimated Cost of Treating the Uninsured Hospitalized with COVID-19 (Kaiser Family Foundation)

The three COVID-19 stimulus bills that Congress has passed provide additional funding for hospitals and for free coronavirus testing for the uninsured through Medicaid. While Congress did not allocate any money specifically for COVID-19 treatment or coverage for the uninsured, President Trump has stated his intention to reimburse hospitals for treating the uninsured by tapping a new $100 billion in funding for hospitals and other health care entities included in the third stimulus, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The legislation provided little detail about how funding would be distributed, giving significant discretion to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

To date, few specifics on the new policy for covering COVID-19 treatment costs of uninsured patients have been released, but administration officials have said that hospitals would get reimbursed at Medicare rates, which are substantially lower than prices paid by private insurers. The administration has not provided any cost estimates for this new policy, other than to say that the funding will come from the $100 billion in the CARES Act. How much of that funding will be used to pay for care for the uninsured is an important part of thinking through the implications of this policy. In this brief, we estimate a range of costs for reimbursing hospitals for treatment of COVID-19 for the uninsured and discuss some outstanding questions about the Trump administration’s new policy. (cont)

 

[NDBoiler]

Serious question - do you get off on posting all this doom and gloom constantly?

Who’s to say that a large percentage of these folks who lost their job recently don’t become employed again in the coming weeks/months?

I know it sucks right now, but damn dude, let’s quit crying in our Cheerios constantly and maybe think about what we are going to do to learn from this, find ways to solve our problems, and make our lives better. Anybody can sit there and complain about a problem, the hard part is having a positive attitude in the face of adversity and being willing to do something about it.

 

[NDRock]

Serious question - do you get off on posting all this doom and gloom constantly?

Who’s to say that a large percentage of these folks who lost their job recently don’t become employed again in the coming weeks/months?

I know it sucks right now, but damn dude, let’s quit crying in our Cheerios constantly and maybe think about what we are going to do to learn from this, find ways to solve our problems, and make our lives better. Anybody can sit there and complain about a problem, the hard part is having a positive attitude in the face of adversity and being willing to do something about it.

Well said. Hope you don't mind that I read that motivational post in the voice of your avatar.

 

[IrishLion]

Almost everyone I know filing for unemployment right now in the NKY area has been placed on furlough, rather than laid off.

Of course there's the chance that some of those people don't actually get their jobs back, or that the downturn ultimately results in 'real' layoffs down the line... but it's encouraging to see that so many employers in the area are planning on a return to normalcy with promises of getting people back to work as they were before.

My real question is how many companies are going to realize the money they can save on space and operating costs by having people work remotely on the regular from their own space, rather than footing the bill for large office buildings or other rented space.

I feel like many companies are going to downgrade their square footage and look for smaller offices as meeting spaces for in-person needs, and keep people working from home otherwise. They might be spending more on increased IT support and other WFH tech, but they'll save on rent and utilities.

 

[Legacy]

Serious question - do you get off on posting all this doom and gloom constantly?

Who’s to say that a large percentage of these folks who lost their job recently don’t become employed again in the coming weeks/months?

I know it sucks right now, but damn dude, let’s quit crying in our Cheerios constantly and maybe think about what we are going to do to learn from this, find ways to solve our problems, and make our lives better. Anybody can sit there and complain about a problem, the hard part is having a positive attitude in the face of adversity and being willing to do something about it.

No, I don't. Reality sucks now. Americans have always come through and our country is resilient. I am confident we will resolve the economic disaster. As with many who posted, I too have family impacted. Americans face up to our problems and resolve them. You see a lot of blamers, complainers and the use of distraction. Part of resolution is knowing what you need to correct and adapt to. But you can eliminate me from the "Happy days are near again" crowd, though I won't take issue with anyone who is. We have to be practical, not polemical.

 

[Irish2155]

Almost everyone I know filing for unemployment right now in the NKY area has been placed on furlough, rather than laid off.

Of course there's the chance that some of those people don't actually get their jobs back, or that the downturn ultimately results in 'real' layoffs down the line... but it's encouraging to see that so many employers in the area are planning on a return to normalcy with promises of getting people back to work as they were before.

My real question is how many companies are going to realize the money they can save on space and operating costs by having people work remotely on the regular from their own space, rather than footing the bill for large office buildings or other rented space.

I feel like many companies are going to downgrade their square footage and look for smaller offices as meeting spaces for in-person needs, and keep people working from home otherwise. They might be spending more on increased IT support and other WFH tech, but they'll save on rent and utilities.

Northern KY is like one of the only places where I have a crap ton of work right now...Florence/Walton specifically. Distribution Center heaven and my customer has asked we start 6 new employees (that's all they can train at one time) every Monday for the foreseeable future...

If you happen to know any PIV operators looking for employment then send them my way. Cherry Picker experience preferred but certainly not required.

 

[Irish#1]

I've seen many idiots online with just alleged symptoms, haven't even gotten to a test, go on social media and do the "OMG look at me".

The older I get, the more I realize there's a higher population of dumb, attention seeking people who are easily influenced than I ever knew.

It is different state by state but if you really want a test, you'll find a way to get one.

Koon is going to be a "Get of my lawn" guy before he's 40. lol

 

[MJ12666]

The job loss numbers predicted by the St.Louis Fed are pretty staggering - project total employment reductions of 47 million, which would translate to a 32.1% unemployment rate.

Unemployment claims typically lag behind the figures, but the last two weeks have seen 10 million people lose their jobs. Roughly half of all U.S. workers receive health insurance through their own employer’s provided coverage.

A recent model (see link below) projects job loss based on a Low scenario assumes 12 million people lose jobs and employer insurance with a 10% unemployment rate; Medium: 23 million, 17.5% unemployment; High: 35 million, 25% unemployment We are at the low scenario already.

Many laid off American workers will be able to get health insurance in other ways - Medicaid is one of the primary sources.

Pre-COVID - the uninsured amounted to 29 million with 3% unemployment

At the High scenario, 23 million of the 35 million laid off people who had private health insurance through their employer will be on Medicaid. But the uninsured will increase from the 29 million pre-Covid to 39-40 million in that High scenario.

COVID-19 Impact on Medicaid, Marketplace, and the Uninsured, by State


Others may get insurance on a family member's plan, or through a state exchange. Few will pay the full price for COBRA. The President has decided not to have a special open enrollment period for the ACA, which he could do, and will continue to support the lawsuit ending the ACA, which will be heard before the Supreme Court in Oct. Prior to the ACA (2013), 44 million Americans did not have any health insurance.

First the president does not need "have a special open enrollment period" as anyone losing employer paid insurance because their employment was terminated can obtain insurance because they have experienced a "life changing event". Surprised you were not aware of this.

Second, Not sure what you mean when stating "Few will pay the full price for COBRA". It has been my experience that policies under COBRA are (1) better then policies that can be purchased via the exchanges and (2) are less expensive.

 

[NDohio]

I agree that there are people with a pathological need to draw attention to themselves on the internet.

Reps, lots of reps

I did my part!

 

[ab2cmiller]

I did my part!

I can't even imagine the amount of reps he's gotten for that gem.

 

[IrishLion]

I did my part!

 

[Legacy]

First the president does not need "have a special open enrollment period" as anyone losing employer paid insurance because their employment was terminated can obtain insurance because they have experienced a "life changing event". Surprised you were not aware of this.

Second, Not sure what you mean when stating "Few will pay the full price for COBRA". It has been my experience that policies under COBRA are (1) better then policies that can be purchased via the exchanges and (2) are less expensive.

First, that federal enrollment exception is in the ACA, but it is up to the President. Trump has rejected the ACA Special Enrollment period.

Apr 1, 2020,06:22pm EDT
Trump Rejects ACA Special Enrollment Period Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
(Forbes)

So, only those states who run their own exchanges can have those special enrollment periods. Twelve state-run their own exchanges. Eleven - all but Idaho - have opened their state-run exchanges for those seeking health insurance. For the other thirty-eight states, if you did not sign up in the federal exchange, you will have to wait until Nov.

Second, COBRA has good coverage, but the employee who chooses COBRA must pay the entire cost of their health insurance - theirs and their employer's cost. Few who are suddenly unemployed can afford this.

 

[Circa]

This is normal and good, right?

I heard today that medicare is paying out $13,000 for covid patients and If you need a ventilator it's $39,000. Can't get paid If the ventilator's aren't available.
The push for ventilator's has been exposed and It pisses me off to no end that we are being treated like children.

Hospitals are being told by some jakasses to label everyone as a covid patient even if they died from unrelated symptoms and do test positive. Cancer, heart disease... So many ways to die and Covid (taxpayers) picks up the bill.
This Is a conspiracy and anyone that can't understand the way conspiracies start are about to see....
I just hope I can get a life insurance policy of a billion dollars as a smoker. The only reason for death these days Is this economy crushing chinese virus. I should get the policy for $1 a month If I get a blood test and I have antibodies already...

 

[ab2cmiller]

First, that federal enrollment exception is in the ACA, but it is up to the President. Trump has rejected the ACA Special Enrollment period.

Apr 1, 2020,06:22pm EDT
Trump Rejects ACA Special Enrollment Period Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
(Forbes)

So, only those states who run their own exchanges can have those special enrollment periods. Twelve state-run their own exchanges. Eleven - all but Idaho - have opened their state-run exchanges for those seeking health insurance. For the other thirty-eight states, if you did not sign up in the federal exchange, you will have to wait until Nov.

Second, COBRA has good coverage, but the employee who chooses COBRA must pay the entire cost of their health insurance - theirs and their employer's cost. Few who are suddenly unemployed can afford this.

MJ is totally correct. Frankly, I have no idea what your are trying to say. This is from the Healthcare.Gov website.

https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/if-you-lose-job-based-coverage/

If you leave your job for any reason and lose your job-based insurance, you can buy a Marketplace plan. Losing job-based coverage, even if you quit or get fired, qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. This means you can buy insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period.

 

[317Irish]

MJ is totally correct. Frankly, I have no idea what your are trying to say. This is from the Healthcare.Gov website.

https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/if-you-lose-job-based-coverage/

Serious question.... are u trolling?

 

[koonja]

Having a large portion of the public get tested is quintessential to stopping the virus. You can not deny that having access to more information about the spread is crucial. I highly doubt anyone feels the urge to go into a disease ridden place where if they're not careful could contact the virus if they didn't already have it.

It's annoying to see people post about having the coronavirus, but rather them than you. This is one of the times where being a busy body actually helps the general public.

You're problem is you're a rational adult. Unfortunately there are far more half-life clowns who live on social media and seek attention because their life/work/purpose is meaningless.

Except in this case where those test kits are scarce and should be reserved for the truly sick.

If 80% are testing false and the Prior Auth is "bring critically sick", WTF do they actually have (rhetorical).

 

[317Irish]

You're problem is you're a rational adult. Unfortunately there are far more half-life clowns who live on social media and seek attention because their life/work/purpose is meaningless.

Except in this case where those test kits are scarce and should be reserved for the truly sick.

If 80% are testing false and the Prior Auth is "bring critixally sick", WTF do they actually have (rhetorical).

Do u copy and paste?.

 

[317Irish]

Serious question.... are u trolling?

COBRA is universally known to be much more expensive coverage. As to the Obamacare exception, it is limited to 60 days but are you seriously arguing that if people get fired they always have a low cost, quality option in Obamacare to fall back on? What is the word coming to?

 

[koonja]

Do u copy and paste?.

Huh?