Running Bear’s November 2021 Coffee Shop

[Boris]

yes, but the link I provided says or implies that the grandfathered plans cannot change materially the coverages provided after the grandfathering date. Since these changes went into effect, as Terry explained, after the ACA passed, I don't see how they can be legal. I would definitely file a complaint with whatever governmental organization is interested in this sort of thing.

Not necessarily...the only thing that changed was the person paying the premium. The coverage was always minimal lowest tier.

FWIW, the plan I have right now as my medicare supplement, also offers a three tiered plan for disabled and furloughed railroad employees,(whose COBRA has expired). The non medicare portion still doesn't incorporate some provisions available under ACA sanctioned plans, (and also has lower premium costs than the average ACA sanctioned plan in NJ for example). There are numerous exceptions to ACA...that's how ACA survived.

The real problem, (I believe), that Terry experienced was the way his blood work claim was coded. Screenings generally are not covered unless under government mandate. When these tests are covered under "Medical Necessity", they get paid. What it all comes down to is Terrys Statement of Coverage, and limitation of coverage prevails.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

Chris, living in Ohio, modeling UP late 80s to early 90s somewhere fictional between Chicago and St. Louis….

Pleased to meet you CHRIS!
If you don't mind - place your handle in the
"signature line" ... my memory is certainly not what it used to be!

 

[chadbag]

Not necessarily...the only thing that changed was the person paying the premium. The coverage was always minimal lowest tier.

That is not how he described it. He described it that as of Jan 1 that the preventative stuff was no longer covered. That sounds like a material change. I am not a lawyer or expert on this but I would file the complaint with the relevant authorities. Worst that can happen is nothing.

 

[bnsf971]

That is not how he described it. He described it that as of Jan 1 that the preventative stuff was no longer covered. That sounds like a material change. I am not a lawyer or expert on this but I would file the complaint with the relevant authorities. Worst that can happen is nothing.

I just got off the phone (again) with the health insurance company.
The date the changes were made WAS January1– 2018. They’re tying themselves in knots trying to explain why they covered these tests in past years. I am not a lawyer, nor have I ever played one on TV, but I‘m thinking there may be a statute of limitations involved here that the delay has helped circumvent.

 

[bnsf971]

…And things here keep getting funner and funner…

 

[Greg@mnrr]

What a bummer with Aaron Rogers and the Corvid virus!!! The leader of a Super Bowl team contender, Top Seeded and doesn't get a Corvid vaccination!!! A signed Rogers' jersey on the basement wall for long much longer??? Jordan Love??? Why doesn't the Green Bay Packers have a team mandatory Corvid vaccination policy with such high stakes and $$$ at stake? Get your shots or get out!!!

Enough said and moving on to model railroading.

Just purchased the three set DVD's of Model Railroader's Rehab My Railroad using Chuck Sable's layout. For those who do not have a Model Railroader Plus subscription, the two part series is about the MR crew going to Chuck Sable's basement layout and rehabbing certain scenes and updating Chuck's layout over a two series of on-line videos. Chuck models the C&NW railroad in Wisconsin on his larger than average layout.

Just cruising the web for model railroad videos that I may of missed. Like the cab rides on the larger railroads like the Colorado Railroad Museum's layout among many others.

Home alone with Riley. Stayed up all night until 4:20 AM to see Cathy off. I don't like her traveling to Mitchell Field alone. She called me and she and my Sister in Law are going for lunch at my favorite spot in Mesa. My lunch will be a muffin and some O.J.

Drinking some very cold spring water. I love cold water, sometimes keep it in the freezer for a short time to really chill the water and it was my choice of refreshments when traveling on the Gold Wing motorcycle.

That's about it......................

Greg

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[bigfoot13]

Something that came up on a FB page comparing the size of Australia to the US and also where the population a 25mill or so actually live
View attachment 134794

View attachment 134795
The little red dot in the middle, I think is Alice Springs.

Cool picture of course you are also missing Alaska in your picture. Many people forget the size of Alaska.
Square Miles:
Australia - 2,970,000
US without Alaska - 3,133,700
Alaska - 663,300

Here's another fun photo.

 

[Patrick]

Pleased to meet you CHRIS!
If you don't mind - place your handle in the
"signature line" ... my memory is certainly not what it used to be!

Ok, I'll start putting George in my "signature line".

George (sorry)

 

[Boris]

I am not a lawyer, nor have I ever played one on TV, but I‘m thinking there may be a statute of limitations involved here that the delay has helped circumvent

Neither am I and I did not spend last night in a Holiday Inn Express, but ever since the wife was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, after I went on Medicare, and her AmPlan coverage ended, I have never taken health insurance for granted again. I have learned they will do anything to avoid paying your claims.

Seriously, you should look into what is available on the open market including Obama plans, if you find something viable, you can always opt out of your employer plan. It is important that you know what it covers and what it doesn't cover, and govern yourself accordingly, until you find something better.

 

[McLeod]

Good Afternoon, all you modeler types.
I'm enjoying myself here all alone, as the wife went to visit her girlfriends. That means I get a few hours of peace.

it's just that the last deer that I killed was when I was in college; my father, who had been an avid hunter all his life, sat me on a deer stand where he had been seeing this buck all year out on his job, and sure enough it came along and I dropped it first shot! When I loaded it onto the hood f my car and drove up to the country store where I knew my dad would be taking a break with the oil field crew I was all smiles, but when I looked at him- he had a tear in his eye - as he had watched that deer for over a year..

Sherrel - That is the sadist hunting story I have ever heard. I didn't realize you were so mean, as to take the prize away from dear ol' dad.

The story reminded me of something that tried to take my deer away from me. This timber wolf probably took the attempt a bit worse off than your dad did:

Have a great afternoon! And Sherrel, I'm just trying to rib ya.

 

[Texas Hobo]

Good Afternoon all! No sun today. It remain cool, 55, overcast and dreary all day.

Topherisme - Chris, welcome to the diner. I believe you will find everyone here from beginner to old pro, more than happy to share what they know with you.
Terry - I would definitely be looking for something else, somewhere else. It doesn't sound as though your employer appreciates nor cares about the staff they have.
Troy - bluetooth my computer to a Visio sound bar.

I made a little progress on Jefferies Point but most of the day was spent assembling all the windows. Have every said I hate windows?

STAY SAFE
LATER

 

[Topherisme]

Is it one of the ribs outta that guy?

 

[Alcomotive]

Good morning from Laughlin, NV again! Was a pretty warm (hot) day here yesterday and the wind was blowing sideways.
The lovely Spousal Unit played 4 games of Bingo at the Riverside Casino and won three times for a total of $380.00!
Proud of her and let her pay for dinner when I drove the car down to pick her up. Surprised myself that I did not even see if they had the usual poker tables going. My option trading here lately has more than satisfied my gambling in stinks and that has been going very well too!

JAMES - I really feel for you with the cracked tooth! I left one of mine in Paris and another prior to that in Albuquerque.
Same scenario - split right down the middle. Finding a dentist at night on a layover is certainly not a chore that I would even wish on my enemies. I could go into nightmare tales about my dental forays , but we will save that for another time. Short version, my father had very bad teeth and lost his in his early 40's ... I inherited his teeth and made it until my very early 50's.
I clicked "sad" on your post for two reasons: the tooth problem and hunting. Not that I am against hunting - it's just that the last deer that I killed was when I was in college; my father, who had been an avid hunter all his life, sat me on a deer stand where he had been seeing this buck all year out on his job, and sure enough it came along and I dropped it first shot! When I loaded it onto the hood f my car and drove up to the country store where I knew my dad would be taking a break with the oil field crew I was all smiles, but when I looked at him- he had a tear in his eye - as he had watched that deer for over a year. I lost the desire to kill any animal after that excepting rattlesnakes, black widows, and scorpions. I should add that I have not lost the desire on politicians - just need the chance!

FLO - Another cup if you please ... this one went dry?
BBL

Well the tooth is now out....got a gaping hole in the back lower jaw now. Sore as heck like I got kicked in the mouth by a mule. I will go easy the next few days. I have never had any dental problems before as I have been told numerous of time I have hard teeth. I guess I made it this far and well a loss of one tooth is ok. All other checks out A-ok and will get a full cleaning on the 12th of this month.


Ah yes well the buck is still roaming out there. I will see if I can get him this Saturday. Growing up on the farm in Wisconsin well I probrably have eaten and dispatched a lot of 4 legged critters most people wouldn't think of doing. Then my time living in AR and FL I have harvested even more critters and a seafood platter like no other. I have only taken for table fare. Never have I displayed or mounted animals as trophies etc. I wasnt raised that way. I just love my meats. Not much I have not had...gator, wild hogs, rabbit, squirrel, deer, elk, prong horn, mule deer, sitka, snake, turtles, fish of all kinds and shell fish etc. I dunno I just rather eat what I harvest than buy whats in the stores. I even get beef, pork and chicken directly from our local farms and family farm here. My parents garden a lot of veggies. Since they are retired etc. They have time for that and it's a hobby for them. I get a lot of canned goods from them as well as freeze a lot of peppers and crushed tomatoes. My mother makes pepper jelly as it is one of my favorites. She also make strawberry and rasberry jam/jellies. So I stay pretty stocked up. Old school I guess. Nowadays with all the junk and preservatives the store food seems not so good ya know? Salmonella this and that ugh..... I still buy basic stuff from the store like salt, sugar, flour, spices and beer! lol I even buy cheese from a local dairy farm here that's family run. It's expensive but its sooooo good. Cheese curds, feta and others. Goats milk is my favorite for the cheese way better than cows milk. Their cows are not like the run of the mill deals. Small farm and family set up. Buy local....I encourage that. Ya there are some things you gotta get that requires going to the store but it's all about choices and preferences.

Anyhow I am going to take another round of meds for this gole in my jaw now and rest. Later!

Oh Willie thanks for the Belated BDay wishes.


Peace.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

Be aware of dry socket. That's when the raw bone is exposed to air and dries out.

 

[tootnkumin]

Ray - Interesting video although I could only take the time to watch the first six minutes...48 minutes is a bit too long for me!

The "road" does get more challenging further on, but the end is something of an anticlimax because there's a lot more valley and riverbed past it. Sort of "Why and what for?" It put his truck's 4WD capabilities to work.

 

[tootnkumin]

GP35 #401 feeling the space on it's way to Harrison MT to pick up hoppers.

Photo credit to The Montana Rail Link Railfan Society.

 

[IronBeltKen]

Good evening Shop Dwellers!

The button-clicks and comments on my Wednesday photo post are, as always, greatly appreciated: Tom-Cambria, Sherrell, Patrick, Rick, Karl, OB-Ken, Christian, Guy, Chad, Hughie, James, Jaz, Joe, Willie

Chris [topherisme] - welcome to the Forum, and to the Coffee Shop! No worries about being an "amateur" - as long as you have the enthusiasm for model trains, that's all that matters around here. In some ways I, too, am viewed as an amateur even though I've been in the hobby for 35 years - because I learn certain complex things just well enough to accomplish exactly what I want, and nothing more.

Terry - I hope you can get the he** away from your current employer ASAP! They are exploiting you, pure and simple . People like them do not deserve somebody with your talents and work ethic, let them try to find somebody of equal talent who's willing to put up with that abuse - they never will.

Willie/Joe - I assembled a set of 4 of those Proto2000 52' gondola kits back in the mid-90's, but I definitely did NOT enjoy it - for the very reasons each of you mentioned: fragile pieces breaking during removal from sprues, or "mushrooming" and bending when I tried to insert them into holes that were way too narrow. This was in pre-internet days, and I hadn't been modeling long enough to realize I could use micro-drills to widen the holes, etc.

* * *
It's been another really long day, and I'm too totally exhausted to even think about digging up any archived photos to share on here tonight - sorry about that! And most of you have already seen the ones in my collection anyway. Time for me to go swallow my evening cocktail of medicines and hit the hay. Hopefully I'll have more energy on Friday...

Good Night - and have a Pleasant Tomorrow!

 

[kjd]

Good Morning!
As I begin this post, I can hear the train whistle sounding in the distance. The 3x burst tells me a train is crossing highway 43. Sound travels well in the cool weather, and it's only 25F this morning.

With my son having got a job at the Blue Ridge mill, the wife and I have decided to help him out with a newer vehicle to get him there safely. It's not him; it's us that don't trust the rust bucket that he's driving right now. I want him to get to work without problems or worry, so we'll help him.
There's great opportunity at Blue Ridge to make a fine living. Lots of room to move up the ladder and very good benefits. I worked there 7 yrs myself as an industrial electrician.

Troy - I'm not into music, so the most equipment I have in a room is the am/fm box radio, listening to the yap put out on our local station. We don't even own any kind of fancy stereo equipment; and I've only had a radio in my truck since the 8-track days.

Willie - I admire your consistency and disciplined commitment in the hobby. I always seem to get bored with projects and have a tendency to set them aside before completion. I've got way more started projects than finished ones. - However, I am committed to packing a camera everywhere I go.

Today's photos are of a 3-bay open hopper owned by Park Paving out of Edmonton. They haul a-lot of gavel out of here for the greater Edmonton market, enough to justify their own railcars. There are huge gravel pits to the west of us.
View attachment 134876View attachment 134877View attachment 134878

When I get to building the layout, I want a gravel operation and a sawmill on it, as industries.

Well, that's enough yap for today; the coffee cup is emptied. See ya on another day.
Have a good one!

With that black stripe and black bay, I'd guess those cars also used to be 5 bay hoppers, they look suspiciously like the Ortner cars that appeared on various coal trains.

 

[kbkchooch]

Good morning gang!

1/2 day at work today, the take Bud for a check up, pick Wifey up from work, then home for a firewood delivery. The little truck is down waiting for parts, son #4 is dropping her off at work when he goes to school. Son #3 is bringing parts over Sunday (he's a store manager for NAPA).
Looks like I will be stacking wood this weekend!!

 

[OBTC 1909]

Good morning all! 27 degrees and clear here heading up to 54 and sunny. Heading out to work soon. Work has been good lately for the most part. Still getting a feel for how my new supervisor is going to work out, but I'm hopeful it'll be good. Still sad to be losing the old supervisor because he is awesome to work for/with.

I ordered a couple Kalmbach books and they're supposed to arrive tomorrow. I've always had an interest in railroad signals on model railroads, so I ordered the Model Railroader Guide to Signals and Interlockings by Dave Abeles. Looks like it's going to be a good one. I set up a automatic block signal system on a test track a few years ago using an Arduino and it worked pretty well. I've never had a big enough layout to justify having signals on it, but I enjoy the electronics aspect of model railroading so I set that up just for fun. Here is a short video I made of that system Arduino ABS video

I also ordered Applying Lessons from the Prototype by Tony Koester. Can't go wrong with a Koester book and I'm looking forward to getting this one. Both books should arrive sometime today or tomorrow. They keep readjusting the expected arrival date between today and tomorrow, so we'll see.

Time for one more cup of coffee, some breakfast and then have to hit the road for work. Hope you all have a great day!
OB Ken