Pete123

  Yes, the key is to look at the network your plan supports to ensure you can see who you want to before making a selection.  Also, another thing I evaluated is one particular medicine I take.  It's not generic and it is expensive.  So, when when doing research, I looked at how BCBS of TN (my current provider and the provider for the new plan) categorize this medicine, and was able to figure that out.   In thinking about some of the pitfalls shared in this email, I realize that I have covered all of them.  This isn't because I'm smart, but because I work with a solid broker.   Here's the math on mine.   My insurance was increasing to $606.95.  I selected a plan for $371.52, which reduces my cost for the year by $2,852.16.   Both plans are with BCBS of TN.  Both are on the same provider and prescription network   The difference between the two plans is that the less expensive one has a deductible of $5,500 and the other one has no deductible.   Both have a maximum out of pocket of $6400.   So, I'm taking a risk and making a bet.  I'm betting that I won't have anything significant happen this year.  If I bet well, then I'll save $2,852.16.     If I haven't bet well, then I have to pay $5,500 before the policies basically become equal.     As I would pay $2,852.16 to have no deductible, the effective risk is $2,647.84.   So, I'm betting $2,852.16 that I won't have to pay $2,647.84, which are odds that I'll take.   As you can see from the detail I've provided, I did research supported by a good broker.     My point being that others on the forum may be able to do a similar analysis and possibly manage significant cost.  The research allows effective risk criteria to be developed.

Yeah, there are risks with any purchase.   Cost management can work very well, though there are risks with it.  In the same manner, paying more doesn't ensure a better, or even adequate, outcome.   I think the key for me is to invest more time into research as the importance of the decision increases.

  I can appreciate where you are coming from.  The difference between our views comes down to risk tolerance.  No one has a right or wrong risk tolerance.  As of right now, I don't need any procedures like a colonoscopy and don't expect to need surgery.     Two years ago I slipped on ice and dislocated my shoulder.  If something like that happens this year, I'll lose any money I saved and more.   My 'nitpicking' comment may have been a little too strong.  There is no such thing as a free lunch, especially with health insurance.     I suspect we have TGOers that can't pay any more.  Working with a good broker as well as taking time to research based on the needs I think I'll have this year has allowed me to manage cost better, though I'm achieving this by accepting more risk.

The out of pocket max is $7000 per year.   My purpose in sharing my experience is to possibly help others manage their health insurance cost - not to have it picked apart by TGO members.   As I mentioned in my original post, I will have to pay more out of pocket if something happens to me.  I'm saving money because I won't have co-pays, but will have to pay the negotiated discount up to a max of $7000.   I didn't reduce cost by blindly going for a plan that costs less. As mentioned, I did research and then called the broker to clarify questions.

I totally understand.  My plan has an out of pocket max of $7000.

I recall a thread where folks were bummed about Obamacare health insurance increases.   They sent me a $160 increase.  It has turned out that I'm getting a $90 decrease.   Here's how.  I have bought through a broker, Phil Martin and team 615-884-3535; for years, though there are many others.    He sent me four options.  I took about an hour looking through them, thinking about my best guess of what I'll need this year, and researching the only expensive prescription that I take.     I was able to determine that I could probably go with a plan that costs about the same.   I don't expect any big medical expenditures this year.  So I called my Phil's office and was able to determine that the policy that is $90 less would work fine.   I'll have to pay more if something happens to me, though as mentioned, I don't expect anything.   Thought I would share incase someone else can benefit.

Cool

  something like this?   https://youtu.be/fTaVWamH5YY

Everyone is missing the obvious explanation.  It's a conspiracy by the .40 and 10 mm folks to force .45 users, who don't like the 9mm, to make the change.

Welcome!  This is a great forum and we have a lot of solid folks in east TN.

  Jonnin put up this great post, which I was about to 'like', until I came across his heinous, horrendous, outrageous, unspeakable, villainous, beastly, hideous, abhorrent and evil vitriol highlighted above.  ^_^   The plain Russian Mosins that still for less than $200 are high quality guns.  They are more accurate than they have a right to be.  Yes, they have loose tolerances - all the better to continue to work when packed with mud from Russian rainy season.     We could debate who the best snipers in history are until the end of time.  Acknowledging that, below is a link to one of the top ten lists.   http://controversialtimes.com/military/10-deadliest-snipers-in-history-1-is-absolutely-crazy/   Four of the ten achieved their results with M91/30 sniper rifles.  My understanding is that they were regular 91/30s, though were the most accurate when tested.    Five of the ten were using the M91/30 or the M28.     Don't be talkin' about my Momma, I mean my Mosin's!

  I've though a little more about this since my response from yesterday.  One of my many frustrations with Obama, which I referenced below, is his handling of Isis.  Playing nice with them simply won't work.   Door to door sales people are a totally different kettle of fish.  These are folks who are just trying to make a living.  That doesn't mean that they aren't irritating.  Courteous, Respectful behavior toward others almost always makes sense.  Courteous and respectful doesn't mean being a doormat and letting them run over you.     Good examples of this in my life have been when I've received speeding tickets.   I try to talk my way out of it.  The officer has been courteous and respectful as he continues filling out the ticket and handing it to me.  Though I don't like it, he's doing his job.     Sales people are doing their jobs.  The majority of us in the private sector work for companies that have sales people who are the ones that generate the business that allows for others to have jobs.   Private citizens can sign up for the 'do not call' list to reduce the amount of sales calls they receive.  There isn't anything like that for the business world, nor has there ever been discussion of it that I'm aware of.  Why?  Companies don't want their sales people being shut down.    

  There is more to collectibility than price.  Lower prices allow collecting for those without much money.  After reading through the responses, I see that we all have a different definition of 'collectible'.  To me, collectible is anything that folks have more than one because they are cool or they like them.  Take the Mosin.  It's a simple gun.  Yet, there are forums devoted to Mosin's.  Most folks can afford them and ammo is reasonable (for now).   They have very high historical significance.  It was the primary sidearm used by the Russian's at Stalingrad.  The battle for Stalingrad was the beginning of the end for the Nazi's.     I just paid $420 for a nice M39 and consider it a bargain - and a little luck from the $20 hand select process.     I think there are Glock collectors now.  I'm not a Glock guy and don't follow them, though I'll bet there are folks here that have Glocks they really don't need because they love Glocks.  

This is a great topic.   Here are some I would think about:   S&W Revolvers Quality government models ARs Quality AK 47s Savage bolt actions Marlin Lever Actions Quality guns made of metal Quality bolt actions Weapons used by the US military   If you think about it, what do folks collect today?  Almost anything that is quality or used in the military.  Look at all of us that love the Mosins, K98s, Garands, 1903s, SKS's and AK 47s.   We have folks that collect guns from almost every quality manufacturer.   Hopefully, more folks will share ideas about what guns they think will be collectible.  

That's actually pretty funny.  What's up with him and his inability to engage Isis in a meaningful manner.  He has found himself my least favorite of the modern presidents.   He's not any better than Jimmy Carter was with the Iranians.   Also, I totally get your frustration with the door to door sales people.  

Yes they are irritating.  Getting nasty or responding with anger is a really bad idea.  Here is how to handle them and why this way is best.   When they come to the door and start talking.  I wait until they take a breath or interrupt if they don't take one.  In a courteous, yet firm way, I say, "I know you have a tough job, though I'm simply not interested."     They will immediately ask a question or start talking.  This is what they are trained to do - if they can get you to engage in a conversation the chances of making a sale increase greatly.    When they do that, I say, "Again, I understand that you have a tough job, but I'm not interested and am about to close the door."  I then close the door.   Two keys:  Don't get nasty or treat them poorly.  and....don't engage.  Engaging in any way is where they wind up making you mad.   Why is this the best way to handle this?:   Many of these folks are two steps away from public assistance and they are working.  No one that can get a better job takes door to door sales.  None of us want to spend tax dollars to support folks and these folks are at least trying. Many of these folks, especially the ones selling magazines or asking for money for non profits, have a history with the law.  Violence is not very far below the surface.   We all are prepared to defend ourselves and our homes.  Having said that, allowing a situation to escalate, which is what the anger and nasty behavior does, is simply not smart.     Again, they key is to be courteous and firm and DON'T ENGAGE with them.  

Glad you are here.

Welcome aboard

Whoa! Somehow I don't think I'll be giving that a try on myself!

I have shared a lot of irritation with Classic Firearms on this blog.  They simply didn't care about and didn't understand good service.   Many of us know about their fiasco with the first batch of M39s a few months ago.  I was one of the people who received bad service.   After that lot sold out, they sent a survey acknowledging that they messed up and they asked for input.  I'm sure they got plenty of feedback.   Earlier this week they posted more M39s.  I happened to be sitting at my desk when the email came and immediately placed an order.   I want to give them credit for significant improvements.   They have improved / updated the FFL database.  They sent an automated email to my FFL with shipment info.  They sent automated emails several times, including one when it was delivered.   The M39 was properly packaged - as well as Dennis Kroh packs his.   I paid for a hand select and received a very nice gun.  The gun had a barcoded tag on it.  Not sure if Classic put that on, though would give a further hats off if they did.   Even though I couldn't get them on the phone earlier this week, I have to give them a thumbs up for the significant change and improvement they have made.     I'm impressed.

Locking open the Shield without a mag was very difficult for me as a leftie - difficult enough that I called S&W.  They advised to put a magazine in it for this and acknowledged that locking it open without a mag in the gun is hard.

Dave,   I'm left handed.  The S&W M&P 9 has met my needs better than anything.  It has a slide release on each side. The mag release isn't ambi, but can be reversed in a minute or so.  The full size comes with three grips in differing sizes to accomodate hand size.  As referenced below, I have a Shield as well.  The M&P 9 is far easier for a left handed person than the Shield.  There is a big difference in ease of use and accurate shooting between the Shield and the full size M&P.   It is much easier to shoot the full size accurately than the Shield - a problem I would expect to exacerbate in a high stress gun fight.   Talon grips may help her hold the gun better regardless of size.   I also have a Shield.  The mag release can't be reversed on that one.   The Shield has been somewhat difficult for me, including the slide release.  I have trained with it and can use it, though it makes good sense to me that a woman, who I hope, isn't as strong as me would have trouble with it.  The slide stop on the Shield is much harder to deal with if there isn't a magazine in the gun.     I purchase the S&W M&P's with no safety so I don't have to worry about that.   The H&K VP9 is a fully ambi gun.  Having said that I strongly recommend against this gun for a left handed person. The slide release used by the left handed person runs much of the length of the gun.  I found that a proper grip on the gun interfered with the release with the impact being that the release didn't lock open after the last shot.   I do not agree with those that feel that a leftie can be trained to use a non ambi gun well.  Yes, they can be trained to do it, though my personal experience has shown that I'm much better off with a gun that doesn't require that.   I don't have experience with the FN guns and can't comment on them.   The best idea may be to go to the range and let her try both of them.  I see that you all are in East TN.  If you were in Nashville I would be glad to meet at the range, show what I do, and let her try mine.

Any tools that are good for working on pistols / rifles are perfect for me.   I had a hard time as well.  

Also, R&D costs for hollow points

Personally, I'm incensed that the New York d-bag stuck his nose into Nashville business.