Tuesday, August 11, 2009

My New Job

Day 2 at the new job. I think with a little time, I'll really enjoy working there. I'll be a lot better when I actually know every one's name (I'm always embarrassed when I don't know someone's name I was introduced to. Although meeting 25 people in 20 minutes is a bit overwhelming).

So, yes, I am now an attorney for the state of California. The general mission of our office is to ensure that HMOs licensed (or which are required to be licensed) in the state comply with applicable laws and regulations. For those who may not be familiar, HMOs are Health Maintenance Organizations, which are companies that offer certain health care insurance coverage for their members.

There are several code sections which regulate the way HMOs must operate. Licensing requirements. Grievance procedures. Appeals processes. Accessibility. All sorts of things. So, for example, if the HMO denies coverage for a procedure, the patient can file a grievance. If the patient is not satisfied with the HMOs response, the patient can file a complaint with us. If we examine the facts and the law and determine the HMO violated the law, we can impose penalties.

If I've lost anyone or put them to sleep, sorry! For me, what is exciting is that I will have the opportunity to make sure the HMOs don't wrongly deny people coverage for things they are entitled to. Keep those HMOs in line!

I went to my first meeting today, an "us against them" meeting. People from our department and people from the health plan. I came out of the meeting all fired up. My boss said she'll assign this one to me. It's something I can get behind and feel good about.

Oh, and no, they don't know I'm pregnant. Lots of time to go before I need to say anything. And time to make sure everything stays on course.

But it's good to be part of a team again.
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14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad things are going well on the job! You're right - you have plenty o time to break the pg news. Good luck!

Lorraine said...

Sounds like one of those jobs you can really care about! Good for you!

As for the progesterone - you'll have to be very careful! Dropping one might be fine, but if you drop them routinely there will surely be some strange gossip about the new hire...

Eb said...

fired up indeed! so glad you have landed somewhere that looks like home. and what a cool job!

Riley said...

So glad the job is going well - it sounds like a great opportunity. It's nice to have a job you can feel good about - congrats!

Anonymous said...

sounds like a great new position. its wonderful to feel passionate about your work! (and so rare!)

im an attorney too - i do family law & appellate advocacy in a mid-size firm.

Fran said...

Well done!! your first case!! Now, mind you though, don't let it get to you too much, think of the little one in there. Thanks s much for your lovely comments, I adore you too (for real! I don't know why but I feel so close to you, like I've known you for ages!). Fran

tireegal68 said...

sounds like you really have found a great job! it's really cool to be fired up about this stuff - and yes, you go get those HMOs. It made me think there must be so much that they do get away with that no-one complains about so it's great that you get a chance to make them accountable! Yeah, you!!!
Pretty soon they will think of you as indespensable and will be fine about giving you time off for the baby.

embieadoptmom said...

You sound so excited about your job-that ROCKS! WE NEED YOU to keep that insurance under control sister. Glad you are feeling good and doing so well. YOU GO with your BAD SELF!

K said...

Hi! I'm back...so sorry I have been absent for awhile. But wow, you have been up to a lot! Congrats on the fabulous ultra sound. Such great news! And the job? Holy cow...good for you and crazy too I bet? Well, sounds like you have just jumped in and what a great opportunity to combine your two careers. Not to mention state benefits, eh? Wishing you well. Sorry I've been a slacker.

Bowers Family said...

Sounds like a great job! I wish I had you on my side when I lost my appeal to the HMO. Glad you like it so far. Hope you are taking it easy over there. I'm starting to have a hard time with certain foods- you?

cindyhoo2 said...

I love the sound of your new job. Social justice for all!!!

Also I can't blame you for not sharing your pg news.... too early yet. Let them get to know you as YOU before they know you as pregnant You. I am just thinking about all the creative excuses you will have to use for your weekly appts. "I have my yearly women's appt." "Oh they want to follow up this week with some bloodwork." "Ya know, I might be anemic, gonna have more bloodwork done." "Turns out I am not anemic... maybe some blood sugar issues. I am gonna have to check that out today." "What a growing belly? Ummmm, no, just too much fast food." :)

Alex P said...

its good to get a job where youre doing what lawyers are actually supposed to do... make sure things are fair, and that stuff is done right. Love it! way to go!

Illanare said...

Hi

I nominated you for an award on my blog

looking4#3 said...

Love that you are giving "the little people" a voice against the HMOs!!!
I know the passion you will bring is going to be amazing!!!