u/Adept-Dig-1748

I'm a bit older than most solo travelers. Most of my close friends have regular jobs. Most of them are either married and have kids and all those things. I work online and basically has been a digital nomad except I pretty much travel to only one country throughout the years. I do visit the US and then go back abroad again. I know for most solo travelers, they travel to many different countries.

I'm curious but do most of your close friends now or close friends you had back then but don't keep in touch anymore do much solo travel or not much at all? The thing is it is hard if you have a full time job and if you have a kid, well it is going to be close to impossible for that.

What I do notice is whenever those friends of mine traveled back many years ago, they always traveled together. Come to think of it, I don't think any of my close friends or people who I knew well solo traveled at all.

I will most likely not travel much anymore. I'm basically a digital nomad and have traveled to pretty much the same country for many years. I take a trip back to the US and then go back abroad. I do that because I don't have residency in the country I travel to so I have to travel back to the US.

I know for some people, it might be fast but for others it would be longer. Are there a lot of people here who has traveled for at least 15 years or longer and still like it? I got to assume if so, it's because it's those certain countries you travel to and that is why right? Like if it was 1 or 2 countries only besides your home country, probably not? I'm really curious if there are people who still enjoy traveling and been doing it for years and are older... by that I mean 50+. What I did notice is lot of older people who travel abroad seem to like it a lot but I am talking about people that probably just started traveling for extended periods of time and they probably only done it for a few years. Do most of those people eventually get tired of it and want to go back home?

Hi. This is a longer post and I like to get advice on this. I'm a US Citizen and from NY. I'm self employed and a professional gambler. That is my occupation as that is what my accountant who files for me files me as. So imagine online poker and sportsbetting and similar.

The thing is I do not make much income at all. Usually it's in the $20000 to $28000 income range and some years it might be less even but that seems to be the average range. I do have other income like interest income and other things but those amounts are small but I included all that into the income range. The other thing here is I been traveling abroad for many years as well. I do visit NY a few times a year usually before I go back abroad. Because of this, many years I qualify for the foreign income exclusion so I pay lesser taxes because of it.

I'm basically a digital nomad but a bit older than your average digital nomad. I read about people who are digital nomads and make like $20000 a year or less but it is enough for them to live abroad and travel abroad but obviously those are in lower cost of living areas. So that is why even though my income is low, I can afford to be abroad. The other thing is I do not have residency in the country I usually go to. I usually stay there for months and leave and then come back to the US and then go back again.

I do have a US address where I receive any mail. I have my US bank accounts where it has my NY address on it. I have my NY ID as well.

I do recall that in my tax returns, there is a page that asks if you are a NY resident and my accountant always has checked that box for me. There is this other question that ask how long you lived in NY for the year and I recall it's always 12 months that's written. I recall asking my accountant this last time and I was told even though I'm abroad, I'm still a NY resident so that is why 12 months is written.

The thing is I didn't know but there are actually lower income health insurance plans that are free for NY residents if they qualify. Your income has to be lower than so and so amount and I am below that number. I had asked my accountant about this and I was told I had to speak to a health insurance person on this as this wasn't their field. I believe in most states, there is either Medicaid or those ACA plans where you self pay but there isn't those plans that are for lower income people but not medicaid. The plans I am talking about are the NY Essential Plans which have no monthly premiums or a very low one and no deductible and low copays.

I spoke to someone at one of these health insurance carrier offices and told them my situation and asked if there was any issue and if I qualified. I was told yes I did because as long as my income for 2025 tax return is lower than that amount, I qualify. I asked, does it matter that I'm a professional gambler but also that I stayed abroad most of the year and will be claiming the foreign income exclusion for my 2025 tax return? I was told none of this is an issue. I had googled if claiming the foreign income exclusion for the 2025 tax return was an issue if applying for the New York Essential 1 Plan and Google AI said no issue.

The other thing is there is a good chance that I might not be traveling abroad that much this year anymore and will probably be back in the US. The person who works at that health insurance carrier who sign people up for these plans told me since I'm a US citizen and have a NY address on file and a NY ID, that still counts me as a NY resident even though most years I stay abroad for so many days where I qualify for the foreign income exclusion. The reason I ask this is because for someone who stays abroad a lot, I thought they might not consider me a NY resident but the person at that office says that doesn't matter. I was told the only thing is you can't use this health insurance in another state or country which is obvious. So I thought well that makes sense for people who are NY residents who are low income who are on this plan but might travel a few months a year abroad and then come back right? As long as their income doesn't go over and they can't use it when abroad, then on issue right?

I should have no issue applying for this health insurance correct? If I get accepted and enrolled, then there is no issue right? I was told at the office based on my situation, there isn't any issue because my income is below the amount allowed. My estimated income for 2026 will most likely be below that number as it has been for years. I was told if my income goes over the amount for this 2026 year, then I have to give notice but I still would have this health insurance until next year.

I am going to apply for the New York Essential Plan 1 where there is no monthly premium and max out of pocket cost of $360 a year. I am pretty certain my income is below the maximum allowed for this plan but have to check as I calculated my 2025 income earlier this year to be sure. I did not file my 2025 tax return yet so I need to get that filed before I apply for the Essential Plan. If I am over the amount, I know that I can still apply for the New York Essential 200 250 plan which would end on June 30th though.

Can someone here confirm that the maximum income limit when I submit my 2025 tax return is $31300 for the New York Essential Plan 1?

The thing is I read the income that is looked at is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income? For 2025, my income included interest income and a few other things but the amounts were very small. The majority of my income is me being self-employed and I was abroad most of my last year and able to claim the foreign income exclusion.

Google AI says your Modified Adjusted Gross Income includes this foreign income exclusion which obviously makes sense. But it doesn't include any deductions like accountant fees and write off expenses correct?

From checking Google AI, none of this could be deducted from the MAGI correct?

I am going to apply for the New York Essential Plan 1 since my income is below the amount allowed. I do have to make sure and check that my income is below it for 2025 as I had calculated my income earlier in the year. I didn't file my 2025 tax return yet. If my income is over that amount for the New York Essential Plan 1, I do know that I can still qualify for the New York Essential Plan 200 250.

I know that plan has a similar $0 monthly premium and everything else is the same except the maximum out of pocket expense is higher. I know that plan ends soon and the last day of coverage seems to be June 30.

Does anyone know if you can still apply for that plan now or say early June? I know that means you would have pretty much at most 1 month of coverage only if you do that though. I am pretty certain my income makes me qualified for the New York Essential Plan 1 but if it isn't, then I would sign up for the 200 250 plan. Has anyone here recently signed up for this plan just to use it before it ends on June 30th? So if you do that and apply and get accepted, you basically go and see as many doctors and specialists you need to as soon as possible since this plan ends on June 30th right? So last day to see any doctor or do any procedure is on June 30th?

I assume many people who have this plan and had it for a while and know that this plan is ending soon are going to see doctors and get as many things done as possible right?

The thing is people who is on this 200 250 plan, you already received mail on telling you to apply for those metal plans right so that way they will still get health insurance coverage starting July 1st? So if you don't do anything, you don't have any health insurance starting July 1st right? I assume many people are going to be without health insurance starting on July 1st for a bit until they figure things out? Since the costs for those metal plans are not that good since even the lowest monthly plans have high deductibles? I like to know if anyone here signed up for this 200 250 plan recently and can give their experience. I am pretty certain I qualify for the New York Essential Plan 1 but want to know about the 200 250 plan in case I have to sign up for this plan instead since I get at most a month of coverage before this plan officially ends.

I'm from the US and a US citizen and a NY resident. I'm self employed and a professional gambler if you look at my tax returns. I do this online so imagine online poker or sportsbetting etc. That is what my accountant who files for me has written for years as that is what I do. The thing is for many years, my income has been very low. It's usually around the $20000 to $28000 range or so but it has been lower in some years. My income last year was over $30000 but that is still under the maximum allowed for one of the New York Essential 1 Plans which you pay no premium but do have low copays and max out of pocket is something like $360 or so. The thing is I been basically traveling abroad for all these years so that is why even though my income is very low, it's enough while staying abroad.

I still visit the US a few times a year when visiting family so I stay there when I'm back in the US. I do not have any residency outside the US though and just leave and then go back. In my tax returns, I do notice a section where it asks if I'm a NY Resident and it is checked even though most years I am out of the US for most of the year. So because of that, the majority of these years I'm able to claim the foreign income exclusion for this reason. So with that, I pay less taxes since I qualify for it.

Normally when I see doctors abroad or in the US, I would pay cash and thus self pay since I don't have health insurance. I want to see some doctors while in the US now and it seems I'm eligible for this New York Essential Plan 1 since my income last year is below the maximum allowed. The thing is it does seem to sort of ask if your estimated income for this year would be below that number. I am pretty certain it will be as every year my income has been below that number. However, anyone that knows about online poker or sportsbetting would know there is variance and you can have many bigger months or smaller months or losing months. Like if my net income was $30000 for the year, I could have months of +$5000 but months of -$2000 and breakeven months etc. Same can be said if someone trades stocks I assume.

I had asked my accountant if there was any issue if I apply for this since my income was below the number and I was told I had to speak to a health insurance advisor on this since this isn't their field. I had mentioned that in NY, it isn't just medicaid which is free and self paid plans that cost more and there is something in between like these plans which isn't medicaid but health insurance for lower income people in New York so this is something my accountant hasn't heard of because he is in another state and isn't familiar with this which makes sense. It seems not many states have these type of plans for lower income people.

I read online about this and it is suggested that I do qualify for this as long as my income for 2025 was under that maximum allowed even though I am a professional gambler with low income. The thing was my other concern was if there was any issue because my tax return shows me claiming foreign income exclusion since that meant I spent majority of the year abroad and not the US and thus might not be considered a US resident. I went to a local office that helps people apply for the New York Essential 1 Plan carrier and they told me that is no issue at all. I was told that since I'm a US Citizen and thus a NY resident, I'm a resident. Google AI seems to suggest the same. Someone else had commented that if I claimed the foreign income exclusion, I'm certainly not a NY resident. The thing is that was my previous years though. This year, I will most likely still take a trip abroad but most likely not do that much anymore and be back in the US. I am very confused here because applying for this plan seem to ask for you estimated 2026 income as well and for me, it will most certainly be below the maximum allowed. However, the person at the health insurance signup office says they don't even need that number written down. I did read that even if you go above the income allowed for the calendar year, you still keep your plan for the 11 or 12 months. You just won't be able to get it next year.

So this is a tax question and a health insurance question combined. My accountant said to ask the health insurance about this and the person at that local office said I should be able to qualify. They would apply on their computer and then check if I have the right documents or not. The thing is I know this is similar to like someone being self employed and say they have an online ebay store and make $25000 a year and qualify for this plan and they are similar in that they might have a $5000 net income month and a losing money next month etc. But in my situation, is my income still counted the same due to my profession? I mean, it's still the same as someone trading stocks full time right but they make a very low income a year? The thing is does claiming the foreign income exclusion have any issue with this? I was told at the office, you are considered a NY resident since you have NY ID so that doesn't matters. Only thing is when you are abroad, well this health insurance obviously doesn't cover you.

The other thing is I was going to apply for this plan at the office recently after asking them these questions but I was missing a few documents. One big issue here is I only have my 2024 tax return filed. I didn't file my 2025 tax return yet because I always have an extension filed and then tax return filed in September or October with my accountant. In this situation, I was told the 2024 tax return might work and the worker at that health insurance signup said they can try but prefer me to have last year's 2025 tax return. Would everyone here recommend get the 2025 tax return filed first and use that to apply at the office? I am still going to have my 2025 tax return filed this year and the income is going to be less than the maximum allowed so I would be eligible. I thought if I just bring my 2024 tax return and it gets accepted, there might be issues or complications later on somehow? So best to get the 2025 tax return for it?

The thing is if I apply and I'm told I'm accepted, then there is no issue right and I'm good for the next 11 or 12 months? Thus when you bring in the documents at the local office and they help you with applying, even if your forms shows your income was foreign earned income and you are claimed foreign income exclusion and all that, that is fine once you are accepted? The thing is if you are able to write a note down and similar, well obviously a real person would need to look at that note right? Like if you had to write your expected income for the currnet year. I am curious from people who travel and a NY resident on this as it wouldn't surprise me of people who travel abroad for 6 months or more a year but make like $20000 to $25000 where they are still eligible for this plan because of their income.

I am planning to apply for the New York Essential Plan 1 with one of the carriers like Healthfirst or Fidelis. I had went to one of the local offices and brought in my 2024 tax return because I didn't file my 2025 tax return yet. I normally have an extension filed and then tax return is filed later in the year so that is why I don't have a 2025 tax return filed yet.

I was told I was missing a few pages with my 1040 tax return and that when I bring that in, I was told that they can try it to see if it will get accepted or not. If not, I have to come back with the 2025 tax return which I'm fine with. Would have to get that tax return filed. I will be bringing my passport and ID and all those other documents when going there again.

I have read people said it's possible to use a previous older tax return but it's last year's tax return that is obviously the one they want. Since the 2024 tax return is the last one I filed, does anyone know if it will most likely not go through? I was told it would be done in the office and they would know the results pretty soon and then let me know while I'm there. Does anyone know how this process is like? I was very surprised by this. I recall I was told it most likely won't work but they will try it. The thing is my income for 2025 was several thousand more than 2024 but still lower than the maximum allowed.

The other thing that is interesting is I was told a bank statement within the last 6 months wasn't necessary. Not only that, you don't have to give an estimate of your projected 2026 income. Online, I did notice some people say they had to do that especially if they are self-employed since they didn't have pay stubs. I don't have any of those and am self-employed. Is there a reason why some people have to submit certain things like write your estimated 2026 income but others do not? The thing that has me confused with this is... isn't this based all on 2026 projected income? So it's based on looking at your previous year income? Google AI does say the application asks you for your current estimated income for the current year and I was told that isn't necessary at the office.

I was told that even though I have been traveling abroad for many years but do make visits back to the US, I still qualify because I'm a US citizen and thus considered a NY resident. I am most likely going to not travel abroad that much anymore though. So if I get accepted into this plan, I can keep it as long as my income doesn't go over the maximum allowed. The only thing is if I travel abroad, well this plan obviously doesn't cover it outside the US.

The other interesting thing is I mentioned for many years, I qualified for the foreign income exclusion because I stayed abroad for over a certain amount of days in a year. I had asked if this was an issue and I was told it wasn't. When I asked Google AI, it said the same exact thing. Any thoughts on this? Someone had commented that if you qualify for the foreign income exclusion you are not a US resident. My tax return does have me liste as a US resident though. However, the rep at the office says that is not true and so does Google AI so that means there is no issue at all with this right?

Applying at the local signup place seems much simpler than doing it online? The person there was very friendly and helpful and answered all of my questions. Does anyone have any insight on the things that I mentioned here?

I am going to go to either a Healthfirst or Fidelis office and sign up for it there while asking questions there and then bringing my paperwork.

I know you need to bring your US passport and NY ID card. Does that NY ID card count as proof of address or not? I did read it has to be issued the last 6 months but my ID was from years ago. Do I need a bank statement or credit card statement with my name and address on it or not? I don't have any utility bills in my name or anything like that that.

I know you have to bring your social security card. I had someone who went there ask for me and was told I had to bring a few pages of my tax return. The issue is because I'm self-employed, it seems I need to bring many more pages of my tax return and not only the first 2 pages because even though my income is below the maximum allowed, I have additional income in other pages of the tax return that needs to be included. Do I need to include a Schedule C page if I have that? Google seems to suggest you don't and that doesn't seem correct? I did read someone say you don't even need to submit your last tax return?

The thing that has me confused is do you need to write down your projected income for 2026 and if so, how do you do that and where? Do you write that in a separate piece of paper or type it in a microsoft word document and submit that in online? Or does it need to be handwritten and then scanned and uploaded online? Now what if you are doing this at a Healthfirst or Fidelis office and submitting paperwork to the people who work there? Does that change?

The thing is someone had asked them this for me and they said you had to bring like the last 4 weeks of pay stubs. The issue is I don't have that since I'm self-employed and self report my income so I don't have that. Google ai seems to suggest you need to have a record of your income so you just upload them an excel spreadsheet with your daily income or loss? Or does it have to be manually written and then scanned to them? What if it's done at a local office? How in the world then do you even any interest income you are earning then if that hasn't showed up for the last few weeks exactly? There is way you can calculate that since you get paid monthly if you earn interest income from a bank.

This part seems very confusing as the person who went there who asked for me said they were told you don't need that part? So do they just look at your tax return and take a guess at your approximate income for 2026? That makes no sense because aren't you the one that projects and estimates your income? For me, the situation is different than someone working a regular job but I do know my income for 2026 is almost certainly going to below the maximum income allowed. Does anyone have advice on this? I read the documents that is needed is the same whether you apply on the phone or online or at a local office but the information that was given to someone who asked for me is different from what I read online with Google ai?

I suspect I have either of these two things on my upper left arm or shoulder. I am going to see an orthopedic doctor and not sure yet if I will be either self paying or through health insurance if I apply and get accepted. I had this issue for a while already and had thought it was a nerve or muscle issue.

It wasn't until later on I thought if it's possible I have either of these two things. Is it possible to have both? The thing is do I go straight for an MRI for one area or both areas or should I get x-rays first? I know the orthopedic doctor will be saying what to do but you should always get an x-ray first? I know x-rays even when self paying doesn't cost that much money but an MRI costs a good amount.

The thing is would an x-ray indicate either of these two issues? Or would an MRI be needed? So if an x-ray shows either of these things or both, then doing an MRI is unnecessary?

Now has anyone here have no health insurance and paid for orthopedic visit and for x-ray and MRI's and then paid for surgery and thus self-paid for everything? I know when you self pay, it's cash price so the price is less as it's the cash price. Can anyone share how much they paid for either of these procedures including everything? I did read you will have to do physical therapy after this so it's going to be another 3k at least? So this will require you to go to a physical therapist every week for 2 or 3 months?

I know most people here probably have health insurance so their out of pocket costs isn't going to be that much though high deductible would certainly mean a good bit. But it would still be less than self paying right?

I'm going to most likely apply for the New York Essential Plan 1. It will most likely be with Healthfirst, Fidelis or Anthem Blue Shield and Blue Cross.

I am not sure how long this process will take as it might take longer. I read that orthopedic specialists especially at places like NYU Langone are booked for a while so you might have to wait a month or so at least for an appointment. Is that true at places like that and Mount Sinai? Now if that is true, would it be fine to book the earliest appointment you can find with the specific specialist you want to see even if you don't know if either you get accepted into the health insurance you are applying for or it takes longer than expected?

So if you book an appointment a month in advance now whether online or on the phone, they generally ask you what is your health insurance right? If you don't have, you say self-pay and they will tell you the price. If you book online, it still asks what health insurance you are using when you book it correct? I know people say don't book appointments online. The thing here is if your health insurance application gets denied, well you can always let them know you will self-pay right, you just let them know before?

The thing is what about cancellations? I read NYU Langone charges a fee if you cancel it but as long as the appointment is at least a week away. Does anyone have experience with this? It says a $75 fee for cancellations for new patients but is that only if you cancel it less than 7 days from it or it's every new patient?

The thing is for private practices, I believe they are generally more lenient right where you could cancel your appointment free of charge as long as it's 24 or 48 or 72 hours from your appointment time?

The thing is if you know you will see the doctor regardless if you get health insurance or not and self-pay, no issue with that right? But if you would cancel only if your health insurance doesn't cover it, that is not good right? I would still see the doctor no matter what if I make the appointment but curious about this.

Can someone who has applied for the New York Essential Plan 1 and done this within the last year or so tell me how long did it take to get approved or denied? Also what carrier did you choose... such as Healthfirst, Fidelis or Anthem? Which method did you apply, was it online or phone or in person?

Does anyone know if one method is faster than others? It seems that you can even go to a local office at Healthfirst, Fidelis or Anthem or the other ones and just give them the documents required and that would work as well? But would that way be slower than online application?

I am somewhat confused on the phone application but someone mentioned you just apply on the phone and then you create an account online and then upload all your documents there... is that correct? But if you do it online, you still create an account? Is it the same website? Then you upload the documents? I'm curious if one way is faster than another. Does anyone know what is the average application time to get approved or denied?

I'm going to apply for the New York Essential Plan 1 soon. I am not sure yet of the carrier that I will choose. It will be most likely Healthfirst, Fidelis or Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Other 2 options of United Healthcare Community Plan and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield I will probably not choose. Am going to choose one for orthopedic doctors.

Now if you have health insurance whether through your work or free or lower income health insurance, when you discuss your issues like with your knee or anything else with the specialist or doctor, well you usually talk about the issue and if you need any imaging and what to do afterwards. Yes you will most likely have to pay a copay for these things but that isn't much usually so it's not much to think about. If it's surgery, if the insurance covers it and you only pay the copay, well that isn't he big thing either.

Now, do doctors or specialists when you meet them and then discuss your problem already know if you are seeing them through health insurance or if it's self pay? Or do they have absolute no idea about that? I never thought of this previously. If not, the only way is if you are self paying and mention it to them right?

The thing is when you self pay, do they generally care a bit more or it doesn't make a difference? The other thing is since you are self paying, you would be self paying for imaging like MRI's and all of that. Do most people who self pay for these things usually mention this to their doctor or not much? The thing is assuming insurance pays for it, do doctors generally encourage you to get an MRI more as opposed to you self paying if you don't have insurance? I mean they always will give you a recommendation on what they think you should do right regardless of that?

Now if you want to get multiple MRI's, they can always order it for you right if you have health insurance? The only issue is your health insurance might decline it? But you can always have them write you either one later on if your insurance rejects it? What about if they don't think you need an MRI but you want one? Will they still write you a referral for MRI and then you go and self pay for it at an independent imaging place and then get the results and then bring it back to them? Or would they not like that since you really wanted to get an MRI and they don't think you need one and you would be like a problem patient? The other thing is what is the reason the health insurance company will reject an MRI or multiple MRI's? If what the doctor writes for the request for an MRI seems good reasoning, what is usually the reason then?

Now what about when it comes to medications and surgery? The thing is if you are self paying for the surgery, well you are going to mention you are going to pay for it and would obviously ask other things about it. You might even ask like how much would it cost to do another surgery in case something doesn't go good with the first surgery. There is nothing wrong with asking these questions right?

Now what about when you have health insurance but it's going to expire in a few months and you want surgery soon. They can actually get you surgery soon if they can right so your health insurance will cover it? Now what if you don't have health insurance but self pay. Then you mention if it's not serious, can I do surgery later on when you get health insurance Are doctors generally okay with these scenarios? Of course there would be situations where they say you should do the surgery as soon as possible. I'm curious but typically how soon can a doctor schedule you for a surgery if they believe you need surgery and you shouldn't really wait that long? It's still going to be at least a few weeks to a month at the minimum right unless it's something really serious right?

I am looking at different orthopedic doctors in NYC with zocdoc. I am trying to filter each search to each different carrier so I can choose which carrier I want to apply for. I am going to apply for the New York Essential 1 Plan. At first I was going to choose Healthfirst or Fidelis but someone mentioned they have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and could see orthopedic doctors at NYU Langone so now I'm considering that name.

What is the detailed name of each of the Healthfirst, Fidelis Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Essential 1 Plans and the other ones shown on zocdoc? Is it just called Healthfirst Essential for Healthfirst? How come there isn't Healthfirst Essential Plan 1 and Healthfirst Essential Plan 200 250 showing there? I know you need to know the exact specific plan when searching to see what doctors accept what specific health insurance. Since knowing just the name of the health insurance like Healthfirst isn't enough since there are so many different plans within each one.

When I type in Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, it doesn't appear to show Essential Plan 1 after it. What is the full detailed name of the New York Essential 1 Plan for Anthem?

When I search for Fidelis Care and then checked Fidelis Care Essential, it literally shows 2 doctors for spine and none for orthopedic surgeons in NYC. So that can't be right.

Can someone tell me the full complete name of each of these carrier plans below for New York Essential Plan 1?

• Healthfirst: Offers coverage with 24/7 telemedicine, gym reimbursements, and comprehensive care.
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan: Provides a broad network of doctors and pharmacies in New York.
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield: Offers coverage including dental, vision, and prescriptions in NYC and surrounding areas.
• Fidelis Care: Provides coverage options based on income and family size.
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

I am going to apply for the New York Essential Plan 1. This is mainly to see some orthopedic doctors and to get blood and urine test. I know that for blood and urine test, any carrier would be fine as I would get the tests and then the doctor would look at results and discuss it. I am concerned with infection, kidney issues and diabetes. So I am looking for a carrier that has the best orthopedic doctors. I know best is subjective but I mean best reviewed.

• Healthfirst: Offers coverage with 24/7 telemedicine, gym reimbursements, and comprehensive care.
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan: Provides a broad network of doctors and pharmacies in New York.
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield: Offers coverage including dental, vision, and prescriptions in NYC and surrounding areas.
• Fidelis Care: Provides coverage options based on income and family size.
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

I read people say Healthfirst and Fidelis are the best ones so I was going to not look at the other ones. Someone had commented they had Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and saw orthopedic doctors at NYU Langone. I noticed a lot of very good reviewed orthopedic doctors not at NYU Langone that I had researched had great reviews before this seem to accept it. So is the best carrier then for orthopedic doctors?

When I read the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield reviews, it isn't that good? The reviews are like 1.3/5 on yelp. Many of the reviews online are not good. Read a few comments like they later on say things weren't actually covered and they had to pay later. How often would you get a bill later where they say, well your MRI wasn't actually covered after you did it or say cortisone shot or anything like that. That would be very frustrating.

I do notice specialists copay as $30 as oppose to $25 for Healthfirst and Fidelis. MRI seem to be $50 each as opposed to $25 for Healthfirst and Fidelis. But there is that maximum $360 a year maximum copay of course. But is this plan better in that it seems certain orthopedic doctors seem to accept this carrier? I want to choose the best carrier for orthopedic doctor and this one seems to have the best doctors since NYU Langone apparently accepts it and several orthopedic doctors at other locations seem to accept it as well?

I am going to apply for the New York Essential Plan 1. This is mainly to see some orthopedic doctors and to get blood and urine test. I know that for blood and urine test, any carrier would be fine as I would get the tests and then the doctor would look at results and discuss it. I am concerned with infection, kidney issues and diabetes. So I am looking for a carrier that has the best orthopedic doctors. I know best is subjective but I mean best reviewed.

• Healthfirst: Offers coverage with 24/7 telemedicine, gym reimbursements, and comprehensive care.
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan: Provides a broad network of doctors and pharmacies in New York.
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield: Offers coverage including dental, vision, and prescriptions in NYC and surrounding areas.
• Fidelis Care: Provides coverage options based on income and family size.
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

I read people say Healthfirst and Fidelis are the best ones so I was going to not look at the other ones. Someone had commented they had Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and saw orthopedic doctors at NYU Langone. I noticed a lot of very good reviewed orthopedic doctors not at NYU Langone that I had researched had great reviews before this seem to accept it. So is the best carrier then for orthopedic doctors?

When I read the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield reviews, it isn't that good? The reviews are like 1.3/5 on yelp. Many of the reviews online are not good. Read a few comments like they later on say things weren't actually covered and they had to pay later. How often would you get a bill later where they say, well your MRI wasn't actually covered after you did it or say cortisone shot or anything like that. That would be very frustrating.

I do notice specialists copay as $30 as oppose to $25 for Healthfirst and Fidelis. MRI seem to be $50 each as opposed to $25 for Healthfirst and Fidelis. But there is that maximum $360 a year maximum copay of course. But is this plan better in that it seems certain orthopedic doctors seem to accept this carrier? I want to choose the best carrier for orthopedic doctor and this one seems to have the best doctors since NYU Langone apparently accepts it and several orthopedic doctors at other locations seem to accept it as well?

I am going to most likely apply for the New York Essential Plan 1 health insurance plan so I can see orthopedic doctors in NYC. It's a health insurance plan that is for lower income individuals.

I know that when I apply for it, I have to choose a network like the ones below

• Healthfirst: Offers coverage with 24/7 telemedicine, gym reimbursements, and comprehensive care.
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan: Provides a broad network of doctors and pharmacies in New York.
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield: Offers coverage including dental, vision, and prescriptions in NYC and surrounding areas.
• Fidelis Care: Provides coverage options based on income and family size.
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

Does anyone have a recommendation for which network to choose if they want to see the best orthopedic doctors in NYC with this New York Essential Plan 1? I am aware HSS and NYU Langone are the 2 best places for orthopedics but those places are very expensive and I don't believe either accepts this health insurance plan. I know they accept very good paid health insurance. However, I am not sure about NYU Langone as the website seems confusing.

Does anyone have a recommendation for an orthopedic doctor in NYC and have this same health insurance plan and can tell me which doctor they saw and which of these carriers you are on? I did a lot research on google and have to check google reviews but most of the time, many of the good orthopedic doctors don't seem to accept this health insurance. I'm not surprised since these insurance doesn't reimburse them as much. I don't know anyone personally that has seen an orthopedic doctor to get an opinion. I was recommended by others here to find the doctors you want to see and then find if they are on the carrier. Then I choose the carrier when applying for the health insurance but this is very overwhelming. I did read you can change carriers later on though. Thank you.

About 5 months ago or so, I was carrying a reusable grocery bag with a lot of groceries with my right hand. It was pretty heavy but nothing that I wasn't used to and I have done that many times. The issue was I was also carrying a small 12 pack of water with my left arm during this time. Those water bottles are like 12 ounces each. Normally when I buy a 12 pack of water like that, I just carry that with my 2 hands like imagine you buy a 12 pack of soda or beer and just carry it.

The issue here was I was carrying the 12 pack of water with my left hand similar to how a waiter would hold a food tray except I did not extend my left arm much during the entire time. It is hard to do this due to the weight. It was very uncomfortable and tiring when I did this. The thing is even if I didn't carry any groceries with my right hand, if you saw me carrying the 12 pack of water with my left hand the way I did, you would say that looks extremely uncomfortable. I recall I carried the 12 pack of water with my left hand and carried my groceries with my right hand for at least 6 blocks or so. During that time, I had to stop several times because of how uncomfortable it was with my left hand.

When I got back to my apartment, I noticed my left arm was very sore and got concerned. I then thought if I damaged a nerve or pulled a muscle. I had a very tired and weak arm and if I was to lift it up, it had this dead arm feeling.

So when this happened, I had this feeling for about 2 weeks. Then one day I recalled the feeling sort of went away. However, that feeling came back later that day or the next day. The thing is if I have that feeling, it is very uncomfortable for me to carry groceries or anything heavy with my left hand. The other thing is this but I don't think this is related. When I go to sleep, many times I do fall asleep while holding my phone with my left hand. So when I wake up, most of the time the phone is on my bed near me. Other times however, I would still be holding the phone with my left hand. I know that it isn't good to sleep with your phone near you but also know it isn't good falling asleep holding the phone as well. The thing is I done this many times before this incident though and it was never an issue. Is there any way I hurt my left arm more when falling asleep with my phone or is this unlikely?

As of now, I still have this feeling on my upper left arm. The thing was I noticed a few weeks ago if I was to lift my left arm up, there would be a cracking sound. I am not sure if I had this cracking sound months ago. I do know that whenever I lift my left arm up, there is usually this tired and weak feeling but it isn't always there 100% of the time. In a way it feels like a pulled muscle.

My concern here is I just recently thought of was did I tore something in my upper left arm or shoulder? I did not see any orthopedic doctor for this during this time because I assume it was nerve damage that takes time for it to heal on it's own or I pulled a muscle. However, it's been close to 5 months already. The thing is the dead arm feeling isn't as bad as it was when it happened though. The thing is this feeling is in the upper left arm but the clicking seems to be around there but near the shoulder as well? I don't have any shoulder pain though but it could be related? Or is this an upper left arm issue?

I then started reading things like a torn rotator cup or torn labrum and am wondering if that might be the case? Or a torn muscle or ligament? The thing is there is a cracking sound if I lift my left arm up. The thing is it isn't painful but more like a week feeling and a strain. Does anyone know what this is based on this?

I am planning to go and see an orthopedic doctor soon and currently don't have health insurance. I will most likely go and apply for lower income health insurance but if not, then I would self-pay. My concern here is even if I get low cost health insurance, if I need to get surgery, would it be best to self pay for a very good surgeon? I know most surgeons are good but some are better than others. An orthopedic doctor who looks at my situation will 100% have me do an MRI on this right? The thing is could they diagnose something broken from moving my left arm and me telling them these symptoms? The other big thing is did I make this situation worst by not going to an orthopedic doctor sooner. It's now close to 5 months and if I see an orthopedic doctor, it probably won't be until another 2 or 3 weeks or so.

About 5 months ago or so, I was carrying a reusable grocery bag with a lot of groceries with my right hand. It was pretty heavy but nothing that I wasn't used to and I have done that many times. The issue was I was also carrying a small 12 pack of water with my left arm during this time. Those water bottles are like 12 ounces each. Normally when I buy a 12 pack of water like that, I just carry that with my 2 hands like imagine you buy a 12 pack of soda or beer and just carry it.

The issue here was I was carrying the 12 pack of water with my left hand similar to how a waiter would hold a food tray except I did not extend my left arm much during the entire time. It is hard to do this due to the weight. It was very uncomfortable and tiring when I did this. The thing is even if I didn't carry any groceries with my right hand, if you saw me carrying the 12 pack of water with my left hand the way I did, you would say that looks extremely uncomfortable. I recall I carried the 12 pack of water with my left hand and carried my groceries with my right hand for at least 6 blocks or so. During that time, I had to stop several times because of how uncomfortable it was with my left hand.

When I got back to my apartment, I noticed my left arm was very sore and got concerned. I then thought if I damaged a nerve or pulled a muscle. I had a very tired and weak arm and if I was to lift it up, it had this dead arm feeling.

So when this happened, I had this feeling for about 2 weeks. Then one day I recalled the feeling sort of went away. However, that feeling came back later that day or the next day. The thing is if I have that feeling, it is very uncomfortable for me to carry groceries or anything heavy with my left hand. The other thing is this but I don't think this is related. When I go to sleep, many times I do fall asleep while holding my phone with my left hand. So when I wake up, most of the time the phone is on my bed near me. Other times however, I would still be holding the phone with my left hand. I know that it isn't good to sleep with your phone near you but also know it isn't good falling asleep holding the phone as well. The thing is I done this many times before this incident though and it was never an issue. Is there any way I hurt my left arm more when falling asleep with my phone or is this unlikely?

As of now, I still have this feeling on my upper left arm. The thing was I noticed a few weeks ago if I was to lift my left arm up, there would be a cracking sound. I am not sure if I had this cracking sound months ago. I do know that whenever I lift my left arm up, there is usually this tired and weak feeling but it isn't always there 100% of the time. In a way it feels like a pulled muscle.

My concern here is I just recently thought of was did I tore something in my upper left arm or shoulder? I did not see any orthopedic doctor for this during this time because I assume it was nerve damage that takes time for it to heal on it's own or I pulled a muscle. However, it's been close to 5 months already. The thing is the dead arm feeling isn't as bad as it was when it happened though. The thing is this feeling is in the upper left arm but the clicking seems to be around there but near the shoulder as well? I don't have any shoulder pain though but it could be related? Or is this an upper left arm issue?

I then started reading things like a torn rotator cup or torn labrum and am wondering if that might be the case? Or a torn muscle or ligament? The thing is there is a cracking sound if I lift my left arm up. The thing is it isn't painful but more like a week feeling and a strain. Does anyone know what this is based on this?

I am planning to go and see an orthopedic doctor soon and currently don't have health insurance. I will most likely go and apply for lower income health insurance but if not, then I would self-pay. My concern here is even if I get low cost health insurance, if I need to get surgery, would it be best to self pay for a very good surgeon? I know most surgeons are good but some are better than others. An orthopedic doctor who looks at my situation will 100% have me do an MRI on this right? The thing is could they diagnose something broken from moving my left arm and me telling them these symptoms? The other big thing is did I make this situation worst by not going to an orthopedic doctor sooner. It's now close to 5 months and if I see an orthopedic doctor, it probably won't be until another 2 or 3 weeks or so.

About 5 months ago or so, I was carrying a reusable grocery bag with a lot of groceries with my right hand. It was pretty heavy but nothing that I wasn't used to and I have done that many times. The issue was I was also carrying a small 12 pack of water with my left arm during this time. Those water bottles are like 12 ounces each. Normally when I buy a 12 pack of water like that, I just carry that with my 2 hands like imagine you buy a 12 pack of soda or beer and just carry it.

The issue here was I was carrying the 12 pack of water with my left hand similar to how a waiter would hold a food tray except I did not extend my left arm much during the entire time. It is hard to do this due to the weight. It was very uncomfortable and tiring when I did this. The thing is even if I didn't carry any groceries with my right hand, if you saw me carrying the 12 pack of water with my left hand the way I did, you would say that looks extremely uncomfortable. I recall I carried the 12 pack of water with my left hand and carried my groceries with my right hand for at least 6 blocks or so. During that time, I had to stop several times because of how uncomfortable it was with my left hand.

When I got back to my apartment, I noticed my left arm was very sore and got concerned. I then thought if I damaged a nerve or pulled a muscle. I had a very tired and weak arm and if I was to lift it up, it had this dead arm feeling.

So when this happened, I had this feeling for about 2 weeks. Then one day I recalled the feeling sort of went away. However, that feeling came back later that day or the next day. The thing is if I have that feeling, it is very uncomfortable for me to carry groceries or anything heavy with my left hand. The other thing is this but I don't think this is related. When I go to sleep, many times I do fall asleep while holding my phone with my left hand. So when I wake up, most of the time the phone is on my bed near me. Other times however, I would still be holding the phone with my left hand. I know that it isn't good to sleep with your phone near you but also know it isn't good falling asleep holding the phone as well. The thing is I done this many times before this incident though and it was never an issue. Is there any way I hurt my left arm more when falling asleep with my phone or is this unlikely?

As of now, I still have this feeling on my upper left arm. The thing was I noticed a few weeks ago if I was to lift my left arm up, there would be a cracking sound. I am not sure if I had this cracking sound months ago. I do know that whenever I lift my left arm up, there is usually this tired and weak feeling but it isn't always there 100% of the time. In a way it feels like a pulled muscle.

My concern here is I just recently thought of was did I tore something in my upper left arm or shoulder? I did not see any orthopedic doctor for this during this time because I assume it was nerve damage that takes time for it to heal on it's own or I pulled a muscle. However, it's been close to 5 months already. The thing is the dead arm feeling isn't as bad as it was when it happened though. The thing is this feeling is in the upper left arm but the clicking seems to be around there but near the shoulder as well? I don't have any shoulder pain though but it could be related? Or is this an upper left arm issue?

I then started reading things like a torn rotator cup or torn labrum and am wondering if that might be the case? Or a torn muscle or ligament? The thing is there is a cracking sound if I lift my left arm up. The thing is it isn't painful but more like a week feeling and a strain. Does anyone know what this is based on this?

I am planning to go and see an orthopedic doctor soon and currently don't have health insurance. I will most likely go and apply for lower income health insurance but if not, then I would self-pay. My concern here is even if I get low cost health insurance, if I need to get surgery, would it be best to self pay for a very good surgeon? I know most surgeons are good but some are better than others. An orthopedic doctor who looks at my situation will 100% have me do an MRI on this right? The thing is could they diagnose something broken from moving my left arm and me telling them these symptoms? The other big thing is did I make this situation worst by not going to an orthopedic doctor sooner. It's now close to 5 months and if I see an orthopedic doctor, it probably won't be until another 2 or 3 weeks or so.

Where can I get labwork done in NYC without health insurance? I will most likely apply for health insurance soon since I'm eligible for it since my income is low. However, if I want to get labwork done sooner, I know I can just self-pay for it. I would prefer to go to Manhattan or Brooklyn.

I want to get blood and urine tests done. I have had foamy urine for months but not sure if I had it before this. I want to do the tests to check my kidneys and to check for diabetes. Do I need a basic blood test or would this be one of those comprehensive blood panel tests? I haven't had an annual check or blood or urine tests in a very long time. I remember seeing ads online like $1700 blood tests for $170. Are those legit or do they just inflate those prices to make it sound more than they really cost? Are those the tests I want or which tests do I need? I assume the basic blood tests aren't enough for the things I want to check?

I want to get these tests and then have a doctor look at the results and discuss the results with me. Since I have no health insurance, would this require me to see a general doctor first to order the tests. Then I do the tests and then go back to the same doctor to discuss the results so 2 doctor visits? If so, how much total will all of this cost? Any general doctor can write the referral for tests and discuss the results right? I check online it's between $70-$300 self-pay without insurance in NYC.

I read about Quest Diagnostics and Labwork and it says you don't need a referral? Is that true or false? But you need to see a doctor so you can know what exact tests you need to order right? The thing is if I go to these places, I will get a written report of the results and it will say things like I have issues? I would still need to see a doctor to look and discuss the results with me right? Do they have doctors there and how much would that cost? I did read about CItyMd and even though it's an urgent care place, is that one location to see a doctor to discuss the results?

Someone told me they went to a few local doctor offices places and said one place costs $200 or so to get blood tests and urine tests and have doctor discuss the results with me and that seems like a very low price. That person told me that was the lowest price they can find but I am not sure if that place is good or not. Does anyone know if $500 would be enough for these tests and doctor to discuss results with me or it will probably cost more?