best federal government insurance plan for families?

[Anonymous]

We had the higher option BCBS, but switched to Mail Handler's because our pediatrician accepts it (and doesn't take BCBS). With as many trips to the ped as you are about to take, make sure that whoever you choose takes your insurance if at all possible. We have been surprisingly happy w/Mail Handlers and it's cheaper than BCBS.

[Anonymous]

and Aetna doesn't have a deductible and you aren't charged for well-child visits.

[Anonymous]

I'm the one who complained about the 10% for hospital stays. However, I love not having to get a referral to go to a specialist. We're in the regular (not high) option, which is $20 pediatrician copay.

[Anonymous]

FYI, for those who don't know, because it is an HMO, the Aetna plan does not pay ANYTHING for out of network providers (compared to a FFS/PPO plan where they pay a percentage). I believe there is some leeway when it comes to emergency/urgent care, but I believe this is one thing that makes it not as appealing.

[Anonymous]

I have BCBS and paid a small copay (don't recall exactly, $50 maybe $100) for each of my two children's delieveries which were each C-sections and each included a 4 day stay's in the hospital. I've had this for 8 years and its accepted widely, both locally and when traveling. Kids always seem to need a doctor as soon as you go on vacation. We don't need referrals for specialists. The insurance is accepted in all the DC area hospitals that I have cause to use, Sibley, Georgetown, Children's etc.

[Anonymous]

We use MDIPA and we love it. Free child care visits until like age 12! Given how often we are in for sick visits, well visits, immunizations, etc. between the two boys . . . wow, those copays would have added up.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Aetna HMO, and I have used my benefits to the max this year (3.5 weeks in the hospital) and reached the $5k/pp yearly out of pocket amount. So although you pay 10% of hospitalizations (which is just room and board, not labs or procedures), if you are hospitalized you won't ever have to pay more than $5k a year (I think the limit per family is 10 or 15k). Their network is great, I love the lower premiums, and their customer service is always very helpful.

They also told me that starting last fall I think, you don't even need to identify a primary care provider - as long as you are seeing a general practitioner or an internist, it doesn't matter which one. So it is an HMO to some extent, but really it has just as much flexibility as a PPO.

[Anonymous]

I've had both MD IPA and Aetna Open Access HMO. I LOVE Aetna and hate MD IPA (b/c it is such a pain to get a referral for everything!). Aetna is GREAT because no referral is necessary.