MCPS insurance

[Anonymous]

Hoping that a current MCPS teacher will chime in- I’m considering a position in MCPS next year. Does their insurance cover prescriptions?

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/85/05/ABF81BD7-FA1F-4928-83D2-47182ACAC3C4/sbc_cigna_oap_2023.pdf

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Yes, but not through Cigna. FYI, Cigna stinks. We’ve had to switch a bunch of new providers because our previous doctors do not accept it.

[Anonymous]

Hi - yes, we have access to full benefits. I have always selected the PPO option, but there is an HMO and Kaiser as well. I can only speak to the PPO option. We switched to Cigna starting this January. It was a bumpy start, but so far I have not run into any issues or denials of service. I didn't think I would like Cigna, but it seems to be comparable to Carefirst so far (minus fewer providers). No deductible so that is a huge help. I am happy so far. Our dental and prescription services are still through Carefirst. They are pretty traditional; I haven't needed anything so far that hasn't been covered by generics, but no issues with coverage. Vision is also offered but it's not very robust. Best of luck to you!

[Anonymous]

Thank you both! This was helpful

[Anonymous]

Prescriptions are though Caremark and didn't change this year. Actually I'm wondering if something in the coverage was update because my meds have always been $10 copay for a 90-day supply and the first refill after the new year rang up as $0.00 and I left CVS without ever opening my wallet.

So far the coverage change has been OK. I'm in the maintenance phase of breast cancer treatment and had to get one prior authorization updated but Cigna approved it just like CareFirst had. There was a threat by Privia to drop Cigna from their network but they worked it out (and there was a similar kerfuffle with CareFirst and Hopkins last year). I have not had to change any doctors so far.

[Anonymous]

Cigna is just so very horrible. We are going through hell right now to get them to cover treatments that CareFirst never gave us any trouble over.

[Anonymous]

I've been much happier with Cigna; they cover all my same doctors (except for the GP, who I was thinking of switching anyways, though apparently he was looking at working with Cigna?), and they cover a couple prescriptions that I had to pay for completely out of pocket with CareFirst. I also like that I can call 24/7 and speak to a person if I have questions; I've had to do that a few times and they've been so helpful everytime.

Prescriptions are generally through Caremark, and Vision and Dental are through CareFirst. There are some prescriptions (like durable medical equipment types of things) that go through insurance, sometime via pre-authorization, just FYI.