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Aetna Open Access - basic vs high?
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Anonymous
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DH is a federal employee and we currently have Aetna Open Access (high option) but seems we'd save a bundle of money if we switched to the basic option -- even though co-payments are slightly higher it's still $175 LESS per pay period.
Does anyone have the basic option? Are you happy with it? My only concern is there is no cap on the hospital stays or fee per day - appears that we would pay 10% of the bill - so I guess we need to decide whether or not we feel comfortable with that, but since we don't anticipate any surgeries/pregnancies/etc. maybe we should go for it and try to save some $$? Would welcome thoughts/opinions/personal experiences... |
Anonymous
| We switched from the high to basic last year. Felt like a windfall every payday! We decided we were comfortable with the risk. |
Anonymous
| We have the basic now for 5 years and have never had a problem. |
Anonymous
Same here. |
Anonymous
| Ha, interesting ... DH and I are covered under my firm, Aetna PPO, with no choice to downgrade to basic. Oh well ... |
Anonymous
| We are not federal employees but have similar options and we are switching to low this year. It's a huge savings in premiums and most of the difference in out of pocket costs is for going out of network. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will definitely save money. If we do end up with a serious health problem and want to seek out of network specialists, we have enough in savings to cover up to the out-of-pocket maximum, which is I think $12K for our plan. |
Anonymous
| Wow! I'm a fed but not with Aetna. Those plans are expensive! Is there some advantage to them over plans like Blue Cross standard or NALC (Cigna) high? |
Anonymous
| I am on Aetna Basic (fed) and I paid about $900 for my delivery out of pocket. |
Anonymous
| I've been on basic for over five years and made a note to look into the high option since we're having a baby next year. For my last delivery (c-section) I paid $1100 out of pocket. However, the difference in premiums is still such that it makes sens to go with basic. |
Anonymous
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OP here - thanks everyone.
I think the reason we got the high was because I was about to have my second child (can't beat $150/day hospital rate) but that was 2 years ago and not planning any more kids so I think basic might be right for us. Appreciate all the comments. |