FED health insurance plans

[Anonymous]

I am becoming a FED mid-year (offer in 2 weeks) and want to research health plans. I don't have the link to Checkbook yet but can anyone provide some quick info on your plan options for 2 adult family, 1 toddler for DoD. DH and DS rarely use the doctor beyond well-visits but I get some PT on regular basis.

[Anonymous]

Mdipa is no copayment for all pediatrician visits for under 18

[Anonymous]

Blue Cross Blue Shield Basic PPO. Hands down.

Everyone takes it, and it covers PT. I mean everyone. My co-pays are nominal, like $25 for Dr, $35 for specialist, and $150 for surgery or hospitalization or childbirth.

People get screwed with the more expensive "standard" BCBS PPO. Dont get tricked into that - you will pay like 1/2 for everything even though it says some other percentage. I think that option is better if you live in a rural area where everyone is out of network and you are looking for some reimbursement.

I hate HMOs. For a Fed, it just doesn't make sense. In the private industry world, an HMO might make more sense because normal PPO coverage isn't as good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Blue Cross Blue Shield Basic PPO. Hands down.

Everyone takes it, and it covers PT. I mean everyone. My co-pays are nominal, like $25 for Dr, $35 for specialist, and $150 for surgery or hospitalization or childbirth.

People get screwed with the more expensive "standard" BCBS PPO. Dont get tricked into that - you will pay like 1/2 for everything even though it says some other percentage. I think that option is better if you live in a rural area where everyone is out of network and you are looking for some reimbursement.

I hate HMOs. For a Fed, it just doesn't make sense. In the private industry world, an HMO might make more sense because normal PPO coverage isn't as good.

Same poster - my coworker got that Standard BCBS PPO (rather than basic like I advised). Then, he needed a colon procedure. he got a $5K bill. He was seriously regretting not doing the basic option. Then the bill only would've been $150.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I agree. I switched from the standard to the basic and have been very pleased.

[Anonymous]

Standard is way better if you take prescriptions for you can do mail order pharmacy. Otherwise you'd pay a fortune. Basic is awful.

[Anonymous]

BCBS Basic. I think it's 140 or so per paycheck for your entire family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mdipa is no copayment for all pediatrician visits for under 18

Isn't this true of all plans under the Affordable Care Act? Well baby visits = no copay.

[Anonymous]

OP here: thank you all. Are any of the HSA plans any good?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mdipa is no copayment for all pediatrician visits for under 18

Isn't this true of all plans under the Affordable Care Act? Well baby visits = no copay.

Yes all well baby visits are free for all insurance