Best federal employee health insurance option for families?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BCBS standard (compared to basic) gives some reimbursement for out of network. We pay a lot in out of network mental help so it is worth it to us.

I am doing this math right now and it looks like you need to get to about $4,500 in out of network expenses before the Standard makes pure financial sense. I think a lot of people like it for the theoretical peace of mind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've had GEHA standard for 9 years. Haven't had major heath expenses, and it's worked for us.

We were on GEHA for years, and I had a good experience. However, last year, several of my doctors who used to be participating with GEHA dropped out (I assume they cut their reimbursement levels?). Anyway, we switched to BC/BS; even though it's more expensive, it makes sense since the doctors were all in the BC/BS network.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BCBS standard (compared to basic) gives some reimbursement for out of network. We pay a lot in out of network mental help so it is worth it to us.

I am doing this math right now and it looks like you need to get to about $4,500 in out of network expenses before the Standard makes pure financial sense. I think a lot of people like it for the theoretical peace of mind.

Thanks that both posters, it is good to know I have not missed some other benefit from the standard option. I think we will stick with Basic for this year.

[Anonymous]

We've had BCBS Basic for years, through pregnancy and childbirth, one major adult hospitalization w/ ICU and surgeries, and two minor pediatric hospitalizations, and it's been very good to us - and definitely less expensive than BCBS Standard, every year. But we don't have mental health costs and only see a few specialists, all in-network. But now they're dropping OneMedical so we're thinking about switching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've had GEHA standard for 9 years. Haven't had major heath expenses, and it's worked for us.

We were on GEHA for years, and I had a good experience. However, last year, several of my doctors who used to be participating with GEHA dropped out (I assume they cut their reimbursement levels?). Anyway, we switched to BC/BS; even though it's more expensive, it makes sense since the doctors were all in the BC/BS network.

Isn't the geha network same as united? So your dr.s dropped united healthcare? I haven't run into this so far and don't want an unpleasant surprise this year if I stay with geha.

[Anonymous]

How much is BCBS standard going up this year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much is BCBS standard going up this year?

My quote went up $30 a month for self+family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've had GEHA standard for 9 years. Haven't had major heath expenses, and it's worked for us.

We were on GEHA for years, and I had a good experience. However, last year, several of my doctors who used to be participating with GEHA dropped out (I assume they cut their reimbursement levels?). Anyway, we switched to BC/BS; even though it's more expensive, it makes sense since the doctors were all in the BC/BS network.

Isn't the geha network same as united? So your dr.s dropped united healthcare? I haven't run into this so far and don't want an unpleasant surprise this year if I stay with geha.

Yes, it's the United system. I had two doctors stop participating, but who stayed in BC/BS.

[Anonymous]

What if you have about mental health counseling costs? Cash full price would be $7k. Which health plan? Otherwise our family is mostly healthy

[Anonymous]

We have a lot of in-network and out-of-network costs (speech therapy, physical therapy, mental health). I'm curious which plans people think have the highest out-of-network reimbursement rates?

And, I've also heard a lot of plans are excluding ALL out-of network costs (even plan allowance payments) from the in-network out of pocket max amount in 2018.

This is new, and it will make a huge difference for our family. But, I swear to god I can't tell which plans are separating the costs even after reading the fine print in the brochures. Anyone aware of this change and which plans are implementing this new policy?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a lot of in-network and out-of-network costs (speech therapy, physical therapy, mental health). I'm curious which plans people think have the highest out-of-network reimbursement rates?

And, I've also heard a lot of plans are excluding ALL out-of network costs (even plan allowance payments) from the in-network out of pocket max amount in 2018.

This is new, and it will make a huge difference for our family. But, I swear to god I can't tell which plans are separating the costs even after reading the fine print in the brochures. Anyone aware of this change and which plans are implementing this new policy?

Thanks!

I agree it's confusing. I'm at the opm health insurance site where supposedly you can compare plans (check it out, but idk if it will answer your question).

[Anonymous]

We've had BCBS Basic for years, but DH wants to move to Aetna HDHP because he says we'd end up saving more in the long run. I saw one poster mention moving to an HDHP plan, but anyone else do this? Must admit I'm a bit wary of moving to a high deductible plan, but we do have the money to cover it. Is Aetna's coverage as wide as BCBS in the DC area?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Love Aetna Open Access. Low cost and every one of our existing providers takes it. Big network of specialists too.

Agreee! I had bcbs for years but switched to aetna hmo two years ago. I was able to keep all of my doctors. Aetnas premiums are cheaper. My family does have medical issues and needs specialists. Our co pays have been extremely reasonable. Check it out.

Aetna open access also has better dental and vision coverage then BCBS.

I've been considering switching from BC/BS to Aetna Open Access. Do you really not need a referral for specialists?

Correct. You don't need referrals for specialists. It's a great health plan.

Another poster. Just to clarify, you don't need a referral if the specialists are in the Aetna network.

[Anonymous]

we loved care first but are dropping the since they will no longer be in network fro One Medical. Switching to Aetna open access.

[Anonymous]

Bump, we have carefirst but it is going up significantly in 2019.