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[quote=Anonymous]I started a similar thread a week or so ago, and there was a lot of confusion.

First of all, this is just for the FEDERAL plans (FEHB).

The Carefirst plans are regional options (only MD, DC and VA).

The Carefirst High is an HMO, but it looks like they don't require referrals for everything.  However, the premiums seem high.  You have to use an in-network provider.

The Carefirst Standard option is a POS.  There is a deductible.  But there are also options (it appears) to use out-of-network providers at higher cost.

I haven't looked into the High Deductible Carefirst option.  That's a completely different animal entirely.

The BCBS options are national plans.

The BCBS Standard has options for out-of-network providers, but it also has a percentage co-insurance (which always makes me nervous) and higher premiums.

The BCBS Basic plan does not cover anything out-of-network.  It has lower premiums.  It does have some weird language about a 30 percent co-insurance for "agents, drugs" et cetera used in conjunction with treatments.  I have no idea what this means, and people who have the coverage don't seem to be aware of it.

I have been on MDIPA, a regional HMO, for years.  I think the coverage is very good, but the referral process is cumbersome and there are some weird radiology location restrictions.  AND the premiums are going up significantly.

I have been debating whether or not to switch to either BCBS Basic (national plan) or Carefirst Standard (the regional POS).  Both of them have lower premiums, but I am nervous about switching.

If anyone can weigh in, that would be great.  The BCBS Standard PPO and the Carefirst High HMO are both around the same premium-wise as my current plan, so I'm not interested in those.

I'm not OP, but look forward to information!

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