Always go with a PPO over an HMO.

Kaiser is great on the west coast, where there is an extensive network of clinics/hospitals. In the DC area, it seems like it would be more of a pain to get to a Kaiser provider.

Cigna has been fine for me. I would never choose Kaiser.

Kaiser ONLY lets you see their MDs - and they "manage treatment cost" as a priority. It is a good option for a single person in 20s or early 30s with no chronic illnesses.

We’ve been really happy with FCPS Cigna coverage. In some cases the out of network stuff ends up being cheaper than copays particularly for mental health stuff which is paid for at 90%. Pharmacy benefits also have been good for us.

Absolutely choose Cigna. PPOs are worth it.

Saying that, FCPS screwed employees with the sub-par service that is Cigna. We used to have BCBS (which was great) and then Aetna (which was acceptable).

My doctor's network (Privia) almost left Cigna 2 years ago, but they didn't.

FCPS has a crappy plan where you have to pay a lot, which didn't use to be the case. But there it is.

Cigna has never denied my claims but the copays are getting higher every year and out of network is $$$$$ with super high deductibles.

Every friend in any sort of medical adjacent field begged me not to choose Kaiser though. They all had horror stories that were 10x worse than any other provider.

Never had Cigna deny a claim but every co-pay that is not your PCP is $50 which adds up really fast.

Never had Cigna deny a single claim.

Thank you. Was happy with Kaiser years ago. Good to hear Cigna works for you.

Please read up on PPO vs HMO. That’s what you’re dealing with. A PPO like Cigna has higher premiums, but I can choose which doctors I want to see. An HMO like Kaiser is cheaper, but I have to get referrals from my PCP and have to see doctors within Kaiser.

I’ve been in FCPS for over 20 years. I started with Kaiser before I had kids. It was easy and I could get my few needs met in one place. When I got pregnant, I switched over to the PPO (Aetna at the time) because I wanted the ability to pick my own pediatrician. I have had Cigna and have no regrets. I pay $20 for doctor visits.

Both have advantages and disadvantages. Pick the one that is right for you.

Pros and cons of Cigna vs Kaiser?

My understanding is Cigna has high co-pays and denies a lot.

Kaiser only lets you go to their docs? Can you go to others for a higher co-pays?

Things to be aware of?

Thanks