There's a website that will help you find the best plan/coverage for you given you're a new hire.

Tools for FEHB, FEDVIP & FSAFEDS benefit selection during new hire enrollment, in Open Season and after life event changes

https://www.plansmartchoice.com/Registration.aspx?nosession=Y

Welcome to the federal workforce. Good luck.

Think about your priorities. An HMO will be cheaper on a monthly basis but you will have less choice in providers and generally more hassle with the need for referrals for specialist visits, etc. If you travel on a semi-regular basis, you may want a plan like BCBS that offers coverage (beyond just emergencies) outside the DC area. Also look at dental benefits. Most Federal plans don't have much dental coverage but some do pay for cleanings and X-rays. If you have good teeth you may not need much else. I suspect BCBS will have the best selection of in-network therapists to choose from.

We have BCBS Basic and have been reasonably happy with it. They have a huge network of participating providers and you can self-refer to specialists. Co-pays are reasonable and the monthly costs are cheaper than with BCBS standard. I also didn't like standard because you pay a percentage of most costs rather than a set co-pay. Percentages can add up quickly with an expensive procedure.

I think BCBS is the largest around. I had MDIPA for a year and I hated having to go through a primary care person for referrals. I have BCBS standard and I just make an appointment with whoever I need to. For me the freedom to decide if I need to see a GI, rather than having two appointments is worth it. Most doctors around here take BCBS.

Thanks. There a lot of different coverage levels and price points. How did you all choose?

Super happy with Kaiser, but I'm low maintenance and don't see tons of doctors. But I'm happy when I've had issues like going to ERs in other states or needed xrays.

MDIPA

We've had Aetna for many years with two kids. We do have to stay in network but the costs are low.

I'm happy with kaiser

Long time fed. Most of my colleagues have GEHA, BCBS, or Kaiser. There are pros and cons to each and it comes down to what your providers take and what works for your family. If you want more choice, go with GEHA or BCBS. People who have Kaiser love it because it is convenient and the providers around here are good, but of course you have to see Kaiser providers. The retired military folks tend to go for MD IPA.

I had BCBS years ago and their behavioral health coverage sucked, but I don't know that any of the other plans are better. As PP said, many therapists do not take insurance.

Ask your therapist what s/he takes. Probably nothing, but if they do, select that one.

Anonymous wrote:Bcbs standard

Haven't been a fed in a few years tho so things may have changed

Oh wait, did not see therapist. No idea how good bcbs is at that. Very few therapists take insruance

Bcbs standard

Haven't been a fed in a few years tho so things may have changed

blue cross basic? you'll get to switch again in November, effective Jan 1 anyway.

This is my first time having to choose. I will be carrying the insurance for my wife and our child. Are there plans known to be great and others that folks stay away from? No serious medical issues in the family and no chance we will be having another child. Don't feel the need to spend money for nothing but willing to pay for great coverage. I am coming off a high deductible plan with such a limited network, I want to be better positioned this time. I'd be interested in a plan that covers visits with a therapist.

Help and TIA!