Federal Health Insurance Open Season

[Psyche]

Our primary care physician is leaving Aetna, and now we are considering moving health plans. We just found out, this was unexpected , and we don't have a lot of time to compare. What online comparison tools are out there? I'm not needing to compare cost and benefits as spelled out in the guide we got in the mail as much as needing real consumer satisfaction ratings and issues. If it matters, we are in mid-Calvert. We are down to Kaiser Foundation Standard vs the High option, vs Carefirst Blue Choice Standard. We don't need to go to the doctor often, there are no debilitating ongoing health issues.

 

[ProfMoneyWise]

HealthPartners.com - Plan by Plan Comparison

More than a few hits when I googled "Health Insurance Comparison Tool"

I like to look at things like co-pays to make the comparison as well as the out-of-pocket limits.

The more risk (cost) you assume the less the monthly premium to you. While we all feel great right before we get sick you can assume more and more of the risk provided you have a good health track record, maintain your health, have healthy habits and have an occupation lower in risk when it comes to injury.

When you get right down to it you are making a bet and the more you know the better your odds.

 

[Psyche]

Thanks!

 

[rhenderson]

I have had the Kaiser (HMO) for about 20 years - family - under the Fed Govt. I can't speak to co-pays etc. today as I have been under the Medicare plan for the last five years. However, I will say that both my wife and I are very satisfied with their services. They are very focused on prevention. If you don't care for the doctor you have at any time you can change easily. My wife recently had two surgeries for breast cancer under the Kaiser/Medicare plan. Our total out of pocket was $57.00. Kaiser has on-line prescription ordering and medical records of your visits as well as email services to both your doctor and the pharmacy.

I will never go back to the BC/BS type plan as long as the Kaiser plan is available to me.

 

[Done_Wrong]

FEHBP Comparison tool

Check with your agency as some offer access to this service for free. You can find this in the magazine section of good bookstores closer to the beltway. Or you can order a printed copy or online version.

Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees & Annuitants - An FEHBP Health Insurance Plan Comparison Tool

Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees & Annuitants -
An FEHBP Plan Comparison Tool
Which Health Plans Rate Best and Cost the Least?
CHECKBOOK's 35th edition of the Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees for 2014 takes you through a few simple steps to find the best health plan for you and your family. Find every plan available to you ranked by estimated out-of-pocket costs and more.

 

[abcxyz]

Ask your current provider which one they think you should go with?

Are they going to be out of network with Aetna?

Can you become a fee for service payer and then submit the bill to your insurance company yourself?

Maybe do fee for service and then have a good network of places your PCP can refer you to (that is where things get costly!)?