[baseballdad]

My wife was offered and excepted a New Job and they gave us the option between two different health insurances

Either Blue Care Network Or Blue cross/Blue Shield

There pretty much the same coverage and deductibles But Im wondering if anyone has used these in the past?

I have never Used a HMO so Im Leary of going with one

One of the BCN has a higher deductible but lower prescription cost but I have a secondary Insurance from my disability so All my deductibles are covered, but I do have a few prescriptions and those add up

So there are a few variables and was just wondering if there are any pros and cons between the two

Thanks

 

[sureshot006]

They both are accepted by the doctors you want to use?

 

[PerchOnly]

There has to be some differences, otherwise the firm would not be offering 2 plans.
What is the monthly premium for each? The HMO plan probably has the cheaper premium.
Look at the yearly deductible, co-insurance and copays for each plan.
HMO is going to have you get a referral from your primary dr. for all specialist visits.
Check to see if your prescriptions are covered.
and as above, make sure your dr in in-network, but with the Blues just about everyone is.

 

[baseballdad]

There has to be some differences, otherwise the firm would not be offering 2 plans.
What is the monthly premium for each? The HMO plan probably has the cheaper premium.
Look at the yearly deductible, co-insurance and copays for each plan.
HMO is going to have you get a referral from your primary dr. for all specialist visits.
Check to see if your prescriptions are covered.
and as above, make sure your dr in in-network, but with the Blues just about everyone is.

Yeah just got the email from my wife and there is a huge difference in cost between the 3 they offer

And Yes the drs that we see take both, and hopefully we wont be going to the dr as much as the past year

 

[Timberdoodle2]

ask your doctors opinion between the two. in my case blue care network wasnt as doctor friendly, blue shield was better

 

[wpmisport]

You may want to check into dental and eye care if you need them covered by these plans. Not all dentist will take HMO coverage.

 

[UPEsox]

Out of pocket maximum and deductible are the most important factors. After that look at the coinsurance rate

 

[sureshot006]

Premium in relation to deductible and OOPM is most important to me. I'd rather pay a low premium and pay for what I use than pay a high premium and not use it.

 

[WALLEYE MIKE]

Premium in relation to deductible and OOPM is most important to me. I'd rather pay a low premium and pay for what I use than pay a high premium and not use it.

Exactly the way I determined our medicare. 4 levels of of policies priced from $9 to $299. All the increase in policies manly brought down the out of pocket costs. Very little difference in co pays from one level to another.
It comes down to "pay me now"(even if you don't use it) or "pay me later" (if you use it).

 

[usedtobeayooper]

Am I correct in assuming that the Blue Care Network plan is the HMO and the Blue Cross-Blue Shield is a PPO?

Neither are HSA’s (Health Savings Accounts), correct?

The biggest difference between an HMO and a PPO is that with a PPO, you retain most of the decision making power when selecting care providers, while with an HMO, you “partner” with your provider in making the selection. You will have far more options with a PPO, but you’ll generally also pay more to retain that control and additional access.

If you don’t travel out of network often, and your existing providers accept the HMO plan, it may work for you. However, if you find yourself traveling a lot, or live in an area with limited care providers, the PPO (cost aside) is likely the better decision.

As others have also mentioned, the most important parts to me are the out of pocket maximum (which can vary drastically between plans), the deductible, and the co-insurance costs that usually guide my decision making when it comes to insurance. Beyond that, prescription coverage may apply more importantly to those with costly (or plentiful) prescriptions, as may specific cost participation limits on specific procedures if you have any existing (or suspected) conditions.

 

[DecoySlayer]

Be sure to see if the HMO covers you out of state. We had a TON of trouble with my mother-in-law's HMO, from Humana, when she was up here over Thanksgiving. It took forever to get answers, permission, etc. She was only allowed to go to an emergency room, none of the "emericare" type places.