Help Me Pick Health Insurance

[Clocker]

I recently got hired by the federal government and I need to choose a health plan.
And since it is the federal government there I can come in with pre existing conditions.

Right now my wife is pregnant and we are expecting next year. So I think i should choose a plan that has low or no deductibles and go with it.

For those who are parents are there alot of expenses you had to pay when you had insurance? And if you had to do it again what type of insurance would you have preferred if you had such a choice.

Thanks

 

[thespeakerbox]

You get what you pay for. Blue Cross Blue Shield or Aetna if you have it.

 

[Turin39789]

What options do you have?

I'm not sure how much having a baby costs, but I'm going to assume it ain't cheap.

Take all the plans they offer, add up what it will cost you each week for the year, plus what it will take to meet your deductble. That will usually get you up to 80/20 or 90/10 coinsurance. If you want you can also see what it will take on each plan to meet your maximum out of pocket. Once you reach this you don't pay anything else.

The low deductible plans aren't always the best. You basically need to figure out how much each plan is going to cost until most or all of the burden is off of your wallet, and remember to factor in the premiums on the plan as well. Also compare the networks(is the hospital you want to use in network, your doctors etc.).

 

[Scarpozzi]

I don't know....my HMO is pretty good.

$50 for a baby. Most are more affordable than you think. However, if you have to deal with specialists and things that aren't normally covered. (ex. particular antithesists), you may be on your own for some expenses. Just be sure before you agree to anyone doing anything that they are covered by your plan.

-Ryan

 

[Clocker]

my choices are aetna, blue cross, geha, nalc

 

[spidey07]

Normally just get the best plan there is.

Avoid HMOs like the plague. Evil they are.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
I don't know....my HMO is pretty good.

$50 for a baby. Most are more affordable than you think. However, if you have to deal with specialists and things that aren't normally covered. (ex. particular antithesists), you may be on your own for some expenses. Just be sure before you agree to anyone doing anything that they are covered by your plan.

-Ryan

hehe when my first child was born it was a grand total of $15!

it covored everything. all her pre-natal visits, the birth (everything!) even the first like year was covered under it.

the 2nd child it cost us a little more. they raised it to $50! but next year its really jumping. the price is $250 (glad i got cliped!)

 

[Clocker]

Originally posted by: waggy

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
I don't know....my HMO is pretty good.

$50 for a baby. Most are more affordable than you think. However, if you have to deal with specialists and things that aren't normally covered. (ex. particular antithesists), you may be on your own for some expenses. Just be sure before you agree to anyone doing anything that they are covered by your plan.

-Ryan

hehe when my first child was born it was a grand total of $15!

it covored everything. all her pre-natal visits, the birth (everything!) even the first like year was covered under it.

the 2nd child it cost us a little more. they raised it to $50! but next year its really jumping. the price is $250 (glad i got cliped!)

who is your insurance provider

 

[Turin39789]

Originally posted by: Clocker
my choices are aetna, blue cross, geha, nalc

You're going to have to look at the plans and what they offer, Every insurance company offers great plans and crappy plans.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: Turin39789

Originally posted by: Clocker
my choices are aetna, blue cross, geha, nalc

You're going to have to look at the plans and what they offer, Every insurance company offers great plans and crappy plans.

That's a good point. It really just depends on that stupid group ID and what your HR department was able to get out of them. Usually, if you're with an established company that values its employees, you'll have some decent plans. Most corps that are constantly downsizing will over most employees, lower plans because it simply lowers their costs...