Quote:
Originally Posted by RickFLM4
As indicated earlier in the thread, your premium may reflect an income-based subsidy. It is odd to me that calling Blue Cross led you to another insurer, as Blue Cross would typically be happy to sell you a policy paid for in large part by the federal government. But perhaps the “agent” was independent and repping multiple insurers.
Ultimately, there is no way anyone here can explain how the premium is so low, other than through speculation. You’ll need to get the details of both plans (or even more options) and put them side by side to understand each variable. There are too many important variables to not analyze it closely. Coverages may be extremely limited because there are some plans out there that are intended as short-term bridges between policies. Additionally, deductibles, co-pays, out of pocket maximums, drug coverage and how amounts are applied to deductibles and OOP máximums may vary by plan and can seriously impact out of pocket costs aside from premiums. Additionally, and maybe most importantly, your access to preferred doctors, specialists and facilities will differ based on the type of plan (PPO vs. HMO) and the plan’s network. Needing to go out of network to see a doctor will cost a lot of money.
We look at our options from my wife’s employer every year to pick what fits us best. What fits us best may change year to year based on however the plans and our health/age change. So my advice is to try your best to take this opportunity to get educated on health insurance coverage and options and how to evaluate them to fit your needs. Given your previous transplant and meds, it is doubly important and highly unlikely to lessen in importance as you get older.
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I think you're right about the premium reflecting on my income. I called Blue Cross Blue Shield and the phone representative forwarded my call to a licensed insurance agent that Blue Cross works with.
I posted a PDF file of all the plans the agent sent me if you'd like to take a look at it.