Community Chat

[SahmIam]

So we were presented with our insurance option (only 1) BCBS (what we've had for the past 9 years) and only one thing changed:

$5000 deductible for IN network

$10,000 for OUT of network.

Last year, it was $12,000 and everything went towards it. As per the BCBS rep and HR, this is the way most plans are and are moving towards. The BCBS rep hinted that a separate deductible for Rx's may be coming down the road. 

Luckily all but 1 doc is in network but what we use the most is the Rx plan. We hit the full deductible by mid January (we go OVER it, to be honest). 

Beyond, that, coverage and costs all stayed the same. Very lucky, I have to say.

[INDIANA BONES]

Wow, it will not take many unfortunate incidnets in the hosptial to delete a person's savings and 401 K with these deductibles.  Even those that are young and healthy could have many issues come up that they need insurance.   Wish they would do something with insurance for all Americans to make it affordable.

[bri20]

I think those deductibles are outrageous.   

[PinkyPetunia]

Yes they are high deductibles but we don't know the whole picture. Is the deductible for the entire family?  Does your employer offer this plan, do you contribute anything towards it or does the employer fully fund it?  Is the plan a HMO, PPO? 

There are so many variables.  We have a high decductible too but as long as we stay in network it's not a problem. 

[Abrowneyegirl]

It appears that the higher and higher deductables are here to stay.

If the orginal poster is referring to the deductable for her and her husband than it is not considered high by today's standard.

We are on what is considered a platiumin plan (we both work for large companies) and our deductables are going up every year as well as the co-pay.  So even when you meet the deductable you are still stuck because you have to pay a % of the private insurance rate.  Which of course is 8-10 times the price of what they charge those with no insurance.

There is only ways to get a free ride in this country be incarcerated or be on the dole.  

The rest of us have to supplement them.

Sorry.  I know I hate it too.

[meem120]

Those deductibles are crazy.  Its like having no insurance at all. Is this a catastropic policy only?  I think you need to look into other plans.  You hit your deductible by mid january?

[Abrowneyegirl]

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@meem120 wrote:

Those deductibles are crazy.  Its like having no insurance at all. Is this a catastropic policy only?  I think you need to look into other plans.  You hit your deductible by mid january?

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I recently heard that a castastropic policy starts in the $25,000+ deductable range.

Which sounds like a lot of money until you are in the hosptial then it means 1 day.

[SilleeMee]

My insurance is just for myself and the deductible is 7,000. Seems like a lot but really it doesn't take much to get this high at today's high-cost medical care.

[Annabellethecat66]

I am totally stupid when it comes to this.  I have an insurance agent.  All I do is send him the medicine I take and he puts it in the computer and figures out what would work best for my secondary insurance.  I have to have Medicare as I owned my own business.  Even though I DID NOT want Medicare, I had no choice....am I angry...well, yes, but it is what it is.

Most insurance agents represent many different insurance companies.  I don't know about others, but I don't give him a penny.  Last year he had me change to a company he doesn't represent but he said based on the fact that I can't take many generic medicines I should take a particular medicine.  I'm about to change again.  He's been texting me to give him my medicines.  I am a genuine procrastinator...pleased to me you...Ha!

[terrier3]

I am currently working for a large media company, after 2 years as a freelancer.

Our company is committed to getting and retaining the best employees they can.

Their approach to health insurance shows that they mean business!

We have 3 tiers to choose from - all BCBS PPO plans, managed by a third party company. As an individual, my monthly share of premiums is $100. With that I get a NO deductible, NO out of pocket plan with low co-pays. That was the most expensive plan. For $70 a month, the plan had a $350 annual deductible.

Starting in January, they have hired a company to manage all our health concerns. They will import brand name Tier 2 and 3 drugs from Canada, England and other safe countries for door to door delivery with NO co-pays at all. (It saves them that much money!) You can continue to use local pharmacies if you prefer and for generics with $10 copays.

Everyone who wants to gets a Fitbit and there are cash rewards of up to $250/yr. for achieving certain activity goals.

These high deductible, high out of pocket plans are choices by your employer - not by any other outside force.

I am thrilled to be working where I am now - they care for their employees. Let's cross fingers that importation of drugs will still be legal in the future!