stupid insurance question??

Okay I have an insurance question that I feel pretty dumb asking because it's probably something I should know, but I'm gonna ask anyway! Let me start by saying I just found out today that my husband's insurance through his employer would cost us well over $400.00 for family coverage! And that's already counting the amount his employer pays too! Is that terrible or what? I actually had a break down of sorts today when I found this out. It was like all my hope just flew right out the window because of the fricken insurance prices!!!!! Well I had checked into getting my own coverage before and after checking again I found I can get BC/BS wellmark Alliance Select(whatever all the names are) for a decent price. My original question is, should I go with the one with the lower deductible? It's going to be hard enough to pay for the premium, so I'd like to go with the lowest premium I can. But what I'm wondering is if I have to pay that deductible amount up front before I can have anything done? Does that make any sense? Or will the company just bill me and I could pay it in installments? Any help you guys could offer would be great, as I am pretty confused right now and upset too! I'm just trying to stay optimistic.

Jami, BCBS Alliance Select is a FABULOUS one for approving people!!! I had it and they approved me the SAME DAY it was submitted!! I was sooo shocked! My insurance premiums thru work are also about $200 a month. Or they WERE... i went through an insurance crisis of sorts myself... right after i decided i wanted the surgery.. and i had my first consult scheduled... my work announced they were switching health plans.. now instead of having $1500 out of pocket limit..it is $4500!!!!! I about freaked... but my husband calmed me down and said... no matter what it costs... you living longer is worth it honey.. (awww... such a DOLLLL isn't he??). Everyone .. well MOST everyone here can tell you about SOMETHING that happened that freaked them during this process...just be lucky that you HAVE insurance... i know it's hard to get medicaid to pay for this surgery..they will but it a BIG hassle ive heard. Good luck and STAY OPTIMISTIC... you will get there... ~~~Dawn~~~

Good question.....ok well I work for an insurance company.....and it actually depends on the provider (hospital, doctors) as to whether they are going to make you pay that deductible up front or if you can make payments, most providers anymore if you have a large deductible insist that you pay either part of, most, if not all of that deductible up front. The best person to ask might be the nurses at your doctor office , they'll know the hospitals policies best! Good luck!

Hi Jamie, I have BC/Bs Alliance Select PPO my deductibel is 750. and outta pocket is 1250. so I have to come upwith 2000, but Mayo Clinic billed me and I'm paying on it each month , Also sometimes when you switch ins. carriers they put out a pre existing which means if you have started to have the wls things done it may not cover check it out. I was approved within a day or so of the letter from pcp @ mayo....No question is stupid in dealing with insurance co.