OT: Picking an insurance company

My new employer gives me a choice between these three insurance companies, and I was wondering what people thought of their insurance companies.

The Aetna and United are both PPOs with similar costs and the BCBS one is an HMO plan that is very slightly cheaper. However the out of pocket max and deductible are much less than the other two plans. I had my surgery through my parent's insurance with an Aetna PPO plan and while it was ok I wouldn't say they are spectacular or anything. I've never really picked an insurance company before as this is my first "real" job so to say. Also for those on an HMO, is going through your PCP for everything as annoying as it sounds?
Thanks!

 Hi David,

I have had both HMO and PPO's.   It is no big deal....you just have to get a referral from the PCP.  No biggie !!!


Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

I have had both (PPO and HMO), and I found that the HMO approval process very annoying.  My PCP (at that time) told me that it would take 24-48 hours (is that calendar hours or work hours, I dont know) for approval...in other words they would take their time about trying to get you approved to see whatever specialist that you need to see...and if that was near a weekend, you would basically have to add that time to their approval process time.  When I know I am having an issue, I want to be able to call that specialist right then and there to get an appointment.

David.... I had Aetna with my WLS ... SOME companies have a "clause" in it so that is something else you will need to consider as well.

I guess it depends on what you need......I went with BCBS when a few years ago (even though it was a PPO and I had to pay a bit more for it) because I wanted to get plastic surgery and I heard they paid for plastics. I had a LBL and a chest reduction and they paid for it all....(that isn't a guarantee...i'm just saying). Overall I try to avoid HMOs because I like to pick the best doctors I can find and if they are not in the plan, then I like to go out network.

One important factor for you might be your RNY follow up. If you want to follow up with your surgeon every year, which insurance will allow you to see him? What about blood work? Again in most cases the PPO is the way to go, but if you need to save money go for the HMO.

Scott

By the way, what part of austin are you from?

 Thanks for the help!

@Scott: I just moved to the Wells Branch area...

Awesome dude...I'm from austin too...we should hang out. There seems to be a lack of WLS people in this area that want to hang. It seems that Dallas and Houston have tons of groups going...but we're just too weird for it? I don't know...but hit me up if you want to go out to eat.