BCBS HMO or PPO??

FSUSammy

Hey ladies. I unfortunately need to switch our health insurance because Mikey and I were covered under Gary's work plan and our coverage will end at the end of this month due to the circumstances. My job offers BCBS HMO and PPO. In the past (before Mikey) I had PPO  mainly because I didn't want to deal with the entire referral process. Now that its just me paying for everything I almost feel like I need to at least try out the HMO option to see if it works. Worst case scenario I hate it and come open enrollment I switch us back to PPO.

If you have BCBS which type of plan do you have? What do you like/hate about it?

MrsLeanna

I don't have BCBS, I have NHP who I truly despise.  However, we have an HMO that doesn't require referrals which is the one good point about them.  If BCBS offers that option with their HMO then go for it!  Needing referrals was one thing that I really didn't want to have to do, so I'm glad we were able to have that option.  I had BCBS a long long long time when i was still under my parents plan and they were great, but like I said it was ages ago.

britishbride05

i don't have bcbs, we have cigna, but we have an hmo.  i found that even though it's required to have a referral, it's not technically the week long process that normally referrals require.  I just get a script/prescription from my dr and that's that.  plus, the referral, even if it takes a few days to get one, lasts for a few months.  so if you or mikey ahve to see a specialist, you won't need a referral every time you go to the dr. 

MelanieJH1016

We have a PPO cause that's all Seth's company offers, but I would take an HMO if it made more financial sense. Compare the copays, deductibles, monthly cost, etc. If HMO is a cheaper option I'd go with that since I don't ever need to see specialists.

MellyMelB

I had an HMO when I was pregnant with Sophie and for the first year of her life and had nooo problems with it. I am not sure what BCBS is, tho. I had Avmed HMO.

PJ33062

I think you already know mine, but it's BCBS PPO currently.  I never had any major issues with them at all, espc thru all my stuff a while back.  I mean, nothing that they didn't take care of, etc.  I like that you can check everything on line.  Not sure if all the major insurance companies offer that?  But BCBS has a very detailed records of all the charges to your account online...so you can check anytime.

I had their HMO years ago and I didn't like that I was limited to their specific doctors.  Weird experience with one of them selling trinkets and elephant statues in the waiting room...   LOL 

But Ditto MelD...if it's quite a bit less expensive and if you're not hooked on your current physicians, then try the HMO out.  You can always change it anytime, right?

cocojack10

I don't have BCBS, but have United HMO... not sure if they work the same.  I love it.  No referrels necessary, for anything.  Almost everything is covered except IF.  Anyway, the only thing is that my deductibles and copays are a bit more expensive.  My company does offer 3 diff types of HMOs, with different rates and different copays.

Not sure if you have all the info from your company, but perhaps they do the same, and you can choose the plan that works best for you and Mr Mikey.

GenaAndJosh

I have BCBS, blue options with is a form of their PPO.  I have not had any issues, but to be honest, I am afraid of an HMO.  There are times when I can not afford to wait for a referral, and it is much easier for me to deal with a PPO with the MS and beyond. 

FutureHernandez

This exactly!! 

jengen06

I have BCBS PPO, but I have a high deductible plan because that's all my employer offers. I love not having to deal with the referral process. My only complaint is that because it is a high deductible plan, I have to pay a lot out of pocket before my insurance kicks in. When I had an HMO, all I had to pay were co-pays. I would crunch the numbers and see what works for you.

ANJ410

Normally I would say go with the PPO so you will be covered even if you go out of network, but EVERYONE takes BCBS, so the chances of going out of network are slim.

Try it.   Like you said, you can always change your mind during open enrollment.

mrsjessnjorge

I have an aetna HMO that does not require referrals. Maybe bcbs has am option like that?

EliStar

jengen06:

I have BCBS PPO, but I have a high deductible plan because that's all my employer offers. I love not having to deal with the referral process. My only complaint is that because it is a high deductible plan, I have to pay a lot out of pocket before my insurance kicks in. When I had an HMO, all I had to pay were co-pays. I would crunch the numbers and see what works for you.

This - but my employer offers both high deductible and low deductible plans. I would hate having to deal with referrals! I had the high deductible plan last year because i was on a very expensive medication that after the year, pretty much equaled the deductible, and then everything else was 100% covered. It was awesome, because my employer also offered an HSA account and contributed $1500 a year for any medical expenses.

But BCBS changed their policy this year and now no longer offer 100% coverage after you meet the high deductible, only 80%. Soooo, it's not worth it anymore - we're on the low deductible plan now and we have minimal co-pays.

 

NatandRick

We have BCBS PPO...but I don't have an option for HMO.  I have no complaints with them.  Wish I had a lower copay..but that's my cheap employer's fault.

 

**Octoberbride09**

I have BCBS PPO because my job pays for it 100%. (Thank God) I love it. I love not having the hassel of referals but honestly sometimes the co-pays are so much higher with PPO that I don't know that it's worth it. I think that if I had to pay for my own insurance I'd just go with HMO and deal with the referals. I'm not sure there is much of a difference in coverage any how.

labsgo2

Hi there, I have BCBS PPO. I feel it is a much better plan than the HMO as it does not limit which Drs you can go to. When it come t medical issues I want to be comfortable that I can go to anyone w/o having to get approval or stay in network. I prefer the flexability to get the best care thats out there. I have had several major medical issues come up over the past year and was glad I had the PPO and NOT the HM.

Good Luck in choosing!