Kaiser vs. Blue Cross PPO for prenatal, labor and delivery?

tudlik

I'm currently on Kaiser, but am considering switching to Blue Cross PPO.  What worries me about Kaiser is that I don't get to choose who delivers my baby, and it's not a doctor, unless I have complications.  What I like about Blue Cross is that I get to choose my ob/gyn, and he/she would deliver my baby.  On the other hand, Kaiser is cheaper and more convenient, and I have some other doctors there whom I like.  Any thoughts?  What's your experience been with either?

gingerbreadgirl

I went through all of this when open enrollment came up at my job last year.  I've been with Blue Cross for years, so the idea of getting to keep my doctor, or choose another in the practice, really appealed to me.  In the end, though it cost more, I stayed with Blue Cross - that way, I could meet with a few different doctors and pick the best one for what we wanted.

On the other hand, one of my coworkers gave birth at Kaiser, and absolutely loves it.  Between the low-cost and the low-hassle, it is a good option - as long as you're comfortable with not choosing your doc.

Mindymo25

Even with a PPO and getting to pick your doctor, you are not guaranteed that doctor will deliver your baby due to his/her rotation, etc.  Keep that in mind.

If it were me and the low cost was appealing and that I had several other doctors that I liked, I would stay with Kaiser. 

jkylie

I delivered with Kaiser and was HORRIFIED of this ordeal. However, in the end I had an amazing experience. Although, my doc. didn't deliver me, she cared about my welling being and my baby, that she she called me once we got there, checked in on me twice and came to see baby after delivery.

I can't say i am pro Kaiser, but my experience was so great. All of the nurses, the midwives were wonderful. The whole entire process was better than I could have ever imagined.

HTH.

 

kimqualls

Personally, I wouldn't have Kaiser change a bandaid.