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Hunnybee_420 · Jun 4, 2015, 09:00 AM

Ok so I've been paying out of pocket for about a year for blue cross blue shield of and but now my job is offering united for like 1/3 what I've been paying but I don't know which is the better choice and could really use some insight. Im in no position to be messing around with this as I am soon planning on getting pregnant... I'm dealing with some stress this week and the weight of this decision is weighing heavy. I hear bcbs is better and is it worth the extra money every month given the changes coming in the hopefully near future... id hate to change and regret it when it's too late. I don't know what to do. Please help

joypulv · Jun 4, 2015, 09:13 AM

We can't possibly answer this. Each state is different and each plan has different options. Often times, parts of each state have different coverages and costs. I'm in CT, and there are different plans within each plan, for different areas of the state!
When I was choosing, I spent an hour or two a day for about 2 weeks trying to sort it all out and decide. Make lists.
The state had sent me a booklet with comparison charts. You are going to have to do that.
Each one had a 'Customer Rating' on it, and that tells you a lot. Don't go by 3 other people.

If you are under too much stress to deal with this, then don't get pregnant - simple as that!

1/3 the cost would be tempting to me. I'd take the chance and ask what options are for dropping it in a year, and going back to bcbs.

smoothy · Jun 4, 2015, 09:14 AM

You do understand we know nothing about what each offers or costs. If they both operated in different states it would likely be different as well as likely being different from another employer that offered both even in the same state.

1/3 the cost....you don't get something for nothing so there WILL be significant tradeoffs for the lower price....likely lower coverage and higher annual deductibles that means more money out of pocket every time you see a doctor.

Hunnybee_420 · Jun 4, 2015, 09:49 AM

I see what you're saying I meant 1/3 of what I'm currently paying because work would cover some. And actually I am pregnant but something is wrong and it's not going to work this time around and I was anxious to try again. Now this on my plate. Thanks anyway though...

I see what you're saying I meant 1/3 of what I'm currently paying because work would cover some. And actually I am pregnant but something is wrong and it's not going to work this time around and I was anxious to try again. Now this on my plate. Thanks anyway though...

talaniman · Jun 4, 2015, 10:19 AM

Employer based health insurance (Group insurance) is always cheaper than private insurance since the company bears some of the cost for the premiums. It's a benefit companies give instead of paying YOU cash. You still pay 20% of incurred expenses when you use it.

Regional and local prices are pretty close between the big insurance companies, and every state has its own regulations. Of course as your family grows, so do your premium costs and deductibles.

The real question is does your employer offer you compensation for NOT signing up for his insurance, and buying your own? If not the choice is rather an easy one.

joypulv · Jun 4, 2015, 03:51 PM

If something is wrong with this pregnancy, you shouldn't try again right away. Didn't any doctor talk to you about this?

Fr_Chuck · Jun 4, 2015, 06:11 PM

This is the issue, BC has about 10 plans in most states and each plan varies by state.
United has many plans there is not just one plan.

Work plans are often tailored to what the company asked for, and/or company insurance, has often been better than private insurance.

Also normally your company has to pay part of the cost of insurance, so it is not that "cheap" your share of the payment is less.

You take the benefits of each plan, and place them side by side, and do a comarison

No, BC is not that much better than United, in fact I would almost never use BC personally because of issues I have had. I am a licensed agent in Georgia and would prefer United over BC any day.