All this health insurance can be confusing! I am looking into it because I am moving to a different state and it is so hard to find answers to some of the specific questions that I have.
We have had a high deductible PPO through Anthem BC. It is a grandfathered plan that we have had prior to my RA diagnosis.

I have not had any issues with them covering any of my Drs or prescriptions and approvals for the biologics has been very quick.

It is expensive but for my husband and I well worth it. I am so hoping I can find a similar plan when I move!

Good luck!

Thanks SK8

That makes me happy to hear. You pay an arm and a leg they should! We're self employed but now with this whole RA thing I want no deductible and low coy-pays so I will pay. I know the older we get the more $$ we pay each year.

I been thinking about what I pay in prescriptions each year and my premium now and what a PPO would be and it's about $300.00 more a month but I can choose any doc and not wait 2 weeks for autho's while I suffer. I have an HMO.

And my MTX is a tier 4 drug (most likely due to syringes) but I pay cash for each 2 ML vial because it's cheaper than my co-pay so my insurance don't pay for it. $10.00 a bottle is not bad compared to my Vyvanse which is $50.00 a month.

I've had both Blue Shield and Blue Cross PPO's and both were excellent. United Healthcare PPO is another excellent plan. I've had major medical and prescription drug coverage.

I get mine under a group plan, so the rates are better than on the open market.

It's not a question about which is better - it's more of a question about:
~ what tier the drugs you use regularly fall under
~ are your physicians in network

Having a deductible is not a bad thing. In fact, it might be wiser to have one if you don't expect to have a lot of diagnostic work or hospitalization.

There are so many different plans within each of these insurance companies that it's actually hard to make a good comparison. So many variables.

My husband is self employed. He qualified for Medicare this year, so now I have a policy of my own. We Will be paying almost $900 a month for my policy starting July. There Will be a $6500 deductible for July 1 through June 30. Once I spend or payout $6500 in medical, the plan that covers everything 100%. The doctors and clinics in my area except this insurance so that is not a problem for me. Last year my medical bills were over $120,000 and I am not done yet. I hurt my hand yesterday And will be having surgery on Friday. My insurance year is up June 30th.

My insurance is through health partners and they are very good about approving things.

My sister works for Anthem and she said they really are a great insurance. They are one of the largest insurers so they have access to lots of specialists.