So, does BCBS automatically raise your premium one year after you enroll with them? How much of an increase can I expect? We are in AZ.
Last year we decided to not get insurance through my husbands work because it raised about $250/month up to approx $700 a month for our family (which is about 25% of what he now makes after a pay cut). We cannot afford that at all. So we decided to get individual insurance through BCBS. Well, we saved about $300 per month in premiums, but paid dearly for things that were not covered due to the plan, our very large deductible and pre-existing (and don't get me started about that, because everything is preexisting to them). So now open enrollment is coming for my husbands work and we must decide what to do this year. We spent about $9000 last year in medical, including premiums to BCBS for April-Dec. So, the $700 premium does not seem so bad if they cover more (including a surgery that my husband needs that BCBS considers pre-exisitng and with our $5000 per person deductible). We just don't know what to do. While pre-existing will not be an issue at the end of the month, the large deductible and only covered visits a year plus an premium increase make me thing about switching back to the company insurance. Any advice??
thanks everyone for the info. I do think that going with my dh insurance may be best this year. I think if we show them we have not had a lapse in coverage, there is no pre-exising clause.
I wish we had cash to cover medical costs, but it just doesn't work for us. We have 4 kids and even a simple dr visit can be expensive. And no, we don't go in for everything....and yes, we try to be healthy. I have hypothyroid which showed concern this year with my thyroid growing in size. And my dh surgery is because he got a vasectomy and how has hydroceles which is a very rare side effect.
I am almost thinking of taking the cheap company insurance that will only cover 25K a year maximum, but keep BCBS for catastrophic insurance incase something really bad happens and we go over the 25K per person.
They raise every year. We went from 200 to $630 over 4 years. Oh and new deductibles every year
We have had private insurance for me and our children for five years now. My husband is covered through his work for a minimum amount. Our plan is a high deductible plan, basically catastrophic coverage. High deductible plans are definitely NOT for everyone. We know that all of our medical costs will come out of our pocket, the insurance just gets us the negotiated rate. We are not at the doctor frequently (and yes I have what they consider a pre-existing condition too). We also are not afraid to call and fight when they say something is not covered. It does take more time than a group plan. Our rates have gone up, but not by much, this plan is still cheaper for us. We also have money put aside should something terrible happen and we need to cover our entire deductible.( And it is true that pre-existing conditions will not be an issue under the reforms, there is nothing that says that these reforms won't cause private insurance to be unaffordable after all the changes. )
If it were us and we knew there was a surgery or something major coming, we would probably enroll with the group plan for the year and then return to the individual plan the following year. Which is what we did when we wanted another baby.
Because of the Obama plan that has taken effect, theings are going to be getting a little more expensive in this. SOrry, but it's going to be worse..I would definately consider joining your husband's plan back, you have that covereage help from them, we did!
Good Luck
You almost always have better coverage with a group plan because the plan covers many people who won't be using the insurance. From your description, I'd go back to the company plan. I recommend that you put the two plan descriptions side by side and compare.
Yes, insurance companies may change cost of premiums every year. the premiums are dictated by the contract which is signed anew every year.
I agree....group insurance is almost always cheaper!
Our insurance (thru my husband's employer) jumped 24% this year. Hits hard.....we're averaging $1000.- /month for premiums, co-pays, & RX.
As for pre-existing, check with the new laws to see how that affects the ruling.
we were with bcbs because my husband is in school and yes there was an increase after a year. I think we went from paying 1300 every 3 months to paying 1500 every three months or something close to that. We were on a $1000 deductible. If your husband needs surgery that is not covered then it might be a good idea to switch to his company's insurance.
Under Obama's plan there are no pre-existing conditions. Just wait. We will get a better deal although why insurance is in private hands I cannot tell. It's a sop to big corporations and big pharma.
I keep myself in very good health. I have eaten organic food since I was 26 years old and raised my children on it.
I need no drugs from any corporation. I take vitamins and do yoga. Lifestyle has a great deal to do with your health.
You might want to look into what is considered pre-existing with your husband's insurance. Since you went off it for a year, they may consider some things pre-existing. Some have no pre-existing conditions if you can show that you were covered by another insurance.
Personally, I would go with your husband's insurance (if there are no pre-existing conditions). The coverage is so much better for the money, and it covers better if there is an issue that you don't anticipate.
Ours has gone up every year we have been with them. Sometimes only a small amount, sometimes not so small. But every year, it costs more than the year before.
I'm an insurance agent in AZ selling home, auto, life and health. Hubby sells Aflac. Basically, most insurance companies raise the premiums at renewal...of any policy, including home and auto. On a rare occasion, your premium may be less, but that's only if the company had a very successful year. In this economy, most likely won't happen. If I can help with anything, all my info is on http://www.AgentLady.com good luck!!!
