Chicago area and the ACA / Obamacare plans (deductible, costs)

[sfcambridge]

Checking in again, in case anyone has signed up for a new plan yet.

After always signing up for PPO plans, to have the broadest network of doctors and flexibility, I am now considering an HMO plan to save $$. The PPO plans that exist have very limited networks anyway, so in that respect are like HMOs.

What have you chosen and why?

Again, it appears that there isn't a plan that includes Northwestern or University of Chicago hospitals in their network. I was initially going to sign up with BCBS again, which at least has Loyola in their network. The plans have gone up about 10% for me (looking for Bronze plans).

But now I am wondering about CIGNAs HMOs, which include RUSH in their network. I would have to find new doctors though. I have not had great experiences with CIGNA in the past (family member used to have a plan with them). Anyone have any experience with a CIGNA HMO in Illinois?

[Haaamburger]

Everything on market place is BCBS does Cigna meet criteria for aca to avoid fine?

Had BCBS silver advocate HMO last year 370 premium going up to 450 for that Sam plan 2018

Thinking of bronze or a BCBS plan it is silver or gold 500 premium 500 deductable cheaper in the long run if have lots of doctor appointments .

I am quoting per person although I am married so is double what I said.

[Haaamburger]

Me and spouse have always been couple thousand above threshold for subsidy .......

[Haaamburger]

Originally Posted by cbsmom

What are people's thoughts on the advocate system?
I hate that we won't have Northwestern, U of C or Rush available to us...would mean we'd have to change all our doctors.

An insurance agent suggested that my husband create a group plan (he is self employed - by making me his partner, we could create a small business group and thereby purchase group health insurance), which would open us up to many more plans. Has anyone looked into/done this?

I am pretty sure advicate plan does not exist 2018 we had it 2017 was good but this year there is no advicate plan but you have to search the plans because spouses doctor under advicate plan still covered under some new BCBS 2010 plans in the market place.

[Haaamburger]

Originally Posted by Gemini1963

We are still researching but it's looking bad (even on a high deductible) if we want the large hospitals in network. Right now our (very) tentative plan is to go with the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan that is linked to Advocate, since we are near an Advocate hospital and our primary care physicians are linked to Advocate. But it's very discouraging.

What is the name of the 2018 BCBS plan linked to advicate because we had blue Cross advicate plan this year with advicate in the title it does not excist fir 2018.....

[Gemini1963]

Originally Posted by Haaamburger

What is the name of the 2018 BCBS plan linked to advicate because we had blue Cross advicate plan this year with advicate in the title it does not excist fir 2018.....

The Bronze (HMO) BCBS plan with Advocate in the title was discontinued, but I think there is still a Silver plan with Advocate in the title. However, the Bronze level HMO plan that MIGHT use Advocate (you need to call and confirm) is Blue Precision Bronze HMO 205.

[Haaamburger]

Originally Posted by Gemini1963

The Bronze (HMO) BCBS plan with Advocate in the title was discontinued, but I think there is still a Silver plan with Advocate in the title. However, the Bronze level HMO plan that MIGHT use Advocate (you need to call and confirm) is Blue Precision Bronze HMO 205.

Thank you

[sfcambridge]

Well, it's that time of year again.

What Obamacare plan are you choosing? Are you keeping the same one, or choosing another? Why? How much have your costs risen this year?

I stuck with a BCBS bronze plan last year, and didn't have a great experience with them. Only one doctor visit all year, and multiple errors with claim processing, as well as mistakes with their mail order pharmacy. BCBS doesn't have any of the good Chicago hospitals in network - no Northwestern, RUSH, University of Chicago or UIC. They work with Loyola.

My same plan will exist next year and the price is rising a small amount ... from $525 to $550 per month. I am quite surprised, as I assumed Trump's actions in removing the penalty for not having health insurance would cause them to jump more.

Has anyone tried the CIGNA plans or others? Anything to report?

[BOBNCHI]

BCBS Gold PPO. $630/mo total for both of us. No issues w/BCBS. Wife had major surgery and bills paid in a timely manner, no surprises. Actually paid less for deductibles than expected. A modest premium increase for 2019 of $25. No complaints here.

[sfcambridge]

Originally Posted by BOBNCHI

BCBS Gold PPO. $630/mo total for both of us. No issues w/BCBS. Wife had major surgery and bills paid in a timely manner, no surprises. Actually paid less for deductibles than expected. A modest premium increase for 2019 of $25. No complaints here.

Wow - you guys must be really young. That is really, really cheap! My insurance is one of the terrible Bronze PPO plans with $6000 deductible. And I pay almost as much as you guys do just for myself! I'm in my 40's.

Good to hear you had a good experience. I am quite unhappy, especially as all of my preferred doctors and hospitals don't take any of the Obamacare plans - including this "PPO" plan. And I basically have to pay $12,200 before my health insurance pays a penny (except for my yearly physical/preventative care).
Painful.