Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee - Network S vs. Network P (Johnson City: insurance)

[PacersFan]

I have seen several discussions on healthcare on this board, so I was hoping someone would have some information for me. For the last 5 years, we have had BCBST - Network P insurance. I am now trying to sign up for next year and one of the options is Network S. Network S is cheaper and I notice it says it does not include as many providers. I have called all of our local providers (Johnson City area) and they say they are members for both Network P and S. Is there any drawback to going with Network S?

My two main concerns are:

1. If we are traveling and have to go to the emergency room (yes, this has happened a couple times in the last 10 years or so) would we have to worry about not being covered by Network S?

2. I heard that Network S reimburses at a lower rate, so would I end up paying out of pocket more?

Finally, I see many of the plans are compatible with Health Savings Accounts. This looks like the best way to go to me as my deductible can be paid with pretax dollars, and also, the deductible is not any more than many of the other plans (non-HSA) I am comparing. Any experience with the HSA?

Thank you all so much for any advice...this is so complex, and I don't want to make the wrong decision.

[rccrain]

I have a $7k HSA family deductible with BCBSTN on the S Network. I added maternity coverage and dental. This plan has worked well for me, but I have not had to use it out of the area. If I found myself in that situation I would call BCBS and ask them where I need to go.

[PacersFan]

Thank you for the information...that is the plan we have been looking at. I guess if we are out of town and it is a true emergency, we won't be concerned about in or out of network. We have had the opportunity to use the emergency room while on vacation....not fun...but at least I knew it as covered. I think I might just check out areas before we travel. It looks like most of the doctors in the Tri-Cities are in Network S, but in the larger cities only a certain percentage area. Looking at Nashville, it looked like the largest hospitals took both Network P and S.