Cost of a doctor visit

[jemmyell]

I chose an 80/20 plan with a cap of $4500.00.  After that the insurance pays 100%.  At our age catastrohic illness is more likely and I wanted something that would take care of that risk.  My choices were somewhat limited though since it is through my company.  If I were to buy private health insurance it would cost me at least twice what I am paying now.

189637[/snapback]

Hi,

 

That sounds very reasonable with a cap like that. Is that a annual cap? What is the total lifetime benefit?

 

My company gives me what is called an EPO, sort of a hybrid. I can refer myself to specialists, but still only pay a $40 copay (specialist) or $20 (Primary Care).

 

They don't have any other options. BUT since I already have the family coverage for me and my kids I think there will be no increase in cost for my new family.

 

-James

[warpedbored]

the 4500 is for both of us and I believe there is a 2 million dollar limit for each. I don't think the cap is annual as long as it's an ongoing illness.

[Stone]

I am trying to decide on a health insurance plan.  In order to compare different type of plans, I would like to get an idea on how much each office visit to the doctor would cost.  My hubby didn't have to make any decision when he came last year.  He was automatically enrolled in the school's program, never had a chance to visit a doctor (which is good), so he has no idea about this issue.  I am getting anxious as the clock ticks away.

 

Don't know where is the best place to post this message.  So I try it here.  Thanks a lot for your input.

189564[/snapback]

Joanne:

 

Maybe you can compare State Sponsored health insurance program with your school sponsored program. Some state sponsors low-cost insurance for small kids.

 

http://www.ins.state.pa.us/ins/cwp/view.as...527075&insNav=|

 

I have enrolled my family in my company insurance plan as of 1/1/2006, which costs me $350/month. It is a PPO where I can choose my doctors in the network. Last December I went to my doctor's office for a checkup. The office visit lasted about 15 minutes or so, and the doctor's submitted charge was $169. The insurance negotiated the payment down to $74 and I was only responsible for the $15 co-pay.

 

I think it is very important to enroll early in a health insurance, because health costs are very high in this country. It is also important to find a good doctor, not too old, not too young. Better yet if the doctor is affiliated with a major teaching hospital, because different doctors have different levels of training and experiences.

 

Best of luck to your family!

[Joanne]

I am trying to decide on a health insurance plan.  In order to compare different type of plans, I would like to get an idea on how much each office visit to the doctor would cost.  My hubby didn't have to make any decision when he came last year.  He was automatically enrolled in the school's program, never had a chance to visit a doctor (which is good), so he has no idea about this issue.  I am getting anxious as the clock ticks away.

 

Don't know where is the best place to post this message.  So I try it here.  Thanks a lot for your input.

189564[/snapback]

Joanne:

 

Maybe you can compare State Sponsored health insurance program with your school sponsored program. Some state sponsors low-cost insurance for small kids.

 

http://www.ins.state.pa.us/ins/cwp/view.as...527075&insNav=|

 

I have enrolled my family in my company insurance plan as of 1/1/2006, which costs me $350/month. It is a PPO where I can choose my doctors in the network. Last December I went to my doctor's office for a checkup. The office visit lasted about 15 minutes or so, and the doctor's submitted charge was $169. The insurance negotiated the payment down to $74 and I was only responsible for the $15 co-pay.

 

I think it is very important to enroll early in a health insurance, because health costs are very high in this country. It is also important to find a good doctor, not too old, not too young. Better yet if the doctor is affiliated with a major teaching hospital, because different doctors have different levels of training and experiences.

 

Best of luck to your family!

189690[/snapback]

Thanks, Stone. I have CHOP program in mind. My concerned is: this is a state-subsidized program, if my daughter get on it, would that go against the affidavit of support my hubby filed, and get him in trouble?

[Joanne]

Thanks a lot, all of you! This is quit a bit info for me to digest for a couple of days.

 

I took the first step, which is to find a doctor. I spoted a lady doctor with both China and US education background. I plan to talk to her first and move on from there. Now I am in favor of joining my hubby's school program. I figured using another plan with less premium would give me a little over a thousand potential savings per year. But if I ever got ill, we would lose more. It might not worth to take the risk.

 

This will be a ongoing battle until I finally make the decision.

 

Thanks again!!