BCBS of Arizona Vs UnitedHealthcare

[NovembeRain]

30 years old female, 5’4, 115 --- not taking any medications, no prior conditions
I’ve been with BCBS for the last 3 years.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred, $250 deductible, $2500 co-insurance, 80/20 (maternity is not included). In 2007 I paid $263 a month ($294 after October, 1). In 2008 I paid $329.

This year in August I received a letter informing me that because I’m turning 30, I’ll be paying $356 and my new rate would be reflected in my 10/01/09 billing. I adjusted the monthly amount my bank automatically sends to BCBS and forgot about it. Two days ago I received a bill and it says $427. I called BCBS and apparently they had a raise for everybody on October 1st – it is not related to me or my age. I asked them to enroll me into $500 deductible, which drops my rate from $427 to $344 and raises my copay from $15/30 to $20/40. Everything else stays the same.

Now I have:
$500 deductible
$2500 out of pocket co-insurance, $20/40 copay
80/20%
No maternity
$344

I never had a chance to test how good BCBS of AZ is at paying high end claims – I never even met my $2500 a year.

I went to UHC website & got a preliminary quote from them. For $298 (2 year rate guarantee) I can get the following Copay Select plan:

$500 deductible
$0 out of pocket co-insurance, $35 copay
100%
No maternity (have to add $109 for that)

I understand that after reviewing my files, the price may slightly change, but even if it goes up to $350, I don’t see a reason why I should stay with BCBS.

Can anybody please tell me which insurance carrier is better in Arizona and if there are any reasons why I should stay with BCBS of AZ. Thanks!

P.S. My doctor accepts both insurances.

 

[dgoldenz]

If there's an agent here that works the AZ market, and I'm sure there is, you should have them help you. Your medical history will be a factor in switching companies, but if there's no issues as you mentioned, should be an easy process. UHC likes to rider everything, BCBS may just give a rate increase instead of a rider, but that may vary between states. Do you visit the doctor often? If not, why pay $300-400/month for the low deductible co-pay plan? A high-deductible (let's say $2500-3000 for yourself) HSA with 100% paid after deductible would probably cost you $75-125/month.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

If you would like the name of an experienced broker in Tucson, just let me know.

Located near Tanke Verde or something like that.

 

[YouGotMyMoney]

Don't forget UHC won't cover any female reproductive disorders for 6 months.

 

[IAC.Ryan]

Can anybody please tell me which insurance carrier is better in Arizona and if there are any reasons why I should stay with BCBS of AZ. Thanks!

P.S. My doctor accepts both insurances.

Generally, I'd side with GoldenRule / UHC over BCBS of AZ any day. However it all depends on what part of the state you're in.

There are a few other options that might be worth checking out as well. Let me know if you'd like me to get you in touch with someone local.

Thanks

Ryan