Consumer Driven Health Care Plans?

[Imachickadee75]

Keeping in mind that our airlines probably monitor sites like jetgirls, I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with Consumer Driven Health Care Plans like SkyWest is pushing? What are the pros and cons? What should we be keeping in mind when making a decison for our families? Thoughts?
Roz?

[Kristie]

i can always put this in the safehouse if you like....you can't view what you can't see due to privacy of that particular forum

[Melissa]

I vote for that move Kristie! I'm interested, too, because we got the info yesterday that ASA is going to HSA's, I suppose because of Skywest? We've been given the option to go to one now, but with thinking of having a baby next year, I'm not sure if the HSA is the way to go or staying with what we've got with the 20/80.

[Imachickadee75]

Go for it Kristie, but its not that hard to get into the safehouse. Yeah, Melissa, I'm really wondering about the pros and cons both on the immediate and long term levels. Like what are my immediate health care ramifications and what are the ramifications for employer provided health care in general if we "roll over" and accept these into our lives.

[spotty4]

We don't even pay attention to my husband's company's health care options b/c they are HORRIBLE ... unless you live in base. As soon as we got married he was on my plan through my employer, which is excellent.

[amelia]

Go for it Kristie, but its not that hard to get into the safehouse. Yeah, Melissa, I'm really wondering about the pros and cons both on the immediate and long term levels. Like what are my immediate health care ramifications and what are the ramifications for employer provided health care in general if we "roll over" and accept these into our lives.

One question we had was if we invest money into the savings plan...along with the money the company puts in (for the first two years only I think???) what happens to that money if and when DH moves to a diff. airline...esp. if that airline doesn't do this kind of insurance? do we get the money back and taxes taken out of it? Does it become like a secondary insurance until the money runs out???

[Imachickadee75]

I did read that the one plan does roll over year to year vs the use it or lose it kind, but I don't know what happens if the new company doesn't have one. I would assume that it is YOUR account and not tied to the company so you can draw off it as long as the money is there.

I couldn't find any info on any changes to our current plan United Health Care. I have an email into Benefits wondering if its going to turn into the Consumer Driven plan automatically THIS year. Because we live in OK we only had the option of the United Health care HMO or the PPO.

[Imachickadee75]

We don't even pay attention to my husband's company's health care options b/c they are HORRIBLE ... unless you live in base. As soon as we got married he was on my plan through my employer, which is excellent.

Spotty, that is what is so frustrating. SkyWest has always prided itself on being an employee based/oriented company. My DH waited it out flight instructing until he had their higher minimums because he thought he was getting on with a really good company. At first, I thought the health insur was pretty reasonably priced (based upon other employer based insurances I had had recent experience with) and decent coverage altho United Health Care has a history of being a little slippery. Now between new charges for flight bennies and this new "Consumer Driven Health Insurance" I'm really questioning how much they really care for their employees and employee families. Sigh. Good old almight dollar wins out again I guess.

[amelia]

I did read that the one plan does roll over year to year vs the use it or lose it kind, but I don't know what happens if the new company doesn't have one. I would assume that it is YOUR account and not tied to the company so you can draw off it as long as the money is there.

I couldn't find any info on any changes to our current plan United Health Care. I have an email into Benefits wondering if its going to turn into the Consumer Driven plan automatically THIS year. Because we live in OK we only had the option of the United Health care HMO or the PPO.

From my understanding from DH, (we use united healthcare ppo right now), the PPO will be around for at least another year I think...maybe 2. Everyone will be forced into the savings plan thing in 2 years.

So, from what we understand, if we take the kids to their usual, yearly dr's appt, we just pay the copay and nothing else (I hope). What Id like to know is if we have to pay more if we take the kids in b/c they are sick since its not a reg. yearly appt???

I think people are pushing for Skywest to keep the PPO and let people have a choice still. I hope thats the case b/c I like the PPO. We just don't know what to do. As of now, DH is thinking of switching so we can get the money invested into the plan from the company.

[Imachickadee75]

From my understanding from DH, (we use united healthcare ppo right now), the PPO will be around for at least another year I think...maybe 2. Everyone will be forced into the savings plan thing in 2 years.

So, from what we understand, if we take the kids to their usual, yearly dr's appt, we just pay the copay and nothing else (I hope). What Id like to know is if we have to pay more if we take the kids in b/c they are sick since its not a reg. yearly appt???

I think people are pushing for Skywest to keep the PPO and let people have a choice still. I hope thats the case b/c I like the PPO. We just don't know what to do. As of now, DH is thinking of switching so we can get the money invested into the plan from the company.

yes, you would have to pay for those sick visits 100% out of the Health savings account until you meet your deductible, then at I think 20% until you meet your family maximum. Additionally, prescriptions have to come out of that account too. I'd have to look at what percentage but I think its 20% as well. This is a huge problem if you or a family member is on a regular medication. There is a guy on the company forum who is saying that his son's Epilepsy meds are going to run them $500 a month until they meet the maximum and then like over $100 a month at 20%. In other words, this is fine insurance if you're healthy. But horrible if you have an ongoing illness.