From Kaiser to Blue Shield: what's a newbie to know?

curagea — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:44:11 -0800

Going from Kaiser to Blue Shield - what's the transition like? What (not) to expect? I recently got a job whose employer only has Blue Shield medical plans. Since birth, I've been covered by a Kaiser family plan, but since I'm no longer a dependent child, that is set to expire at the end of this month. So really, other than getting my own insurance, which is kinda dumb when the employer plans are pretty generous, I don't have much choice.

In transitioning to Blue Shield, how different is it from Kaiser? I've done a bit of research, even found this question, but I'm still a bit in the dark about Blue Shield. How easy is it to see a specialist like a psychologist or ob/gyn? What frustrations and perks will I get with BS that Kaiser doesn't have? Can I expect the same quality care I have now?

For reference, I never had any problems with Kaiser, except when my dad's employer changed plans to a deductible version, and even that wasn't too much of a big deal for me. Kaiser even has free classes for things like social anxiety and depression, which I really needed at some point. I never got anything serious like a broken bone or illness worth worrying about. Finally, the fact that Kaiser has that all-under-one-roof convenience meant I could see a doctor then pick up my meds right afterwards - a big plus since I don't have a car and could save a trip.

Anyone went through a similar transition? What are your experiences? Should I go for HMO or PPO (if location makes any difference, I live in San Jose suburbs, work in San Francisco, and hope to move to Oakland by the beginning of next year).

Seattle Health Insurance for the newbie

mrzarquon — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 20:05:58 -0800

I just started working with a company that gives me an option to pick different plans (value or choice) from three different providers. My options are United Health Care / Definity Health (which was preselected by our HR's computer system), Blue Cross Blue Shields, or CIGNA Health. Are their any Seattle Mefites who have had experience with one, two or all of them? It appears that all of the providers offer the same level of money coverage, but I am trying to find who would be the best fit for me. I am a 25 year old male, non smoker, and I live on Capitol Hill in Seattle, WA. I have never been without coverage or insurance before, but my last job just had one provider, which was based out of Portland, so I had to use their partner network up here, which meant UW Medicine or US Health Works for any insured coverage.

I realize this may sound be like a dupe, but from prior searching I've found questions by self insured or uninsured searchs for doctors. I am trying to find a plan that will actually let me be able to visit doctors in the areas I work / live, and possibly even have parking!

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From Kaiser to Blue Shield: what's a newbie to know?

Seattle Health Insurance for the newbie