I'm not sure if this is a permissible topic or not, but if so, I'm seeking any experiences people can offer with their insurance coverage from either of these companies. I'm switching jobs and am deliberating between a company that offers Cigna PPO and another that offers United HSA (but the company covers the HSA deductible). Obviously I know that I will be a regular user of the medical insurance benefits for my future cancer treatments. While I can compare the benefits sheets, as we all know, insurance companies can always try to save money by denying treatments for lack of medical necessity, but I don't know any way of determining which companies are better at approving treatments than to ask a forum such as this.
If this is an unallowable topic for some reason, I apologize in advance and expect that the post will be removed.
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DJBUNK
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It is most certainly an allowable subject on this forum. Your question is complicated due to the varying regulations from state to state. You might do better to ask an insurance broker. Set up a consultation visit. You may have to pay for it but it would be worth it.
Others on this list may have some personal experience with one of this carriers.
I don't have anything to offer on these companies. As far as discussing this goes, I'd say it's unlikely to be a problem.
But if it is a problem, you always have private messaging that can be used.
Here's some general information I found comparing the two.
This day and age, it is all about the Network, and ALL care team providers need to be in network.
I personally have a UHC PPO with an HSA. My max out of pocket is $7k, with zero co pay. I have Mayo as in network. This year i used it a lot! There has been absolutely zero problems with what was charged and what was approved. If you are considering Mayo as a care team, UHC has a great relationship with them.
Just my 2cents.
Maybe check with your care teams billing department for suggestions too....
Good Luck to you! Less stress is what we all need, and knowing all is covered is a huge stress relief. Good for you to check on this.
Hi DJ - I'm a broker in Ohio. If I were you I would chose UHC over CIGNA. UHC has a better network typically. Considering that your employer is paying your HSA deductible - chose UHC. We have a high deductible health plan and we weigh the cost - we also meet our deductible the first week in January every year, unfortunately. Best of luck to you - Happy Thanksgiving
I have had UHC both low deductible and HSA over the years and currently Have UHC low deductible. They have been great so far. I would go with UHC. I had Aetna previously and they were pretty good as well.
Hi it looks like you in late fifties. So your like years away from Medicare. But I wanted to mention something everyone should be aware of.
I see a insurance broker as there are so many tricks imbedded in insurance that you'll never be aware of, and what insurance is available to you depends on the state and county you live in.
But stay away from Medicare ADVANTAGE plans at all cost. IMO these should be outlawed. It's a disgrace they are allowed at all.
So when you apply for Medicare you get only ONE chance to be exempt from pre existing conditions without a health exam. If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan you give up that right to go back to regular Medicare to get the specialists and care you'll need for cancer for example.
Agree! Medicare Advantage plans are so heavily marketed because they are profitable for the company, not because they are advantageous for the patient. Go supplemental instead.
In 1998 I was employed at a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant. A multi-billion dollar company had opened operations in my state. The company was based in New Jersey and Connecticut. The employees in New Jersey and Connecticut were very happy with Cigna. Cigna was the insurance the company gave to us. Cigna reps came to the plant meeting with us. We employees were told that it was a company that could compete with the best around. A list of "providers" was provided. In 2000 I had sinus problems. Drainage from my sinuses while sleeping caused pneumonia in one lung and a perforated eardrum that was leaking fluid. I looked at the list of providers. I could not get an appointment until some "future time". The classic conversation I remember was "next month". I went to the walk in clinic nearby and was diagnosed with pneumonia and the perforated ear drum, given a couple prescriptions and in a couple days returned to work --even on Thanksgiving--to meet the deadline of a batch that needed to be shipped. Shipped -- the batch brought in millions--failing to ship there would a monetary penalty in the contract that would be --expensive.
I had given the walk in clinic my Cigna card. Cigna had been billed and then requested this or that. Rebilled by the walk in Cigna again had requests. I get a letter from the walk in. I now send Cigna some type of info they request. Another request for something else. It is obvious that Cigna has a practice of denying. One of the HR people mentioned at a meeting that some have had trouble with Cigna and to contact him. He would try do facilitate payments. I showed him the communications between Cigna, the walk in and myself. It is now the spring after. The walk in had politely requested payment from me as their efforts to be compensated by Cigna were continually returned with a request for this or that--as well or in addition to. I told the HR person that if I ever needed to go to the walk in the future I might be denied treatment. I paid the bill! I did!
An email went out from HR inviting everyone to attend a small breakfast at which the president of Blue Cross in our state would speak about what Blue Cross could do for us. He did and at the end we were asked for a show of hands from those who wished to switch health care insurance. it was unanimous!
There was concern at the upper level that experienced employees would leave because of the difficulties presented by Cigna.
The bill I paid and was never reimbursed for was between $600 and $700.
I still have the written commendation from the pharma company's vice president thanking me for working through Thanksgiving to ensure that the batch was delivered as per contract.
That was 20 years ago. In some regions Cigna is well liked. Not so much in my area.
Everyone was happy with Blue Cross and Blue Cross was an incentive for future employees that the company wanted as new hires.
As for United Health Care --there are some here that can tell of their experiences.
My post when out before finished. So if you choose a ADVANTAGE plan you can no longer get regular Medicare accepted all over the country, at top hospitals etc without a health exam. The insurance companies can also now charge you what every they want or require you to take health exams which you can then be denied coverage for part B potentially part D?I see ADVANTAGE plans as a way to get around covering people with pre existing conditions and large medical costs.
I have no experience with United but I had Cigna for many years and was not happy with them. As long things were more or less routine they were fine. But since I was dx’d they refused to pay for an Axumin scan and my radiation. They finally paid for radiation after I went through three rounds of appeals. They also refused to pay for some treatment for my daughter until I went through three rounds of appeals. I’ve since switched to Blue Cross. No problems yet but there has been nothing yet that hasn’t been routine.
As a pharmacist with over 30 years of dealing with insurance companies; I would respectfully advise you, if you have a choice, to stay as far away from United Healthcare as you can, DJBUNK
I worked for both CIGNA and UHC, though in later years moved over to UHC's Optum health division. I've never in 14 years even had a claim questioned by UHC. Since I retired and was a long term employee I am still covered by UHC extended COBRA plan until I become eligible for Medicare. I retired in 2015 when I was diagnosed with PCA. Treated at the Oof M, MN Oncology and the Mayo. Still have never had a claim not paid in full.
Prior to going to Optum (United Healthgroup) I was at CIGNA. This was around the time they introduced high deductible health plans. Even with such high deductibles, they would deny claims and make people jump through hoops to get them paid. I was on the inside and had trouble. I couldn't imagine someone who doesn't understand insurance has to endure.
These are my personal and real histories. All things being equal, I would go with UHC personally.
Thank you all for your advice and comments. Insurance is such a tricky business which is very unfortunate. Too many companies save money through unwarranted coverage denials and hidden excess costs, making it extremely difficult for anyone to make an informed decision. We need more transparency on health care costs and insurance coverage.
You are certainly right, DJ, health insurance is tricky and complicated. I wanted to briefly share my experience. I have UNH Medicare Advantage PPO. I am in a large group plan through the Arizona State Retirement System. I had my RP three years ago and visited at least ten Doctors before deciding on treatment; had the 3TmpMRI, targeted biopsy, etc. UNH covered everything other than co-pays, no questions asked. Subsequently, I've had three lithotripsies for kidney stones, colonoscopies, various scans, etc. and all I have ever paid for is co-pays, maybe $400 total in the past four years. I think my RALRP cost me $80. I can go to any Doctor I want in the U.S. as long as they accept Medicare, no referrals needed, in or out of network. Hence, I have been delighted with my UNH plan. Best of luck to you!
The company I work for recently switched to United Healthcare, and I would definitely not recommend them. I have had most all of the major insurance carriers over the years, and I can say for certain that United is by far the worst. They are very good at denying treatments and drugs...... not very good at much else.
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