Which should I choose? CareFirst (BCBS... - Lung Cancer Support

Lung Cancer Support

3,990 members2,163 posts

Which should I choose? CareFirst (BCBS) vs Aetna vs Cigna vs UnitedHealthcare

weisheke profile image
9 Replies

The company I work for has been bought out, because of that, I need to enroll in another health plan in a week or so. The choices are-

. CareFirst (BCBS)

. Aetna

. Cigna

. UnitedHealthcare

As cancer patient, I need to enroll into one that offers the best coverage and least inclination to dispute claims. Currently I am with Anthem, in the past, they denied payment for claims and denied authorizations, I like to avoid that as much as possible. If you have experience with any of these carriers, can you share please?

Written by
weisheke profile image
weisheke
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
9 Replies
Lexis6767 profile image
Lexis6767

I only have experience with United (my previous insurer) and Cigna (my current) - both as high deductible HSA plans.

I've been battling stage 4 nsclc for two years now, and had United last year and Cigna for this year. I had a better experience with United, though Cigna hasn't even billed me all my deductible yet for 2018. I think they're still working out the bills.

United didn't deny anything. Cigna denied my second CT scan because they couldn't decide if it was "medically necessary" though my records show I'm scanned every four months. I paid that one out of pocket.

In my opinion, United was much better. I wish you the best!!

Denzie profile image
DenzieModeratorVolunteer

I had good luck with Aetna.

Spainy profile image
Spainy

Very poor experience with Aetna and they’ve lied to the federal government to undermine Obamacare. Check with all the carriers and give them your medical history. Each state is different too.

Denzie profile image
DenzieModeratorVolunteer in reply to Spainy

Sorry your experience was so bad. I wasn’t aware of this ACA thing.

weisheke profile image
weisheke in reply to Spainy

I will avoid Aetna then. Thank you!

katherineNED profile image
katherineNED

I've had United since I was diagnosed 4 years ago. Other than a glitch when first diagnosed (slow authorizing PET scan), they have approved all treatment that my doctor has requested. I am satisfied with them.

ThePurplePlace profile image
ThePurplePlace

I'm covered mmvy an Aetna plan through my husband's employer. It's a high deductible plan and offers an HSA, which we fund with payroll deductions. Needless to say we spend a ton of money out of pocket for my care. If we had an option for a better plan we'd take it in a heartbeat. We had great great plans with far better coverage for years, until his company was sold just a year before my diagnosis. In our state they only offer high ded plans. Yet employees in other states have great full coverage options, seems so unfair.

Overall Aetna is okay. They've denied claims in error and I have to take time to call and have them reprocessed, luckily I understand billing and claims so I follow them closely, it's important to me they are paid and processed correctly so I meet my deductible and co insurance. My hubby would be very frustrated and lost doing this, I'm teaching him for the future, but ultimately it's something that should not happen. Many tests require pre approval, but the hospital handles that and we've had no issues.

I wish you luck and hope they offer good plans with great coverage...cancer treatment is very expensive. We've paid close to $20k out of pocket...not fun.

Lisa

weisheke profile image
weisheke in reply to ThePurplePlace

Thank you, Lisa. I wish you the best

weisheke profile image
weisheke

Hi, Thank you all very much for your advice. I will likely go with CareFirst (BCBS) based on my oncology's recommendation. He and his staff said they have less issue with CareFirst, when compare with Aetna, Cigna and United. Best wishes to you all.

You may also like...

How should I feel after a lobectomy?

called). Should I be feeling “normal” now. Currently, I have pain below my breasts for which I...

How long before I should see my local hospital doctor

NED means I should feel happy, right?

2021. I know surgery is not the usual treatment plan with Stage IV, but for me it seemed like a good

IMRT appeal denied for a SECOND time - case closed now

doctor - denied. Patient appeal and doctor medical appeal again - denied for final time today. They...

My dad got IMRT today!!!!!!

IMRT. Thank you to those for fighting to give my dad the best chance at living. And, Denzie, you...