Health Insurance Options

Skeptic1202 · May 21, 2017

My PM did not know the answer to my question regarding health insurance, so I figured I would ask here. I am afraid I already know the answer, but I can hope, right?

I signed up for UnitedHealth when given the option last year but have quickly found out that it is crap insurance and barely covers anything. Of course, I found this out the hard way and now have $3k in medical bills for what should have been pretty routine procedures. Anyway, soon I will be taking an aux route. If my memory serves correct, RCAs on aux routes used to get health care before the open enrollment last summer. Do aux route RCAs get better health insurance options (i.e. Anthem)? My boyfriend is a regular and his health insurance is far superior to mine (he's had 2X the amount of stuff done and no huge bills) and I am hoping I will have a chance to jump on to a better plan.

So, does anybody know or know where I can look/ask to find out?

Thanks in advance.

wfillbra · May 21, 2017

As an RCA, your option is United Health. A regular and PTF are career employees and have full access to Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB). I thought at one time, an RCA could access FEHB but carry the full cost. Hardly affordable for anyone at a full cost of over $1000/month. To see the full range of plans, go to OPM.gov and search for Health Benefits. I believe it will also show you who is elgible.

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mtyler27 · May 22, 2017

Hmmmm.... I missed signing up in my first 60 days, so would have to wait until open enrollment. But your post makes me think maybe I'll just remain uninsured....

Guin · May 24, 2017

When I was on hold down about a year ago, I did not have access to better healthcare options. One thing you can do however, and if you are a union member, is sign up for the unions form of health coverage at the same time as being under the United Healthcare plan. When one doesn't cover something sometimes the other one will. Admittedly neither are great and I wasn't happy with them, but it's better then having absolutely nothing.

Cliff Clavin · May 26, 2017

I have UnitedHealthcare and it has really great for me. I had major surgery earlier and it paid well. PLUS it is so cheap, like $40 a pay period. Before it was offered to RCA's I had to pay for my own Blue Cross to the tune of 800/month and the benefits were not any better.

MiddleOfNowhere · May 27, 2017

your best option is to get married to your boyfriend, and with a change in life event, change his plan, to a family plan. then you can drop your insurance.

gotstamps · May 27, 2017

One thing I can say to ALL carriers... although you may be 'happy' with the insurance you have, when "open season" comes around, DO research ALL insurances as to their changes & prices. A few carriers that were 'happy' didn't bother researching anything and got a VERY RUDE awakening when the same insurance suddenly cost $100 more per PAY PERIOD!

Now that my hubby has passed, I have changed companies saving me about $100 & I never go to the Dr. I had changed from this 'new' one last open season due to price/medication issues & 'catastrophic max' was less than the upcharge we would be paying for if we stayed. Two years prior, I changed off of another company due to that one increasing the copay on one of his constant meds from $60 to 1/2 cost (approx $1200) every month.

EVERY Open Season, please take the time to research & compare all insurance options and you won't get any surprises later.

Cliff Clavin · May 28, 2017

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">MiddleOfNowhere said 
your best option is to get married to your boyfriend, and with a change in life event, change his plan, to a family plan. then you can drop your insurance. </blockquote>
Get married??? 

For Insurance???

What have you been smoking??? 

Just kidding! <img title="Cool" alt="Cool" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-cool.gif" />