Posted by Abby on October 9, 2000, at 0:52:45
Could the Northern CA babblers please e-mail me describing their experiences with different insurers.
I am currently on a University Health Insurance Plan which I don't find acceptable, and I'm looking into buying an individual policy.
Under my current plan I have to go to Student Health Services first. They refer me out to prudent providers when necessary, but I wonder whether I would need to be in cardiac arrest for them to take me seriously. All services---lab tests, doctors visits, immunizations at the Student Health Service are not covered, though the fees are slightly cheaper than elsewhere. There is one psychiatrist, and I don't really like him. I don't think he passes Dr. Ivan's test as a psychopharmacology expert. He thought that 150mg of Zoloft was a very high dose. He's also off during the summer. Psychiatric care is really limited, but it is free.
Prescriptions are discounted 50%. Outside mental health is limited to 40 visits per year, reimbursed at 80%, maximum of $50.Which plans are more likely to cover pre-existing conditions, namely my depression, and any untested thyroid abnormalities?
What experiences have people had with Kaiser? Healthnet or Pacificare (the last one looks bad). Neither Blue Cross nor Blue Shield include Zoloft on their formularies. There's also a local one called Western Health Advantage run by doctors, but I don't think they sell individual policies.
Tips on navigating the system, experiences good and bad would be most appreciated.Thanks,
Abby in Cow Town
poster:Abby
thread:885
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/885.html