Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

[Louisville Slugger]

Originally Posted by 495neighbor

Still say go with the more expensive one.

Okay, I am going to call my parents tonight and see what they say. Total votes on the more expensive plan is now exceeding the "Limited Network" plan.

[flowbe202]

Yes, we are all young and invincible.

Interesting story on WBUR this afternoon discussing lower cost health care plans; might want to listen to it:

Patients With Low-Cost Insurance Struggle To Find Specialists | WBUR & NPR

[tribechamy]

If the copays & deductibles etc really are all the same between the two plans (and definitely check, sometimes those lists look almost the same but one or two items could be off) then it probably does come down to network and yes, you would probably be better going full network.

Not only does a full network plan open your choices of PCP, but it means that there is a greater likelihood that if you do need to see a specialist you can see one that your PCP recommends instead of just going with what your insurance will cover. Another thing about "networks" is they may not match your geographic area - even if you live in downtown Boston next to a world-class hospital your closest covered doctor may be in an office park in the 'burbs. YMMV obviously, you'd have to start looking up doctors with the limited plan to know for sure.

You are also more likely to be covered if you need to make an ER visit while travelling (or maybe even close to home) We got stuck with this once - our son had a random injury while we were making a pit stop driving between states and we had to find the closest ER. Turned out ok in the end and insurance did cover part of it but because it was "out of network" it was a very expensive visit. Again YMMV but it's another thing to look up - what are the limitations on emergency visits? You may not mind going out of your way for a PCP visit but emergencies just happen and ambulances take you to wherever is closest.