Who has UNICARE? We're moving to Blue Cross. (health insurance, home)

[TexasNick]

I have UNICARE health insurance and got a notice that they will be shutting down by the end of this year. The reason is for the high costs or providing the service. If you're on UNICARE like me, we will be automatically switched over to Blue Cross.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this? So far so good.

[Joeyrogers]

It is not good at all. My premiums have increased from $326 per month to $773 per month with this transition. No more insurance
on my end. Did anyone else get a large increase also when switched to BCBS from Unicare!

[TexasNick]

Joey,
I was shocked as well, but then further in the mailing material they sent you there's a note saying taht the premium is for 2 months! So with $773, you'd be paying that once every 2 months.

[TexasHorseLady]

I got the letter from Unicare but haven't heard from BCBS yet. Since I was REALLY unhappy with Unicare, this may be a good thing, but if the premium jumps dramatically, I'll be among the uninsured.

The Unicare mailing made it sound like we'd have to jump through a lot of hoops in order for the transition to be "automatic". Anyone else been through it successfully yet?

[TexasNick]

THL,
It made it sound easy for me. Did we not get the same thing?

My premium increase came out to be about $5 more per month. That's fine since BCBS is higher tier in quality. A while back you and I were discussing Unicare and I remember you saying you didn't like it. Well, sounds like this move to BCBS may be better. At least we should have more choices. I could not go to some of the local clinics because of Unicare. Unicare WAS cheaper, though.

[Joeyrogers]

Texas Nick,
You are correct there is a bright colored sheet of green paper to let people know that the payment is for two months. I redid the math and found the following;
was paying $306 each month to Unicare for last year and then they increased it to $376 last
month and they called my home several times to make sure I received the increase notice.
So $376 x 2 = $752 for two months of Unicare and now $773 for two months of BCBSTX.
The $300 of now two months ago is now close to $400 per month.
That is still better than $773 per month, thanks for
pointing out that green sheet that I am sure most people will not notice. Also the deductible increased by $500 per year equating to another $40/month but the BCBSTX preventative care may be the equalizer. Will call BCBSTX tomorrow to confirm the amounts allowed when compared to Unicare. Unicare made us pay almost all of the preventative care which was close to $750/year.

[dlaggie2002]

Beware of the rate Blue Cross is offering you if you are one of these affect Unicare clients. The rate (in most cases) is more than if you were to apply with Blue Cross directly. If you were to do this, you will need to be healthy enought to get approved as Blue Cross will make you go through underwriting. I am a Texas insurance agent, If you would like to speak to me about this transition or have any questions, please call me. Dusty 888-997-1068.