We offer employees a choice of group medical plans through BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee…so how do you know which plan is right for you?

The PPO plan allows you to direct your care and decide where to obtain most services. PPO costs more in monthly premiums but offers lower annual deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and co-insurance at the point of service. If you use the plan’s in-network providers, you pay less than if you use providers who are not contracted with the plan.

The HDHP plan or High Deductible Health Plan offers lower monthly premiums but comes with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. The accompanying Health Savings Account (HSA) is designed to help pay for medical services prior to meeting the deductible. Costs can also be contained by using in-network providers.

Choosing the right plan…

Both medical plan options provide you with quality coverage for your healthcare needs. As you review your coverage options and determine what is best for your situation, here are some questions to consider:

• What matters most to me – keeping more of my paycheck or paying less when I receive services?
• How often do I anticipate needing medical services during the upcoming year?
• Am I expecting any life changes in the new year?
• Am I considering or facing a planned surgery or service that may cause me to reach my out-of-pocket maximum?
• How are prescription drugs covered? Behavioral health benefits?
• Should I cover a spouse or other dependents under my plan, or do my dependents have access to other coverage options that our family should consider?
• Do I need access to doctors who are not in certain networks?

Go to Health Insurance to review all the options in plan design and costs.