Bluecross/Blueshield vs UnitedHealthcare?

[jeromedawg]

Hi all,

Currently we have BCBS but with the new open enrollment there's an option for UnitedHealthcare. Anyone ever go between these? This is for an HSA plan btw and the cost is the same between both. Supposedly all the benefits, costs, coverages are the same between the two providers. I'm inclined just to stick with BCBS but wanted to get some feedback if anyone has had experiences and preferences between both providers?

TIA!

[geekette]

I have, but it's been years since we were with UHC, and across the country from you, I believe.

BCBSNC is non-profit.  UHC is not. 

The BCBS plans for the ACA in our area don't require a referral to see a specialist, but (again, in our area) UHC does.  If you take any maintenance drugs, check the formulary. 

I've heard many complaints about insurance companies, but have had very few with BCBS, and those were tied to edge cases.  The only problem I had with UHC was getting referrals - really just the time it took, not that they denied.  Seemed like silly paper shuffling to me.

[iluvzbeach]

I have not personally had BCBS but my mom has and I’ve had three family members (including DH & me) on UHC. We’ve never had any issues whatsoever with UHC, including stepmom who received a breast cancer diagnosis and resulting treatment. My mom went from BCBS to UHC without any problems with coverage or referrals. In fact, I don’t think any of our UHC plans required referrals to specialists, although the specialists generally want you to be referred by your PCP. We’re located in Oregon.

[Duke03]

It's going to come down to what the providers accept in your area.  I can pick between BCBS and UHC and I've went with UHC for the last 20 years because most doctors and most hospitals all take that around me...

[dhc]

I’ve been very unhappy with two aspects of my UHC coverage:
1. Their in-network providers in my area are extremely limited, especially for anything beyond primary care.
2. They regularly deny dental claims that my certificate of coverage states should be covered. My dentist has even complained about how much worse they are than every other dental insurance company the practice deals with.


It’s been years and a different state since I had BC/BS, but if I had the option to switch, assuming the same coverage, I would do so in a heartbeat.