Just taking a survey to see what people's thoughts are on these dismal choices. No coverage on Non Network Medical is ridiculous
19 replies (most recent on top)
From what I've been researching, this is similar to Medicare Advantage Plans
No, they're not. These insurance companies are trying to bilk Medicare, so use is encouraged. On the other hand, when they were spending AT&T money, they knew that AT&T was going to go with the stingiest administrator.
I have Med Advantage now. UHC will give me a gift card if they can send someone to the house and manufacture some conditions, because they get more from Medicare for insured basket cases.
Classic S here, I chose the high deductible select plan, it is a consumer driven plan so I can still contribute to HSA, all my doc's and facilities are in- network. For me it's BCBSIL so there are allot of in-network. You can use the tool in the benefits center to check for in-network around your region. Basically, it's the same plan that I had before (Bronze) with the exception that there isn't any out of network coverage. Monthly cost stayed the same. Basic vision and HMO Dental.
I'm a Mobility 'management' retiree from the Surplus wave of early 2019. I picked the 'Select' plan as it's the cheapest. I understand the shock of not including out-of-network, but at least in my area I've never been out of network, and if I had a choice I wouldn't think I would pay the extra for being out of network. So, it didn't really cause much of a pause for me. I wanted the upgraded Dental and the regular vision. It is what it is, I don't really have much to compare it against.
It is worth noting that, at&t, like many large corporations, actually 'self-insure' where-in they set what they are going to cover, how much they are going to pay, what limits, etc., then they have the insurance carrier admin it, whether it's BC/BS, UHC, etc. It's funny because we can all gripe about the plans/coverage like it is the insurance company that's to blame. It really isn't.
Just my opinion but -
From what I've been researching, this is similar to Medicare Advantage Plans, which are not Medicare at all, they are completely insuarance company run HMOs or PPOs and they can delay or deny care, coverage is typically limited to your county, etc.
Medicare Supplements are under the direction of real Medicare, it's a more expensive path (Plan G high deductible is probably would I would choose) but it's more expansive, any Dr/Facility anywhere in the US that accepts Medicare (vast majority do). The Supplement Plans cover the 20% that Medicare alone does not (Medicare has no out of pocket max per year, it's a running 20%, hence a Supp plan is recommended)...
I'm still a few years away yet from Medicare. But for now I'm with this Select plan
I chose my wife’s benefits b/c they are way better!!!
When my husband and I became eligible for Medicare, my pension increased $1000 per month because ATT was no longer deducting insurance premiums from my pension for both of us. We just have to each pay $170 per month for Medicare Part B out of our social security benefit, you may even get a Medicare Advantage Plan to pay part or all of your Part B. ATTs insurance premiums are outrageous.
I only opted for dental because it was better than my wife's plan and other outside agencies. I haven't had ATT medical or vision in years. Cheaper and better elsewhere...
The days of great coverage through the company are gone. It all comes down to cost savings for the company and profit to the shareholders...
"...there is no shortage of promotions and accompanying salary increases for them [benefits people]."
Why wouldn't there be promotions in benefits? They probably are a profit center. I looked in webphone and agree with so many at high titles... not many direct reports under each level either.
As a retiree I chose Broad, best dental available and of course vision. This allows HSA contribution as a pre-Medicare retiree.
hat are most of you choosing for Dental and Vision? Looks like Spouse's is the #1 choice for medical then the Broad plan if you only have AT&T as a choice
I'm stealing pencils & post-it-notes & selling on eBay to fund a reserve for high deductibles.
" Went with my spouse’s. As I have for the last 7 or 8 years. "
By the way, this is exactly what they want to happen. Note the additional $150 surcharge to cover a spouse if that spouse is employed anywhere that offers healthcare insurance.
The funny thing is, T's offering wasn't even slightly competitive with theirs to start with. Really no need to stick the $150 surcharge in there.
"Yet, HR will get their bonuses this year for updating coverage choices that employees wanted. Keep telling BS, that is how you get ahead in this company."
If you really want to be "sick", go into webphone and look up how many people in "benefits" have high titles. Apparently, there is no shortage of promotions and accompanying salary increases for them.
There really only is one choice: Broad. I'd never take a chance with no out-of-network coverage. Plus, no HSA contribution on the others, right?
They've really turned this into coverage for catastrophes only. Unless something big happens, god forbid, never gonna hit a $3K deductible. Ridiculous.
I choose the catastrophic insurance option. That is all we have anymore.
Went with my spouse’s. As I have for the last 7 or 8 years. The numbers aren’t even in the same ballpark as far as cost or coverage.
Stop telling me how great the offerings are here. It’s complete and utter bullish!t.
For medical, make sure to check your providers and see if they are in network. Most of providers for my family were only in Broad. Take a while guess why, the other plans pays lower contract rate. Doctors don't have a shortage of patients, no way they will accept lower pay plans. There is basically zero choice, out of network is not an option with emergency coverage only.
Yet, HR will get their bonuses this year for updating coverage choices that employees wanted. Keep telling BS, that is how you get ahead in this company.
I went with the Broad package. It’s closest in cost and overage to the silver pkg I’ve chosen the last few years. Went with the higher dental as well. It was $10 more than last year.
AT&T health benefits are ridiculous. Time to ditch this company.
The dental & vison is a joke.
As far as medical, I'm using my wife's insurance. $500 deductible, family coverage cost $350 per mo. - family of 4.