Quote Originally Posted by DuncanONeil View Post
As I remember it the Mailhandlers plan was usually the most cost effective. Last few years of service I did not carry any as the plan at wife's work was even more cost effective. So I can not remember the prices.

But if you want to talk about low cost the local teacher's union has done themselves proud. I can't remember the exact cost but it is below $60 per MONTH for the teacher. And when they retire it continues, for life, but I am not sure they have to pay at that time.

Prior approvals by insurance providers is usually one of those things that are spelled out in the offering that nobody reads and only finds out well after the fact! But how much longer will that take when it is a Government board that is making the decision.
That may be. Before I got laid off, the company I used to work for offered insurance at NO COST to employees. A private company - not federal. Only if you wanted family coverage did you have to pay out of pocket, otherwise it was free. Dr. visits through their plan was also a $10 copay, so when I had my son, the only payment I ever made was the initial $10 copay charge for my first visit to my obstetrician. I went through months of visits, I received the usual prenatal vitamins, I went to the hospital when I went into labor, had an emergency C-section, stayed three days, was discharged...and never had to pay another dime. Just my initial $10 copay.

I'm not saying federal insurance programs offered through federal employment is bad (it's not a whole lot different than employee sponsored programs), but I think what they offer federal employees is completely different than the plan Obama is proposing.

Under the plan I had with my employer, I received the best care - no questions asked. No third party involvement. No one interfering in the doctor/patient relationship. Something was recommended, my husband and I conferred with each other, it was done and the insurance company paid.