Healthcare Insurance - Aetna vs. UHC vs. Oxford

Original post by september2004

Oct 11, 2005 11:18 AM

Help!

I don't know if I should switch to DH's coverage or stick with mine. He has open enrollment this week and I have to make a decision. He has 3 options - UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus, Aetna HMO, or an Oxford Plan. I currently have an Aetna POS.

Back in the day Oxford was great, but over the years I heard it went downhill. Comparing these plans is driving me crazy, any input from those who have any experience with any of these would be helpful...

Thanks!

Wintersbride Posted: Oct 12, 2005 02:41 PM

Re: Healthcare Insurance - Aetna vs. UHC vs. Oxford

Oxford and United merged this year BTW.

Aetna is a better rate, but I would look into what kind of coverage you get with them. If you will have high deductables/Copays or will not be covered for certain things, that is something to consider. Find out if they are offering HMO, PPO, EPO, or POS.

ETA: I noticed you said it was an HMO for Aetna, just keep in mind you may be limited because you can not go out of network and you'll need referals. On the brighter side, it will probably cost less then your current POS plan's 4th quarter rates. If the UHC plan is a PPO, which it sounds like, you will probably get more for your money.

AtticaQT Posted: Oct 12, 2005 05:44 PM

Re: Healthcare Insurance - Aetna vs. UHC vs. Oxford

Posted by september2004

Posted by eogara

I have Oxford Freedom, my company switched over from Guardian. It's accepted by more doctors than my old one was BUT now we need referrals, which is a big PITA. My pills also went up to $20 from $10.

Good luck. There are so few now that are actually good plans - it's just the lesser of the two evils (or in your case, 3).
I Don't know if DH's is freedom or liberty, I'm suprised to hear you need referrals, when I had them I don't think I did, but so much has changed...I can't keep up...

THe oxford freedom plan definitely needs referals