Posted by Abby on October 9, 2000, at 2:39:25
> Could the Northern CA babblers please e-mail me describing their experiences with different insurers.
>
> I am currently on a University Health Insurance Plan which I don't find acceptable, and I'm looking into buying an individual policy.
>
> Under my current plan I have to go to Student Health Services first. They refer me out to prudent providers when necessary, but I wonder whether I would need to be in cardiac arrest for them to take me seriously. All services---lab tests, doctors visits, immunizations at the Student Health Service are not covered, though the fees are slightly cheaper than elsewhere. There is one psychiatrist, and I don't really like him. I don't think he passes Dr. Ivan's test as a psychopharmacology expert. He thought that 150mg of Zoloft was a very high dose. He's also off during the summer. Psychiatric care is really limited, but it is free.
> Prescriptions are discounted 50%. Outside mental health is limited to 40 visits per year, reimbursed at 80%, maximum of $50.
>
> Which plans are more likely to cover pre-existing conditions, namely my depression, and any untested thyroid abnormalities?
>
> What experiences have people had with Kaiser? Healthnet or Pacificare (the last one looks bad). Neither Blue Cross nor Blue Shield include Zoloft on their formularies. There's also a local one called Western Health Advantage run by doctors, but I don't think they sell individual policies.
>
>
> Tips on navigating the system, experiences good and bad would be most appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Abby in Cow Town
poster:Abby
thread:45987
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000926/msgs/45987.html