Should I change my Pacificare deductible from $1,000 to $2,000? It would go from $35 co-pay to 70/30 (%).?

Question

I have a PPO. I did not meet the $1,000 deductible last year (that's good -- means I'm healthy - not too many doctor visits).

But it's so hard to know how much each visit, lab test, scan,

colonoscopy, whatever will cost. Will I end up paying alot out of pocket? My premium is going up effective April 1st. Need to make the decision ASAP.

Thanks.

Answer 1

You will wind up paying a great deal more if you switch from $35 copay to a 70/30 co-insurance.  Assuming this is in reference to your Doctors' Visit, that can skyrocket your bills, especially for lab tests, colonoscopies and other such procedures.

I had a doctor's office visit when I had a bad flu bug last year.  The office billed the insurance company for a sum in excess of $800.  Now, for ease of math, let us say you get that $800 bill.  With a copay, you pay $35.  With the co-insurance, you first pay your deductible.  So that's $800 out of pocket.  Because you had a bad flu.

Also, chances are good that you can find better coverage elsewhere.  PacifiCare's reputation is certainly suffering for good reason right now.  You may want to look into other carriers in order to save you some dough.  Try Health Net, they're usually less expensive, friendlier and easy to work with.  

Visit an independent agent near you for further details on shopping for insurance.  They won't (or shouldn't) charge you for a quote.