Health Insurance Product Reviews (BETA)
Major Carriers and High Deductible Health Plans

Vimo Editorial: Health Plan Profile

This is the absolute cheapest of the Blue Cross Basic PPO plans, with a sky-high $5,000 deductible. But this offers some additional pre-deductible benefits that the non-Saver plans don't.

This plans offers a generic drug benefit for a $10 copay, not subject to the deductible, and a $30 brand name benefit subject to a $500 copay. There's even a $25 benefit toward acupuncture and acupressure treatments.

In short, the Basic PPO Saver plan is different enough from the PPO 1000 and PPO 2500 plans, that you may want to take a second look at it. It isn't just a higher deductible version of those two plans. Blue Cross seems to recognize that buyers want some benefit before they've been forced to pay a $5,000 deductible. But, it's important to remember that with a deductible that high, you will have major expenses in the event of a medical emergency.

BEST FOR: Someone will to pay low premiums in exchange for a high deductible, but wants to enjoy some benefits before spending that sky-high deductible.

PROS: The acupuncture and acupressure benefits are unusual for a high-deductible plan like this. You also receive two doctor visits not subject to the deductible each year – with a $30 copay.

CONS: The reason for the plan's low premium price is its high deductible. You need to be prepared financially for a medical emergency, because your own expenses will still be high if one happens.