Health Insurance Product Reviews (BETA)
Major Carriers and High Deductible Health Plans
Vimo Editorial: Health Plan Profile
Health Net's PPO ValueChoice 1500 is similar to their Saver 1500, with the same deductible -- but ValueChoice provides prescription drug benefits, something the Net Saver doesn't do.
Health Net may not enjoy the name recognition of a company like Blue Cross in a state like California, but it does have a comparable network. Its plans are also more aggressively priced, and the PPO ValueChoice is cheaper than the comparable Blue Cross "saver" plan, the CORE 5000.
Like most budget plans, the ValueChoice 1500 does not cover maternity, so many women may want to apply for a more expensive high-deductible plan. But unlike many competing cheap plans, it does offer benefits in some nontraditional areas, such as mental health. You’ll pay more than you would for the Health Net Saver, but it could pay off if you have significant prescription drug expenditures.
BEST FOR: Anyone looking for a cheap, cheap plan but is willing to pay a little more for prescription drug benefits.
PROS: Low, low, low price – one of the lowest premiums available. With its rock-bottom premium price, the plan actually has a relatively low deductible, although the out-of-pocket-maximum (OOPM) is noticeably higher. In addition, Health Net has an excellent network.
CONS: In addition to the high OOPM, there's the lack of maternity coverage, but this isn't unusual for a "saver" plan like this.
Vimo is committed to an objective, open and comprehensive comparison shopping experience for health insurance buyers, and we welcome suggestions, updates and corrections from consumers and the insurance community.
Health insurance companies modify their offerings quite often. Contact a licensed health insurance agent to learn more about this health plan, any recent changes to it, and to verify that its benefits are currently available in your state.
