Vimo Editorial: Health Plan Profile
Editorial review written by Erik Espe, Vimo Research Group
Source: Kaiser Permanente brochure
Last Updated: 03/10/2008
With a calendar-year deductible of $1,500 ($3,000 for a family), this Kaiser plan offers low premiums and plenty of pre-deductible benefits. Prior to spending your deductible, you can make family planning, prenatal care and "well-child" visits for a small $30 copay. Vaccines and health education group visits are available at no cost prior to the deductible.
The plan has high out-of-pocket costs – there's an out-of-pocket maximum of $3,500 for individuals or $7,000 for families – which you're going to pay in exchange for its lower premiums.
BEST FOR: Someone looking for an HMO plan with low premiums.
PROS: Kaiser is one of the most respected and best-known health maintenance organizations (HMOs) in the world.
CONS: The plan comes with separate $250 deductible for brand name drugs. It also doesn't qualify the holder for an HSA.
