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

Vimo Editorial: Health Plan Profile

Aiming for young and healthy people looking for quality health insurance at an affordable price, Blue Cross of California introduced its Tonik line of health plans. The Calculated Risk Taker plan was developed after surveying hundreds of young adults to determine what they wanted – and didn't– in a health plan.

The Calculated Risk Taker gives participant members unlimited physicians’ office visits every year with a $40 co-payment amount.

What young person shouldn't sign up for the Calculated Risk Taker? Young women may want to take a pass because the plan doesn't include maternity coverage. An unexpected pregnancy could result in a huge hospital bill. Blue Cross of California is known for excellent customer service, paying its claims on time and a provider network that is one of the largest in California. For health consumers looking for an affordable, high-deductible plan, the Calculated Risk Taker is one of the best on the market. Its deductible is only $1,500. Two similar Tonik plans have even higher deductibles: the Thrill Seeker ($5,000) and the Part Time Daredevil ($3,000).

While they're popular, and offer broad coverage that even includes vision, the plans won't appeal to long-term thinkers who see HDHPs as a way to save for future healthcare expenditures. These plans do not work with tax-advantaged Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

BEST FOR: Young and fit people who want coverage for catastrophic health issues.

PROS: Some benefits before you burn through your deductible, including limited vision benefits. You receive emergency room benefits beforeyou burn through your deductible (there's a $100 copay) and lab work is covered, something that many HDHPs don't do. Prescription drug benefits exist too.

CONS: No maternity coverage and no HSA compatability.