Smooth at FL450

Try to get yourself added to the "Regular Plan Tips" Facebook page. Tons of helpful information already posted and some very knowledgeable people that may be able to answer your specific questions. And just a guess, anything pre-existing will have no issues getting covered (isn't that one of the good things to come out of the ACA?). The Regular Plan seems to be limiting when it comes to preventative stuff, but the low cost of the plan still makes it cheaper overall even if you pay out of pocket for some things.

Welcome aboard.

RJSAviator76

In my newhire class, the company was actively dissuading us from going with the Regular plan. We still decided to go with Regular, and had to call someone in Employee Benefits to enroll - wasn't automatic selection.

The math simply doesn't add up for other plans and particularly if you have a family and even more so needing actual medical care.

Some of the best plans have a monthly premium of $300+ if I'm not mistaken, and max out of pocket being something around $7000+. Don't hold me to the exact numbers, but we just looked at them and it was the easiest decision to go with Regular plan despite their best effort to sell the other plan. We actually had to use it last year and couldn't be happier with the coverage and cost.

They'll also sugarcoat their plans by telling you the limitations in life insurance with Regular plan and no preventative care.

Remember two things:

1) Get your own life insurance away from Southwest. Cannot overstate this enough. You'll be glad you did. This was one of the main reasons why I voted NO on TA2.

2) Remember to add up monthly premiums and ask yourself how much preventative care would that buy you over the year if you didn't have to pay a dime in premiums, or how much you'll spend per year even if you don't set foot inside the doctor's office.

For us, it was a no-brainer.

Welcome to Southwest!

e6bpilot

New hires:
This post is gold. Gold, Jerry!
It should be a sticky.
If you add up the costs, you will save thousands on the regular plan. If you already have tricare (mil retirees) then you can still make it work although you may endure some ass pain as a result of having a primary and secondary payer.

flysocal77

I was on the Choice plus for a couple years because thats what they tell you is the top notch plan.

I switched to the regular plan last year and couldn't be happier. With 175,000 in medical bills I paid 2500. Yes, our youngest had a very bad year!

The above info is good advise. Get a life insurance plan outside the company. I will be a no voter until its worked into our contract. Your gonna be hard pressed to spend 4K per year on preventative stuff unless you REALLY like being coddled by doctors.

barabek

Thank you guys for all the great info! I really appreciate all the answers. I was just trying to find the Facebook page mentioned by "Smooth". Maybe it's my lack of skills, but I can't find it under "page" or "group", or anything really. Anyone with more experience with Facebook, please help out. Oh, and for those wondering what classes are being offered: it looks like March classes are full (people get offered stand by for 3/21 and 3/28), and they were assigning new hires into 4/11 and 4/18 classes most recently. Good luck to everyone waiting! I feel very lucky and can't wait to start!

Smooth at FL450

looks like its only view-able to members of the group. should be easy to find someone to add you once youve started class,

Warhawg01

You're going to have to fill out a separate form and fax it to the benefits people prior to being able to sign your family up for the Regular Plan online. It won't be an option if you don't. Send them a note and they'll give you one, or someone in your class will get it. Make a copy and you should be GTG. You may have to follow up with the benefits folks.

barabek

So, a little different question. I heard recently on this forum (and not only), that Southwest is transitioning to Lufthansa IOCC system. Is it true? If yes, what do you guys know about it? When is it supposed to happen and how does the company sell it to you? From what I know from other carriers, nobody likes it. Any comments?

Nutz

I've never used it personally, but my last airline switched to it last summer and from what I gathered from the people I've kept in touch with is that it is beyond bad. From illegal releases with incorrect fuel and missing required information, to the inability to even see or request OT/ drops.
IOCC has no business being live at any airline in its current form and we should hope this one never leaves the rumor mill over here.

Tom fooloery

Anybody who got hired on Wednesday get a class date? If so when? Asking for a friend