list

I remember last year hearing that Core PPO is what we want as pilots and not United PPO... I forget the reasons why. Is there anyone on here that knows the basic differences and a quick run down of those? TIA

82spukram

Core is the UPA required plan. The other is United PPO. The cost are protected in the UPA as well as what’s covered. If United decides not to cover something then you can turn to the Union for help. Non core plans you have to fight for yourself.

clearskys

How much a month is the medical plan and how high is the deductible?

list

OK thanks, it's coming back to me now. It's a bit more expensive (core) like 2K for my family, deductible is less though, and coverage is higher 95% over 80% for the united plan. What medical conditions are known for companies not covering them?

Brickfire

There are some thing like 15 choices. All over the place.

Brickfire

That sort of stuff gets into the weeds quickly. Not usually a straightforward "we won't cover X". More often something like "we only allow 4 visits at physical therapy a year for X diagnosis". Or "we don't pay for X therapy for Y diagnosis". Or "we require your family member to have a BMI of 40 and 2 comorbid conditions and to have failed 36 months of non-surgical therapy before covering bariatric surgery"

Had a friend (not insured/employed at United) who had a brain tumor and was recommended one type of radiation therapy that focused on the tumor. Nothing exotic or experimental but his insurer wouldn't pay. Family came up with $100k out of pocket to get the treatment which had a much better side effect profile compared to the other, cheaper type of radiation therapy (which just blasted the whole brain) that the insurance company would cover. That's the sort of situation I expect a grievance process would help.

01110011

Do you know if they’ll go to bat for you with the prescription coverage? I’m getting screwed by CVS/Caremark to the tune of like 12k a year in non-covered prescriptions.

FAAFlyer

I have the Core PPO plan and even though it is pricier I think it is worth it. I ended up having pericarditis this year and I was happy I didn't go with a cheaper plan. Health care expenses add up real fast.

Duckdude

ALPA says the core plan has a larger network than the United plan as well. That could be a big deal.

82spukram

Not sure. The advantage is that you can file a PDR and you can ask them.

btw I have had 4 kids, multiple ER visits, wife had a long hospital stay. I used United PPO and Core PPO. No issues with either. I have heard the biggest hurdle between Core plans and United plans is coverage for mental illness. I flew with a few people who kids needed care and the United plan was a nightmare according to them. I do not have any first hand experience but that has been the complaint I have heard from others.

we use Core PPO and I don’t see myself changing. I consider PPO 1250 so I could put extra in HSA and get away from Flex but for 23 it’s still PPO for me.