New Job, New Healthcare provider

[jcelvis]

I am considering a new position, and of course with a new job comes new insurance. Currently I am with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. The company I received the offer with use United Healthcare. I am very unaware of their policies and treatment of individuals who require HIV treatment. Anyone have United Healthcare? What's your opinion of them.

Additionally, I am trying to figure out exactly what type of coverage they have. Now that I'm positive I'm obsessed with what my coverage is, and almost don't want to leave my current job because our coverage more than suits my needs. Any suggestions how the handle these situations?

[MOONLIGHT1114]

I have had UHG since March, under their HMO plan.  I even worked for them briefly last year doing data entry.  My employer has a very good plan with them, probably more generous than usual health plans.  I am also diabetic and the coverage seems to be comparable to most other HMOs out there.

I have been covered under Maryland's ADAP as well, so they have been picking up the UHG Rx copays.  My ADAP will expire this month, since I have moved in with my BF.  Since their is more household income now, I don't qualify.

One thing that I have to do now, at the direction of UHG, is use a "special" mail order pharmacy for my meds.  Its not the usual Medco that UHG offers for a 90-day supply of meds, but rather a more specialized mail order pharmacy that will only dispense a 30-day supply at a time.  I am switching from Sustiva and Truvada to Atripla only so that I can have one less copay.  I imagine the copay for an HIV med classed as a "Tier III" med in the UHG formulary, will be $40 or $60 a month.  I'll know in early July.

As far as regular office visits and labs, the cost is relatively low for me here in Maryland.  My ID doc is now my PCP, so its a $30 copay to see him, and my labs are free.  I think the generous coverage of the labs is again due to my company taking very good care of us.

I would go to the UHG website and see if your docs are on there, and if so, see if they are under an HMO or PPO plan.  I think you should be able to access that info without registering on their website.

Best of luck!

~Cindy

[jcelvis]

I would be moving cities and relocating, so I'd also have to find a new doctor. It's a lot of work to say the least.

[Longislander]

I have Empire( NY state)/United Health Care.  I imagine being a civil servant, I have a good plan, but my Dr co-pays are 15 and my lab co-pay is $30. I don't need referrals/preapprovals and I believe they call it a a PPO (?)

I wonder if you could get more info on the plan from the co's HR dept ( if they have one)?

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

Paul