I had a PPO plan with an 80-20 [percent] co-insurance. It also had a high deductible.
In 2012, we paid more than $14,000 in medical bills. My wife had a couple of surgeries and I had to go in for surgery. We were just paying money right and left because of the deductible and because of the 80-20 co-insurance. It was crazy.
I just signed up for an HMO plan through Kaiser that will reduce my deductibles from $7,500 to zero. Also, my monthly insurance premiums will drop from $455 to $410. Previously, I could not get an HMO plan.
My wife and I are considering having a second child. With my old plan, I would have had to pay another $10,000. Now, with this new plan, I only have to pay a $500 co-payment for delivery. It's a gold plan.
It's a huge money saver. If my wife needs another surgery. I don't have to worry about that crazy deductible. I was considering having a necessary procedure, but I had delayed it because I was terrified of the costs.
Honestly, the good plans are there if people would just look for them and take the time to understand the plans.
