Kaiser Permanente

[Dave020]

Bob: I have heard that hoping that your BX coverage will give you good in network possibilites IF you are traveling constantly is a false hope because BX is owned by different entities nationwide and although they proclaim a nationally linked network getting one ownerships network to work with another is like being in the middle of a street fight.

I addressed this in the other thread but I have never had anyone use the BlueCard PPO network with any difficulties. As a matter of fact, it allows the local Blue where services are rendered to pre-auth without having to clear it with the home state Blue, which is very handy and speeds things up. BCBS MN can pre-auth a Blue Cross CA patient and do the procedure there, and it gets paid at par level.

Remember it is only for PPO, not HMO, POS nor EPO plans.
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I think your agent should be working on your behalf to get claims paid. Otherwise he should give you back his commission.

Rick

In this case I have to disagree to a degree. KP is not like other carriers, agents have VERY limited ability to do anything with them relative to what they can do with say BX or another open carrier.

Also, having been with KP in the past, they are very reluctant to pay any claims without at least 3 appeals.

KP is great for preventative care, but don't get really sick.

 

[somarco]

Mark, even if you can't change carriers, that does not mean your wife & kid must stay with KP. If you are that dissatisfied, move them to a better plan.

 

[Bob_The_Insurance_Guy]

My recommendation (#1 might disagree) is Coventry, simply for the Dental and Xray and Lab included with Doc visit.