Thanks everyone! Great discussion. Helpful advice on SHINE and the pdf with the list of providers. I have decided to keep my BCBS. Just some follow up points for info and I'll be done.
1. I have been using the BCBS provider list for decades. All the TVH doctors are on it. That's how I got into this mess to begin with. A TVH rep at the recent Lifestyle Expo told me that yes they take it, but if you are 65+ you have to be in one of their two programs like FL Blue to be in TVH (I forget the other one).
2. The FL Blue rep (employee of Fl Blue) is the one who called the system an HMO, not me.
3. On the surface, switching to FL Blue and suspending BCBS could save us a $2-3K a year in premiums under normal health issues, but we like the flexibility and international coverage of BCBS.
4. I'm still investigating whether some of the TVH specialists have other practices that do take BCBS as a supplement outside of TVH, but it's not critical to me at this time.
Stay Healthy!
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