[NIPAS K-9]

I would appreciate any advice about CIGNA Insurance vs BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD Insurance in the villages, which is better there? and why? I have a choice to change before i retire and move there soon. Thanks to all for your help.

[Chi-Town]

If you are talking about a PPO then Blue Cross Blue Shield should be your choice. I have had both since living here, and it's not even close.

[Bizdoc]

It also depends on the Blue Cross plan (they are not equal). The "national plans" like FEP Blue are super duper and work like a charm everywhere in the US and lots of places in Canada. If it is something like Mountain State BC, not so good as you will be "out of network".

I suspect CIGNA is similar. CIGNA coverage has improved dramatically since 2012. (CIGNA actually runs a bunch of programs for FEHBP like Mail Handlers and SAMBA).

Be sure to look up what providers are covered by your program.

[NIPAS K-9]

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

If you are talking about a PPO then Blue Cross Blue Shield should be your choice. I have had both since living here, and it's not even close.

THANK YOU, for responding.

[NIPAS K-9]

Originally Posted by Bizdoc

It also depends on the Blue Cross plan (they are not equal). The "national plans" like FEP Blue are super duper and work like a charm everywhere in the US and lots of places in Canada. If it is something like Mountain State BC, not so good as you will be "out of network".

I suspect CIGNA is similar. CIGNA coverage has improved dramatically since 2012. (CIGNA actually runs a bunch of programs for FEHBP like Mail Handlers and SAMBA).

Be sure to look up what providers are covered by your program.

THANK YOU, for responding.If anyone else has in input, its appreciated. Thanks to all.

[JodyinVermont]

Originally Posted by NIPAS K-9

I would appreciate any advice about CIGNA Insurance vs BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD Insurance in the villages, which is better there? and why? I have a choice to change before i retire and move there soon. Thanks to all for your help.

Having moved from Vermont to the Villages, we dropped BCBSVT for CIGNA/Assurant based on the recommendation of a friend of a neighbor. This was a HUGE mistake!! Hardly any of the care facilities in TV are in network with CIGNA. Unless they improve dramatically, I would steer clear of CIGNA, period.

Based on our subsequent research, and discussions with care facility staff (specifically post-stroke rehab), we've learned that United Health Care, BCBS, and Humana rank highest on their list of providers. I hear, too, that Tri-Care is supposed to be pretty good but we've not reviewed their coverage yet. None suggest SIGNA.

Good luck. Be specific in what it is you need covered and select the insurance accordingly. We didn't, and we're paying for it dearly with our health, plus out of pocket expenses.

[tcxr750]

If you are retired military and are Tricare eligible you can also have Other Health Insurance. Example...I have Medicare, BCBSIL and Tricare for Life. Medicare pays first, BCBSIL second and TFL third. There is no cost for TFL so I use it. It also applies if you have prescription coverage through Other Health Insurance. Tricare's Express Scripts reimburses some of your unpaid prescription costs. Go to the Tricare website and you will find additional information.
I saw your reference to Tricare and thought you may be retired military.

[2BNTV]

I have the BC/BS Florida Blue HMO Plan. It is a medical advantage plan that covers prescriptions. My pan requires referrals for my PCP to see specialists and the process is a painful. Customer service at FL Blue leaves a lot to be desired, in terms of dispensing accurate information. IMHO

It is geared towards healthy people who don't think they will need to be hospitalized, periodically. It also contains a prescription program that pays almost all of my prescriptions, that I need to take.

If one has a condition that needs periodic hospital care then Medicare with prescription coverage plus a supplement is the way to go, if one wants total peace of mind, and no out of pocket expenses. A more expensive option in premiums.

One needs to decide what plan, best suits their medical needs. I would also be concerned about finding a good PCP, as that makes a big difference in the care you receive.

[Medtrans]

We will be in this situation soon with having to pay for our health ins on our own in full until we hit 65 and can then have Medicare with a supplement. I just know that paying for a good policy with or without the supplement is the best way to go if you can. I can just speak from experience with my mother who over years and years of coverage has never paid a dime out of pocket. This includes hospitalizations, specialists, outpatient testing, etc. I don't think she got the prescription part so just goes by her Medicare on that part (I think). I don't know yet what the cost is for that kind of plan but I will surely do my research.

[NotGolfer]

If you can wait til you move here, I'd visit with an independent insurance person who can better direct you to what will be your best option. They will go over your medications and health issues (if any). We did this just before Medicare kicked in for us (and just before our move here) with an agent up north. We later changed after we became permenent residents in FL. On TOTV you'll get many, many opinions so it's best to sort them out and go with what's closest to your needs.