DH is getting close to retirement. He will be offered retiree medical from his company, but it will still be pretty expensive AND it is not guaranteed. There is a disclaimer that they can discontinue it at any time. We both turn 55 this year so it will be 10 years before we will get Medicare (if at all).
We are considering breaking away from the company and going with Kaiser which is not a retiree medical benefit option. I called Kaiser Permanente today and they are sending me information about costs and benefits.
Here are my concerns:
What % increase have people experienced in premiums, deductibles, and co-pays over the last few years? Obviously the rates are going to increase; I'm just trying to get an idea of how bad our costs might get.
Also, how cooperative are they in allowing you to handle your own care? Does your primary care physician have to refer you to a Kaiser specialist if you want to see one (dermatology, gastrointerology, etc.) or are you allowed to just make an appointment when you want to see a specialist?
In addition, I am looking for any other feelings about the quality of care that RETIREES get from Kaiser, pro or con, who are not subsidized through a company retiree medical program or Medicare.
TIA
We are considering breaking away from the company and going with Kaiser which is not a retiree medical benefit option. I called Kaiser Permanente today and they are sending me information about costs and benefits.
Here are my concerns:
What % increase have people experienced in premiums, deductibles, and co-pays over the last few years? Obviously the rates are going to increase; I'm just trying to get an idea of how bad our costs might get.
Also, how cooperative are they in allowing you to handle your own care? Does your primary care physician have to refer you to a Kaiser specialist if you want to see one (dermatology, gastrointerology, etc.) or are you allowed to just make an appointment when you want to see a specialist?
In addition, I am looking for any other feelings about the quality of care that RETIREES get from Kaiser, pro or con, who are not subsidized through a company retiree medical program or Medicare.
TIA
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