Question on Massachusetts Healthcare exchange

[Sarah S]

Has anyone been able to view the list of insurances that are part of the subsidy program? The computer will not let me see them and customer service can't resolve it Is either Tufts or Blue cross on the list? Thanks in advance for any answers!

 

[zelda01]

Nikki - I don't know if they are on the subsidy program. But Tufts and Blue Cross are on the non-subsidy program. However, sometimes I see them, and sometimes I don't. The site seems a little buggy. Just now I tried it, and I got at least 1 Tufts and 1 Blue Cross to appear for each tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum).

So I think you may want to try again over the next few days. Other bugs I am seeing is that when I select my provider(s) as a filter, sometimes I get Blue Cross (which I'm interested in), and sometimes I don't.

So personally I am waiting until the site stabilizes a little, before making my selections.

It would be nice for you to at least see the policies and compare them. Do you have to create an account in order to see the options? For non-subsidy I don't, but I tried to do subsidized option just now, and it forces me to create an account. Can you say that your income is higher, just for the sake of seeing what plans are available?

 

[Sarah S]

Thanks for replying. I have been able to see the options for non subsidy as a browser and I know what you mean about the choices changing I have seen from 77 to 92 choices. The provider finder tool is definitely buggy! Found 5 listings for my pcp all with the same address and phone number. If I put in all of them it gives what I am 99 percent sure are incorrect plans. No harvard pilgrim which I know she takes but neighborhood health which I am almost certain she does not! And given that you can only put in 5 providers if you use them all up on 1 provider you can't search for a second simultaneously. I bet your doctors take blue cross most do here in MA but of course you have to verify! I am obviously going to wait to buy just wondered if anyone knew the answer. I have to get blue cross or tufts to get my pcp and the one specialist I might need. If I have to pay it all I will of course. Thanks again

 

[zelda01]

Nikki - That's interesting about providers... My PCP was on the list multiple times, and I thought I just had to select one of the occurrences. I have no idea if a person has to select each of the multiples to get all their plans?

 

[Sarah S]

That is certainly what it seemed like when I tried it. Choosing one got nothing ,another got blue cross, etc. before committing check the insurance company lists and call your doctor's office if any questions. Make sure you specify the exact insurance you are picking. The front desk people pretty much always know the ins and outs ( like the doctor takes this form of blue cross but not that)

 

[zelda01]

Additional info about the Massachusetts exchange:

I called the hotline yesterday, inquiring about the dental plans. The rep said they are still being finalized and will be up in the next few weeks. Some of the health plans then will have dental plans attached to them, for say "$30 extra dollars" (an example that he gave). OR, you can buy health and dental separately, but it would likely be cheaper to buy them together.

Also, if a person signs up for a health insurance plan today, then realizes later they want a different plan (or sees the new dental-enhanced plans), they can switch as long as it is before December 23rd, and they haven't paid their first insurance premium check.

Also, here is a link that gives the list of health and dental plan summaries, without having to go through the Question and Answer process --> HERE

It was easy to reach a person on the phone - no waiting. So I encourage people in Mass to call if needed.