I just got access to the benefit info for my new jobert and want to start figuring it out even if I won't be eligible for a couple more months.
There's a Gold PPO and a Platinum HMO, and the company takes care of the premium for both. The HMO is cheaper in pretty much every way (4x cheaper therapy for instance) but I know you're a lot more restricted in terms of staying in network and needing referrals.
If I go for an HMO will I have a harder time getting HRT? I'm not really looking at any surgeries in the next year, so I could switch to a PPO later if there were any network issues with that.
Honestly, the actual thing you need to check is the benefit structure of the insurance plans. You need to see which medications are on the formulary, covered conditions, procedures, etc. See if your doctors or hospital system are in the network, or if it will be incredibly difficult to stay in-network in your area. Nobody wants to be in the situation where they have to travel to another city in order to go to the ER or even a regular check-up.
It's my state's BCBS which I'm actually with currently through the marketplace and haven't had any issues. My mom is very healthcare savvy so she's gonna take a look with me this weekend