#1) The cost of the insurance is not $297/week. CS is self-insured via the Teamsters and funded by UPS, which contributes a finite amount per employee. CS administers than plan but pays a fee to companies such as Aetna, BCBS, etc. to manage the plan. The claims paid by the plan are (essentially) written against CS's checkbook, which assumes the risk. This differs from a fully-funded health plan in which UPS would provide CS funding, which in turn would purchase fixed insurance policies per employee, and the insurers would assume the risk. COBRA reflects fair market value of your health plan, which was also indicated on your W-2 for last year. $297/week may reflect that of a couple, or a family, but I'm confident it's not for one person.
#2) Per an e-broker, the BEST individual health insurance available for purchase in the Charlotte, NC is a United Health Care plan that costs ~$625/month for one 50-year-old adult. That plan has a $2,500 deductible, $35 PCP visit co-pay ($50 specialist), $100 ER co-pay; once the deductible is met, all other expenses are paid. Prescription drug deductible is $200, and there's a formulary ranging from $5-$100. Dental (maximum $1000 annual benefit, with most services covered at 50%; two cleanings are paid in full) and vision (standard VSP every-other-year plan) will cost an additional $50. So for $8100, you would have insurance that's inferior to what you enjoy now. Oh, but the catch is... if you have ANY pre-existing conditions, or a shaky family medical history, you will likely be denied coverage.
#3) No matter what insurance you have, there will be limits to coverage. I have the coveted company-controlled plan, and two years ago I needed surgery and my doctor recommended doing it through laser - cheaper, more effective & faster recovery time. One problem: UPS considers most laser surgery to be experimental, and thus it's not covered. But I didn't learn this until after I received the $13,000 bill in the mail. I was able to negotiate it down, but it still consumed nearly half my take-home pay for the year. Had I opted for traditional surgery, it would've been covered in full. Best way to control health care costs is to educate yourself on when to go & when not to go to the doctor's; before any major procedure is performed, you have the right to call your insurance & verify coverage.
#4) I'd be curious as to specific types of claims you've had rejected. It seems like most of your postings, from what I can remember, are venting about the nickle and dimeing incurred from using your health insurance. As I mentioned earlier, ANY time you go to the doctor, it's going to cost you. At least it's nickles and dimes to you. Because to most others, it's $50s and $100s. Like I said, best way to control you health care costs is to educate yourself on when to go & when not to go.
