I was curious about the impact of the now-delayed Anthem Blue Cross rate increase on premium levels. I could only think of one way to find out, so I ran quotes on myself in Gilroy for four comparative coverage plans from the four California health carriers. Kaiser and Blue Shield are not-for-profit, so they should win, right? The results may surprise you!
The rates below include the Anthem rate increase scheduled for March 1, 2010.
1500 Deductible HSA Plan (or closest match)
#1 Anthem Blue Cross Lumenos 1500 HSA...............$243.00
#2 Health Net CA 2500 HSA (closest).................$246.00
#3 Blue Shield CA 1800 HSA (closest)................$311.00
#4 Kaiser 1500 HSA..................................$349.00
3500 Deductible Traditional PPO (or closest)
#1 Health Net Value PPO 4000 (closest)..............$179.00
#2 Anthem Blue Cross 3500 PPO.......................$224.00
#3 Kaiser 3000 Plan (closest).......................$277.00
#4 Blue Shield CA Essentials 3000 (closest).........$352.00
$0 Deductible PPO/HMO RightPlan Clone with Comprehensive Rx (or closest)
#1 Anthem Blue Cross RightPlan 40 PPO...............$358.00
#2 Health Net NetFirst PPO..........................$383.00
#3 Kaiser HMO (closest match).......................$457.00
#4 Blue Shield CA Active Start 35...................$504.00
1500 Deductible HMO Plan
#1 Kaiser 30/1500...................................$365.00
#2 Anthem Blue Cross HMO (w/1500 deductible)........$654.00
#3 Health Net HMO 40................................$670.00
#4 Blue Shield CA Access+ HMO.......................$798.00
I have not included the SmartSense plans, nor the the Core Guard and Clear Protection plans offered by Anthem. However, those three portfolios all price even more favorably against the in-state competition.
Anthem: The Tale of the Tape in California You On Here » Anthem , Blue Cross , California , LA Times , Obama , Poizner , Rate Increase , Sebelius » Anthem: The Tale of the Tape in California
