Profane Kahuna

Thanks for the additional responses.

What are the insurance networks that Southwest uses for medical, dental, and vision?

Thanks!

CA1900

United Healthcare for medical, Delta Dental for dental, and EyeMed for vision.

Note that if you're on the Regular Plan health insurance option, there is no separate "in-network" and "out-of-network" reimbursement rate. It pays 80% (you pay 20%) up to their allowable maximum for a covered service, no matter what doctor you see. While staying within the UHC system will simplify billing, you can see any doctor you want, and if they can't bill UHC directly for their portion, you can submit for reimbursement.

The other main plan is their Choice Plus plan, which does have a provider network, and only covers 50% (after a hefty deductible) if you go outside it.

I'm on the Regular Plan. I like it. No monthly premium, and after a $2500 annual out-of-pocket maximum, no more coinsurance; it covers everything 100%. Unless you're single with no kids, the premiums alone on the Choice Plus will cost more than $2500/year.

e6bpilot

I would encourage you to take a hard look at going regular plan/tricare. Ask anyone who has done it and they will tell you they wish they did it sooner.
Having a world of medical providers at your disposal vs the referral system that you are under with Prime is huge. I have literally seen a new doctor every year that I have an appointment for a checkup at the base clinic as has my wife. It’s a running joke in our house that we are old enough to be their parents. Standard by itself can get costly.
There is a reason SWA pays you $600/yr to not take their insurance. It is a huge bargain for them since they are self insured.
The regular plan is a HUGE benefit and a major cost savings. It is contractual so SWA hasn’t been able to get rid of it. They will not tell you about it during new hire training.

Profane Kahuna

Thanks, exactly what I needed!

Profane Kahuna

That sounds like what we will be doing. Probably going to pay for the Delta dental optional plan because the wife has a tooth that needs work and the difference between 60% and 80% coverage might be worth it.

e6bpilot

Not to rain on your parade too much, but you can’t choose the “upgraded” Dental with the regular plan. You can choose it with no medical. Take a look at the premiums vs what you will save. With regular plan dental being free it would have to be an expensive procedure for optional dental to make financial sense.

Profane Kahuna

Ok thanks for the info.

McBoeingBus

Most airlines will give some sort of kickback if you use Tricare (retired or reserve). If Tricare works for your situation it's usually cheaper. However, Tricare dental is usually more expensive than your company plan.

Laramie

Which airlines do this? Which airline do you work for?

Bizkit

How does payment work if you have the Regular Plan, then have Tricare Standard (retired) as a back-up? Since the Regular Plan doesn't cover preventive care, does any preventive care automatically switch to being covered by Tricare and it's associated deductibles?