RouxGaRoux84

We purchase directly through BCBS. We are on the Blue Saver PPO that has an HSA component. We use a sole prop LLC and under a group rate with BCBS and my wife is the primary person on the plan. If you are purchasing for a family (based on what you said the incremental cost is, I would assume that is the case) then make sure whoever has more health issues is the primary person covered. It's been extremely expensive (approaches around $1300 a month for a family of four). However, the HMO was only around $300 a month less, didn't include the HSA, didn't allow for out of state if needed (we do live in cancer alley), and had higher deductibles which one could easily go through if anyone has regular issues or medications. It's really screwed up. Health, autos, home insurance and sales tax are all ridiculously high in this state relative to others.

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The best thing my father (70) did over the last couple years was apply and receive VA benefits (Vietnam vet). He has been dealing with Pancreatic cancer for approx. three years and last Spring had a major stroke in the hospital. VA benefits definitely provided much more care in terms of length of rehab, at home rehab, and weekly help.

In terms of how it works. I know he went to the local VA clinic/office to apply. Once he applied and was approved, he had to start seeing VA doctors in order to coordinate care. From my understanding (I have been to many doctor visits that were covered by insurance, but not VA) the VA doctors sort of just looked at his existing files and approved the care what that was needed.

Like another poster said, you should definitely go to the local clinic, but you might also want to call ahead and see what information you need and paperwork you need ahead of time (like power of attorney, or something else giving you power of your FIL medical information). I recall my mother had issues with VA after my dad's stroke because he didn't initially list her on his forms to give her clearance. Just something to think about before you head to the local office/clinic and get stonewalled initially (obviously, time is of the most importance).

Best of luck!