SAMBA vs BCBS

I also have BCBS Standard am considering SAMBA and NALC.  In fact, I started a new topic in the Financial discussion prior to seeing this post.  Right now, our FEHB and FEDVIP issues are being discussed under several differnt forums and groups.  I don't know if it is possible, but it would be nice to have all our FEHB and FEDVIP discussions in a dedicated area.  The mods have done a great job with the new set up and wonder if they would consider this option.

Edited by jagfan - 09 Nov 2009 at 7:50am

 I have decided to stay with bcbs standard. I was considering not only SAMBA but GEHA too. I sat down with my mom who did medical billing for a number of years and she explained a few things to me.  She said in my area we don't have any quest labs. We have a ton of labcorps. Our prescription coverage is better and with the other plans if we go in for a surgery we have to pay a deductible for each surgeon. With bcbs we only pay one deductible for all. This is important because my husband had some knee tumors removed 2 years ago and we did not have to pay much but he is having some knee pain and I am concerned that he may need another surgery in the future.  I really wanted to save money but I think in the long run bcbs is the best bet especially concerning surgery. I do have to say every time I have called bcbs for anything they have always been very helpful and courteous so I think I am making the right decision.

This morning I contacted both NALC and SAMBA to inquire about the deductible.  Both assured me they have a single deductible that covers both med and surg.   There is no separate surgeon or surgical deductible.  There is a good possibility I will be having surgery during 2010 so that info was important to me. 

In addition, when I initally compared the plans I had overlooked an important detail about SAMBA .  If you are hospitalized, you pay the $200 copay for room and board and 15% for other services and supplies.   With NALC there is no charge for the other services and supplies like rads, labs, etc.  Looks like NALC now has an edge for my needs.

fedman53

I was on BC and switched to NALC last year and was looking at Samba as well. They seem to have a very well layed out plan. But should be aware of catostrophic, which comes to  about 12,000 if you add in the separate 5,000 RX required and separate mental health, which is another 4,000. The latter is not a concern for me but extra 5,000 for RX is a lot. Im thinking of switching back to BC because if you use meds for about 1,000 a yr..and another 1,000 in medical..you have 2000 left to meet catastrophic or no co pays..where as with Samba or Nalc, you max out at double or triple rate.