2008 Health Insurance Request for Proposals - Weighted Criteria

I most value in a plan:

1) a Retrospective premium arrangement
2) a quality network (including mental health) within the Triangle and Nationwide.
3) Good customer service and advocacy for students who are put into an adversarial position against the insurance companies.

Reasons:

1) Over the past three years Blue Cross Blue Shield has overestimated
the projected claims for Duke students resulting in approximately
$4 million Duke students have overpaid! This is $4 million in
profit for BCBS above and beyond their customary expenses, fees,
and profit--and this amount has come out of the pockets of Duke students. A
retrospective premium arrangement would mean that Duke students "keep"
most of premiums they were overcharged--not the insurance
companies. Two insurance companies could have different initial premium
quotes, but if we have a retrospective fund arrangement with both companies
(and all other things being equal),
we would likely end up paying the same amount of premiums to either
company regardless of the initial premium cost. Duke students
would not get a direct rebate with the retrospective premium
arrangement, but the money saved would benefit future Duke students--
not the profit margins of the insurance companies.

2) What good is health insurance if it's not accepted in your present
location when you need it?

3) Dealing with health insurance issues (especially when sick or
injured) can become demoralizing without good customer care or advocacy.

Alright Duke students, what do you value most in an insurance plan?

-Eric Vance