from East Coast Health Insurance
McAllen, Texas had its population explode from just over 100,000 people in 2000 to over 700,000 by 2007. While this is an interesting stat, it is not what makes McAllen unique. What makes this border town unique is that it is the second most expensive town in America for Health Care. This is an oddity that is even harder to explain given that the county it is in, Hidalgo, has the lowest household income average in the country. In 2006, Medicare spent around $15,000 per person in the county, which is nearly twice the national average. The reason for this appears to be that in McAllen, people are heavily treated and tested when they see a doctor for a health issue. Looking at the Medicare stats, in every category, McAllen doctors went crazy with treatments and tests, and received a large percentage more of every treatment than what the average is. It seems that instead of using their knowledge to treat patients, doctors are simply running them through a battery of tests, most unnecessary, and that has caused the price of insurance to skyrocket.
McAllen Texas Health Insurance Scenario Premium Cases
To find quotes for just what insurance does cost in McAllen, Texas, I used the same scenario I always use across the board: I searched for a 34-year-old male shopping for a Texas health insurance policy. I tried to get a $2500 deductible and a total maximum out of pocket or exposure of $4500 including both the deductible and coinsurance costs. Some companies are at $5000 but realistically only 2 -3% of people pass this exposure per year so the $5000 shouldn’t be a factor. The health insurance assumptions for this example include up front office visit copays, in other words you pay a copay not a deductible to go to the doctor’s office. The same applies to prescription coverage in this McAllen Health Insurance example.
Below we ran some sample health insurance quotes for McAllen, Texas health insurance comparison samples. I used a $2500 deductible and and tried to keep the plan as similar as possible for the sake of comparison. In this case Humana wins the award for the most coverage for the least money, however it is not as simple as that due to the fact that the Unicare and Blue Cross plan might offer more copay benefits before reaching the calender year deductible. Of course for every demographic in every zip code and every family size type there is a different winner. And to further complicate things each company offers nearly 100 plans, except Cigna in Texas who only offer 20!
The best thing to do is run a Texas health insurance quote and to then let us explain the plans available to you in your particular zip code as to further complicate the issue there is the fact that certain Texas health insurance plans are not available in every region.
Health Insurance Report
Compare Plans
| Company | Plan Type | Deductible | Coinsurance | Copay | Premium |
| PPO | $2,500 | 25% | $30 |
$164.00Monthly Cost |
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| Company | Plan Type | Deductible | Coinsurance | Copay | Premium |
| Network | $2,500 | 20% | $35 |
$187.97Monthly Cost |
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| Company | Plan Type | Deductible | Coinsurance | Copay | Premium |
|
PPO | $2,000 | 20% | $25 |
$213.00Monthly Cost |
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(I)=Individual (F)=Family (P)=Preferred (S)=Standard
Health Insurance Report
Plan Detail
Insurance Plan Detail
![]() Portrait Share 80 Plus Rx Unlimited |
|
| Apply | |
| Estimated Monthly Premium | $138.66 |
| Plan Type | PPO |
| Networks |
Plan Details
|
Copay |
Primary Care (unlimited visits): $35 copayment. Specialty Care (unlimited visits): $50 copayment.N/A |
|
Deductible |
$2,500 (Two members must meet their deductible).$5,000 (Two members must meet their deductible). |
|
Coinsurance |
80%60% |
|
Coinsurance Limit |
Maximum Out-of-Pocket Expense Limit: $2,000 Individual and $4,000 Family.Maximum Out-of-Pocket Expense Limit: $8,000 Individual and $16,000 Family. |
|
Out-of-Pocket Maximum |
Maximum Out-of-Pocket Expense Limit: $2,000 Individual and $4,000 Family.Maximum Out-of-Pocket Expense Limit: $8,000 Individual and $16,000 Family. |
|
Lifetime Maximum |
$5,000,000 per covered person |
|
Annual Maximum |
see brochure |
|
Office Visit |
|
|
Prescription Drugs |
|
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Emergency Room |
80% after $75 copayment per visit and deductible (copayment waived if admitted).60% after $75 copayment per visit and deductible (copayment waived if admitted). |
|
Adult Preventive Care |
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Child Preventive Care |
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Lab/X-ray |
see brochure |
|
Maternity |
Complications of pregnancy and sick baby services- 80% after deductible.Complications of pregnancy and sick baby services- 60% after deductible. |
|
Physical Therapy |
see brochure |
|
Skilled Nursing |
80% after deductible (up to 30 days per calendar year).60% after deductible (up to 30 days per calendar year). |
|
Home Health Care |
80% after deductible (up to 60 days per calendar year).60% after deductible (up to 60 days per calendar year). |
|
Mental Health |
|
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Hospital Care |
80% after deductible60% after deductible |
|
Included Benefits |
see brochure |
|
Optional Benefits |
Dental
|
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Fees |
see brochure |
|
Note |
see brochure |
|
Policy Form Number |
see brochure |
|
Included Riders |
|
|
Product Brochure |
see brochure |
Plan Detail
Insurance Plan Detail
![]() Enhanced FIT 2500 Plan |
|
| Apply | |
| Estimated Monthly Premium | $164.00 |
| Plan Type | PPO |
| Networks |
Plan Details
|
Copay |
$30 copay, deductible waived for unlimited visits50% after deductible |
|
Deductible |
$2,500, two-member family maximumAdditional $2,000 out of network deductible per member, per year |
|
Coinsurance |
75% after deductible50% after deductible |
|
Coinsurance Limit |
Annual Out of Pocket Maximum (includes copays, except pharmacy copays) $3,000 plus deductible per member, $6,000 plus deductible per familyAnnual Out of Pocket Maximum (includes copays, except pharmacy copays) $10,000 plus deductible per member, $20,000 plus deductible per family |
|
Out-of-Pocket Maximum |
(includes copays, except pharmacy copays) $3,000 plus deductible per member, $6,000 plus deductible per family(includes copays, except pharmacy copays) $10,000 plus deductible per member, $20,000 plus deductible per family |
|
Lifetime Maximum |
$5 million per member |
|
Annual Maximum |
see brochure |
|
Office Visit |
All medical office visits, exams and diagnostic x-ray and lab work performed on the same date and during the same office visit for any covered illness or injury – $30 copay, deductible waived for unlimited visits50% after deductible |
|
Prescription Drugs |
|
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Emergency Room |
|
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Adult Preventive Care |
(Age 18 and over)
|
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Child Preventive Care |
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Lab/X-ray |
|
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Maternity |
Not covered |
|
Physical Therapy |
|
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Skilled Nursing |
|
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Home Health Care |
|
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Mental Health |
|
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Hospital Care |
75% after deductible50% after deductible |
|
Included Benefits |
see brochure |
|
Optional Benefits |
see brochure |
|
Fees |
see brochure |
|
Note |
see brochure |
|
Policy Form Number |
see brochure |
|
Included Riders |
|
|
Product Brochure |
see brochure |
Plan Detail
Insurance Plan Detail
![]() Select Blue Advantage – Plan V |
|
| Apply | |
| Estimated Monthly Premium | $171.00 |
| Plan Type | PPO |
| Networks |
Plan Details
|
Copay |
$25None |
|
Deductible |
$2,500 Individual/$7,500 Family$5,000 Individual/$15,000 Family |
|
Coinsurance |
85% of the Allowable Amount for Eligible Expenses75% of the Allowable Amount for Eligible Expenses |
|
Coinsurance Limit |
$3,000 Individual/$6,000 Family$6,000 Individual/$12,000 Family |
|
Out-of-Pocket Maximum |
see brochure |
|
Lifetime Maximum |
$5,000,000 |
|
Annual Maximum |
see brochure |
|
Office Visit |
$25 office visit copay includes same day lab and x-ray, up to annual max of $750Physician office visits subject to deductible and coinsurance |
|
Prescription Drugs |
$3,000 Calendar Year maximum for each Participant. Copayment is $10 for Generic Drug, $30 for Preferred Brand Name Drug, $45 for Non-Preferred Brand Name Drug. Copayment is based on 30-day supply on each occasion dispensed. 90-day supply requires three separate Copayment Amounts. |
|
Emergency Room |
Facility Charges: 85% of Allowable Amount after $100* Copayment and Calendar Year Deductible (*Waived if admitted to Hospital immediately following the visit) Physician Charges: 85% of Allowable Amount after Calendar Year Deductible |
|
Adult Preventive Care |
|
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Child Preventive Care |
|
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Lab/X-ray |
85% of allowable amount after calendar year deductible75% of Allowable Amount after Calendar Year Deductible |
|
Maternity |
see brochure |
|
Physical Therapy |
see brochure |
|
Skilled Nursing |
|
|
Home Health Care |
|
|
Mental Health |
Not Covered |
|
Hospital Care |
85% of Allowable Amount after Calendar Year Deductible75% of Allowable Amount after Calendar Year Deductible |
|
Included Benefits |
see brochure |
|
Optional Benefits |
see brochure |
|
Fees |
see brochure |
|
Note |
see brochure |
|
Policy Form Number |
see brochure |
|
Included Riders |
|
|
Product Brochure |
see brochure |
Plan Detail
Insurance Plan Detail
![]() Copay Select |
|
| Apply | |
| Estimated Monthly Premium | $187.97 |
| Plan Type | Network |
| Networks |
Plan Details
|
Copay |
see brochure |
|
Deductible |
$2,500 (maximum 2 per family, per calendar year) |
|
Coinsurance |
80% |
|
Coinsurance Limit |
$15,000 |
|
Out-of-Pocket Maximum |
$3,000 per covered person after deductible and copays |
|
Lifetime Maximum |
$3 million per covered person |
|
Annual Maximum |
see brochure |
|
Office Visit |
Office Visit – History and Exam: $35 copay – no deductible ($25 Copay plan enhancement available) |
|
Prescription Drugs |
|
|
Emergency Room |
|
|
Adult Preventive Care |
|
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Child Preventive Care |
|
|
Lab/X-ray |
Outpatient X-ray and lab: You pay: chosen coinsurance after deductible (performed in the doctor’s office or a network facility) |
|
Maternity |
Optional Benefit |
|
Physical Therapy |
see brochure |
|
Skilled Nursing |
see brochure |
|
Home Health Care |
see brochure |
|
Mental Health |
You pay: chosen coinsurance after deductible (Limited benefit) |
|
Hospital Care |
You pay: chosen coinsurance after deductible |
|
Included Benefits |
see brochure |
|
Optional Benefits |
see brochure |
|
Fees |
see carrier specific disclaimers |
|
Note |
see brochure |
|
Policy Form Number |
see brochure |
|
Included Riders |
|
|
Product Brochure |
see brochure |
Plan Detail
Insurance Plan Detail
PPO 2500 |
|
| Apply | |
| Estimated Monthly Premium | $197.00 |
| Plan Type | PPO |
| Networks |
Plan Details
|
Copay |
Non-Specialist Office Visit (General Physician, Family Practitioner, Pediatrician or Internist): $30 copay, deductible waived (Unlimited visits); Specialist Visit: $40 copay, deductible waived (Unlimited visits)Non-Specialist Office Visit (General Physician, Family Practitioner, Pediatrician or Internist): 70% after deductible (Unlimited visits); Specialist Visit: 70% after deductible (Unlimited visits) |
|
Deductible |
Individual: $2,500, Family: $5,000Individual: $5,000, Family: $10,000 |
|
Coinsurance |
80% after deductible up to out-of-pocket max. ($0 once out-of-pocket max. is satisfied)50% after deductible up to out-of-pocket max. ($0 once out-of-pocket max. is satisfied) |
|
Coinsurance Limit |
Individual: $2,500, Family: $5,000Individual: $5,000, Family: $10,000 |
|
Out-of-Pocket Maximum |
Individual: $5,000, Family: $10,000 (Includes deductible)Individual: $10,000, Family: $20,000 (Includes deductible) |
|
Lifetime Maximum |
$5,000,000 per insured (Maximum applies to combined in and out-of-network benefits) |
|
Annual Maximum |
N/A |
|
Office Visit |
Non-Specialist Office Visit (General Physician, Family Practitioner, Pediatrician or Internist): $30 copay (Unlimited visits); Specialist Visit: $40 copay (Unlimited visits)Non-Specialist Office Visit (General Physician, Family Practitioner, Pediatrician or Internist): 70% after deductible (Unlimited visits); Specialist Visit: 70% after deductible (Unlimited visits) |
|
Prescription Drugs |
Pharmacy Deductible: $500 per insured (Does not apply to generic); Generic (Oral Contraceptives Included): $15 copay, deductible waived; Preferred Brand (Oral Contraceptives Included): $35 copay after deductible; Non-Preferred Brand (Oral Contraceptives Included): $60 copay after deductible; Calendar Year Maximum (Maximum applies to combined in and out-of-network benefits): $2,500 per insuredPharmacy Deductible: $500 per insured (Does not apply to generic); Generic (Oral Contraceptives Included): $15 copay plus 70%, deductible waived; Preferred Brand (Oral Contraceptives Included): $35 copay plus 70% after deductible; Non-Preferred Brand (Oral Contraceptives Included): $60 copay plus 70% after deductible; Calendar Year Maximum (Maximum applies to combined in and out-of-network benefits): $2,500 per insured |
|
Emergency Room |
$100 copay (waived if admitted), 80% coinsurance after deductible |
|
Adult Preventive Care |
Annual Routine Gyn Exam (No waiting period, no calendar year max., Annual Pap/Mammogram): $0 copay, deductible waived; Preventive Health – Routine Physical (Aetna will pay up to $200 per exam, Maximum applies to combined in and out-of-network benefits, No waiting period): $30 copay, deductible waived (Includes lab work and X-rays)Annual Routine Gyn Exam (No waiting period, no calendar year max., Annual Pap/Mammogram): 70% after deductible; Preventive Health – Routine Physical (Aetna will pay up to $200 per exam, Maximum applies to combined in and out-of-network benefits, no waiting period): 70% after deductible (Includes lab work and X-rays) |
|
Child Preventive Care |
$30 copay (Age and frequency schedule apply)70% after deductible (Age and frequency limits apply). |
|
Lab/X-ray |
80% after deductible50% after deductible |
|
Maternity |
Not covered (Except for pregnancy complications) |
|
Physical Therapy |
Physical/Occupational Therapy and Chiropractic Care (24 visits per calendar year, Maximum applies to combined in and out-of-network benefits): 80% after deductible (Aetna will pay up to $25 per visit max.)Physical/Occupational Therapy and Chiropractic Care (24 visits per calendar year, Maximum applies to combined in and out-of-network benefits): 50% after deductible (Aetna will pay up to $25 per visit max.) |
|
Skilled Nursing |
80% after deductible (in lieu of hospital, 30 days per calendar year, Maximum applies to combined in and out-of-network benefits)50% after deductible (in lieu of hospital, 30 days per calendar year, Maximum applies to combined in and out-of-network benefits) |
|
Home Health Care |
80% after deductible (in lieu of hospital, 30 days per calendar year, Maximum applies to combined in and out-of-network benefits)50% after deductible (in lieu of hospital, 30 days per calendar year, Maximum applies to combined in and out-of-network benefits) |
|
Mental Health |
Not covered except for severe, biologically based mental or nervous disorders and associated treatment of drug and alcohol dependencies. |
|
Hospital Care |
Hospital Admission: 80% after deductible; Outpatient Surgery: 80% after deductible; Urgent Care Facility: $50 copay, deductible waivedHospital Admission: 50% after deductible; Outpatient Surgery: 50% after deductible; Urgent Care Facility: 50% after deductible |
|
Included Benefits |
see brochure |
|
Optional Benefits |
Individual Dental PPO Max Plan |
|
Fees |
see brochure |
|
Note |
see brochure |
|
Policy Form Number |
see brochure |
|
Included Riders |
|
|
Product Brochure |
see brochure |
Plan Detail
Insurance Plan Detail
![]() Open Access 2000 |
|
| Apply | |
| Estimated Monthly Premium | $213.00 |
| Plan Type | PPO |
| Networks |
Plan Details
|
Copay |
Primary Care Physician – $25, Specialist – $50CIGNA pays 60% after plan deductible |
|
Deductible |
Individual: $2,000, Family: $4,000Individual: $4,000, Family: $8,000 |
|
Coinsurance |
CIGNA pays 80% after plan deductibleCIGNA pays 60% after plan deductible |
|
Coinsurance Limit |
N/A |
|
Out-of-Pocket Maximum |
Individual: $3,000, Family: $6,000Individual: $6,000, Family: $12,000 |
|
Lifetime Maximum |
$5,000,000 in- and out-of-network combined |
|
Annual Maximum |
N/A |
|
Office Visit |
Primary Care Physician – $25, Specialist – $50CIGNA pays 60% after plan deductible |
|
Prescription Drugs |
|
|
Emergency Room |
|
|
Adult Preventive Care |
|
|
Child Preventive Care |
|
|
Lab/X-ray |
CIGNA pays 80% after plan deductibleCIGNA pays 60% after plan deductible |
|
Maternity |
Not covered |
|
Physical Therapy |
Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy (only for children with Developmental Delays and 3 years old or younger), & Occupational Therapy – CIGNA pays a maximum of $40 per visit after plan deductible (Maximum 24 visits per member, per year, in- and out-of-network combined)Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy (only for children with Developmental Delays and 3years old or younger), & Occupational Therapy – CIGNA pays a maximum of $40 per visit after plan deductible (Maximum 24 visits per member, per year, in- and out-of-network combined) |
|
Skilled Nursing |
CIGNA pays $400 maximum payment per day after plan deductible (Maximum 100 days per member, per year, in- and out-of-network combined)CIGNA pays $400 maximum payment per day after plan deductible (Maximum 100 days per member, per year, in- and out-of-network combined) |
|
Home Health Care |
CIGNA pays 80% after plan deductible (Maximum 60 visits per member, per year, in- and out-of-network combined)CIGNA pays 60% after plan deductible (Maximum 60 visits per member, per year, in- and out-of-network combined) |
|
Mental Health |
|
|
Hospital Care |
Inpatient Hospital Services – CIGNA pays 80% after Plan deductibleInpatient Hospital Services – CIGNA pays 60% after Plan deductible |
|
Included Benefits |
N/A |
|
Optional Benefits |
N/A |
|
Fees |
N/A |
|
Note |
N/A |
|
Policy Form Number |
N/A |
|
Included Riders |
|
|
Product Brochure |
see brochure |
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