Differences between plans
The Gold program includes:
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Hospitalization and surgery
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Urgent care
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Medical testing
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Maternity cost
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Independent lab work and radiology
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Physical therapy
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Home health care (up to 45 visits per illness)
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Incident related doctor’s office visits
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Incident related prescription medications
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Routine visits
An 'incident' could be an illness or accident (a medical event)
The most significant difference is that the Silver and Bronze programs are essentially for hospitalization (inpatient and outpatient services) and surgery.
The Gold level’s personal responsibility is $1,000 for any medical event (total bills for an illness or accident) over $1,000. See also Personal Responsibility and Qualifying Amount.
Silver and Bronze members are responsible for the first $2,500 and $5,000 per medical incident, per calendar year, respectively.
The Gold level offers many additional advantages such as an enhanced maternity program, more cost support for pre-existing conditions and some assistance for certain medical equipment and transportation cost. The CHM guidelines explain these (clearly) in more detail.
Gold members who also join Brother’s Keeper have no limit on the dollar amount of medical bills that can be shared.
Silver and Bronze members with Brother’s keeper see their per-illness limit increase by $100,000 per year until they reach a cap of $1 million per illness.
To compare the cost between the Gold, Silver and Bronze plan, click here