7/5     I've had really bad experiences with Kaiser and I'm no longer going
        to select any HMOs from now on. I have two remaining choices--
        Blue Shield PPO or or Cigna Open Access Plus Plan. What are the
        pros and cons of each choice?
        \_ I've had both, but your individual plan may vary. I prefer
           Blue Shield, because it is accepted just about everywhere.
           However, they are picky sometimes about needing to approve
           services before they are rendered. CIGNA was okay, but I've
           heard bad things.
        \_ Do you mind sharing your experience with Kaiser? I've had
           them for a long time and have had no complaints thus far.
           \- BTW, which Kaiser was your leem experience at? I think
              I can now say at a statistically significant level the
              OAK Kaiser is consderably inferior to South Bay Kaiser
              and possibly SF as well [still collecting SF data].
              [note: this doesnt include any serious procedures requiring
              hospitalization ... mostly internal medicine or getting
              stichted up].
        \_ If you have the right PCP, Blue Shield HMO works well.
                                 \_ Dude, I didn't know you liked to get wet.
                                    \_ White people love Wayne Brady because
                                       he makes Bryant Gumbel look like
                                       Malcolm X.
                                       \_ What white people?  What race are
                                          you?  Would you mind if some
                                          mindlessly racist and stereotyped
                                          posts are made about your skin
                                          color?  Thanks, just checking.
                                          \_ Google: dave chapelle
                                             \_ Reasons I hate Dave Chapelle:
                                                1) People look at me strange
                                                when I sing the theme song
                                                to "The Niggar Family"
                                                2) The previous poster.
                                          \_ Jesus Tap-Dancing Christ, even
                                             Wayne Brady jokes about this
                                             and has been in skits about it.
        \_ Kaiser is great as long as you're not sick.