12-28-2006, 11:23 AM
Aloha, Beachboy. For middle of the night emergencies, I think both Kaiser and HMSA use the Hilo Medical Center. For the rest of the time, Kaiser has only one clinic on the east side, which is just a few blocks up the hill from the Medical Center. HMSA has a lot of independent contracted providers scattered around, while all Kaiser's providers are Kaiser employees and work in their clinics.
As recently as four months ago, I had friends who had newly acquired HMSA insurance and had difficulty finding HMSA providers in Hilo who were taking new patients. I don't know if that is still the case, but you might want to look into doctor availability before buying a policy from HMSA.
I have Kaiser, and I like it. Once you are a member, they are obligated to hook you up with one of their doctors. I have seen two of them and like them both very much. I used the Kaiser website last week to request an appointment for my annual physical. I got a reply within two hours and an appointment with the doctor I requested less than two weeks out. I could not have gotten an appointment that soon with my old Blue Cross HMO in Georgia.
Cheers,
Jerry
As recently as four months ago, I had friends who had newly acquired HMSA insurance and had difficulty finding HMSA providers in Hilo who were taking new patients. I don't know if that is still the case, but you might want to look into doctor availability before buying a policy from HMSA.
I have Kaiser, and I like it. Once you are a member, they are obligated to hook you up with one of their doctors. I have seen two of them and like them both very much. I used the Kaiser website last week to request an appointment for my annual physical. I got a reply within two hours and an appointment with the doctor I requested less than two weeks out. I could not have gotten an appointment that soon with my old Blue Cross HMO in Georgia.
Cheers,
Jerry