insurance plan input?

Do the plans use the same network of doctors? Is your doctor "contracted" with the plan? (i.e. some docs will "take" the insurance but not be contracted with them. They are considered out of network and may charge a higher fee than what the insurance will reimburse. You want your doc to be "in network" or contacted with your insurance company. This is important).

Does plan 2 cover Rx? Are there any other differences between the plans?

Do you have a sense of how much your medical bills will be?  I'd start by making a list of planned expenses (annual mammogram; planned docs visits; other screening tests; expected Rxs, etc). If it were me, I'd add in some unexpected visits.  As you know, BC Tx is very $$$, with expenses hitting many thousands of $. (one MRI is $5k. I just needed a pelvic US; that was >$1000 + the doc's visit when I first had symptoms).

If I'm reading this right, it sounds like you'll pay the first $1500 regardless of the plan. If I did the math right, you'll pay less on plan 1 only if your total expenses are $7500 or less (25% of $6000 is $1500. So once your total expenses exceed $7500 you'll pay more on plan 1.) The second plan is an HSA which may give some tax benefits. (I believe you can deposit pre-tax $ into your HSA; you may want to ask your accountant or HR person)  

Personally, I think it's most important to have insurance for the worst-case scenario, and it sounds like both plans will provide good coverage if you need the really $ treatment--that's the scary stuff, financially.   It can be hard to predict annual expenses, so you may want to consider whether you'll feel more comfortable knowing that you'll pay a max of $3000 out of pocket, or whether you're willing to be flexible; maybe pay a little less if expenses are low or pay more (up to $4500) if there are more visits. Good luck. I find the insurance decisions to be confusing and stressful.

I have some thoughts. 

First, I think you should contact your doctor and let him/her know that you're not covered for the Neupogen. See if s/he has an alternative you could use for the rest of the year.

Second, contact a local senior resource center and see if they can help. Since (I think) this is a Medicare issue, they may know of resources.

Third, contact the manufacturer of Neupogen and see if they have an assistance program.

Fourth, check out these resources: http://www.pparx.org/en/prescription_assistance_programs/co-payment_programs 

http://www.pparx.org/ 

http://www.nmha.org/go/help/how-to-pay-for-treatment/prescription-assistance-programs

http://pharmacytechniciancertification.net/21-websites-to-get-prescription-payment-assistance/ 

cycle-path and Terri - Thank you both so very much for all the valuable information and links.  You are both angels for reaching out to me.  I was hoping and praying for a miracle, and with the information you provided, you just may have given me one.  You've really touched my heart with your compassion and understanding of my situation.

Blessings to both of you!