What to look for in a plan re: cancer treatment coverage and cost

Hi, first time posting here, would appreciate insights on the question: how can I evaluate a plan with an eye toward cancer treatment coverage and cost? What should I look for or what questions should I ask? (I'm not a cancer patient but just wanting to evaluate this for potential medical needs as I and husband age.)

I am at an age where I have friends with serious cancers and I've heard horror stories about, for instance, having difficulty getting pre authorization for expensive immunotherapy or having to be on a chemo with bad side effects when a better chemo is available, because insurance wouldn't spring for the good chemo. Or recommended drugs not being covered at all because they are 'experimental.'

I understand that it is common for a health plan to require prior authorization for specialty drugs (cancer drugs). Are there certain questions I can pose to the plan phone reps to understand what the criteria is for approval? Or should I ask whether immunotherapy is covered (since immunotherapy is quite expensive and not universally covered)? I've tried calling and posing questions like this but I don't get much helpful information.

Related question: is there any value in a cancer plan supplement?

I'm specifically comparing Tricare (PPO) with a private employer sponsored PPO. On paper they are similar but I feel like the prior authorization needed for cancer treatments is a question mark.

Thanks in advance for any insights!

submitted by /u/Greedy-Track-8652
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