Health insurance is a type of medical insurance policy that covers the costs of medical and surgical expenses incurred by the insured person. It provides financial protection against unexpected health expenses, which can be very costly at a time. Insurance policies typically cover the costs of preventive care. Such as routine check-ups and screenings, as well as more complex medical treatments (e.g. surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications).
Top 5 things to consider selecting the best insurance provider
Selecting the best option for you and your family can be a challenging process, as there are too many factors to consider. By considering these key factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a health insurance provider that meets your needs and fits your budget:
- Coverage. The most important factor. Look for a plan that covers all your specific health needs, including regular doctor visits, specialist appointments, prescription medications, any ongoing treatment you may require.
- Cost. You’ll want to compare premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses for each plan you’re considering. Don’t forget to factor in any subsidies or tax credits you may be eligible for. If you don’t have enough income, apply for a free health insurance plan. You can also explore discounted one to ensure you and your family are safe. Anyone can use government website to check for plans & prices here.
- Provider network. Check if your preferred doctors and healthcare facilities are covered under the provider’s network. If not, you may need to switch providers or pay out-of-network fees, which can be expensive. The best health insurance provider should fully meet your needs within its network.
- Reputation. Customer service is all about how you would feel entering the clinic. Its all about interacting with doctors, which includes claims processing and filling forms, creating overall satisfaction. Online reviews and ratings from independent organizations can be helpful in making your decision. You can check them on ConsumerAffairs, Yelp, Google Reviews etc.
- Additional benefits. Some providers offer wellness programs, telemedicine services, discounts on gym memberships. Consider if these extra features are important to you but that can be the last factor of top-5 we wanted to share with you.
List of best health insurance providers and their areas of coverage
There are many health insurance companies operating in the United States, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. These companies offer a range of health insurance products, including individual and group policies, Medicare and Medicaid plans, international health insurance. They also provide various services to their customers, such as telemedicine, wellness programs, and health coaching. Choosing the right health insurance company can depend on a variety of factors we covered in the previous paragraph. It’s important for individuals to carefully compare their options and choose a plan that meets their unique needs and budget.
Anthem
Anthem is one of the largest health insurance providers in the US and is a Blue Cross Blue Shield company. They offer a variety of health insurance plans for individuals and families, including HMOs, PPOs, and catastrophic plans. They also offer Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid managed care plans, and employer-sponsored plans in select states. Anthem is known for its large provider network, which includes over 1 million healthcare professionals and over 6,000 hospitals across the US. They also offer member tools and resources, including a mobile app that allows members to manage their health plan, find doctors, and track their health and wellness goals. Anthem operates in 14 states, including:
- California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, and parts of New York.
Centene
Corporation Centene is a managed care company that specializes in providing different health plans, including those for low-income and underserved populations. They offer a range of health plans for individuals and families, as well as Medicaid and Medicare plans in select states. Centene operates in 32 states and has over 25 million members: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin. More detailed info on locations where Centene operates can be found by using the link.
They are known for their focus on preventative care and improving health outcomes for their members. Company also offers member resources, including online tools for finding doctors, managing prescriptions or tracking health goals.
CVS Health (Aetna)
CVS Health acquired Aetna in 2018, creating a health care company that offers a range of insurance products and health services. They offer individual and family plans, Medicare plans, employer-sponsored plans, support for mental health issues etc. CVS Health (Aetna) is known for its focus on innovation and using technology to improve the healthcare experience for its members. They have an extensive network of retail clinics and pharmacies, which can be convenient for members who need access to healthcare services outside of traditional office hours. CVS Health/Aetna operates in all 50 states and has over 22 million members. As any other best health insurance provider, the company dedicates special attention to the woman health and participates in many affordable care programs.
Molina Healthcare
Molina based in Long Beach, California, is a multi-state health care organization that specializes in healthcare. It includes health services, health insurance plans, offering Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Health Insurance Marketplace.
They offer a range of health plans for individuals and families in select states:
- New York, California, Florida, Texas, Utah, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, Arizona, Washington.
Molina operates in 14 states and has over 4 million members. They are known for their focus on care coordination and improving health outcomes for their members via affordable, comprehensive support to those who need it most. They achieve this by partnering with state governments, suppliers, communities, organizations to create innovative, patient-centered solutions.
Oscar Health
Oscar Health is a technology-driven health insurance company that offers individual and family plans, as well as Medicare Advantage plans, in select states: Virginia, New York, Kansas, Colorado, California, Texas, New Jersey, Arizona, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Missouri.
Company has over half a million members. They are known for their focus on member experience, which includes a user-friendly mobile app that allows members to manage their health plan, find doctors, and track their health and wellness goals. Oscar also offers member resources, including virtual doctor visits and personalized care teams that can help members navigate their health plan and access care.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest medical plan providers in the USA that offers a range of health insurance for individuals and families, like dental, vision, as well as Medicare and employer-sponsored options.
UH operate in all 50 states and have over 50 million members. Company is known for its large provider network, which includes over 1.3 million healthcare professionals and over 6,500 hospitals across the US. They also offer member resources, including online tools for finding doctors, managing prescriptions, and tracking health goals. You can also find the doctor you need using their website that helps you get the services you are in need of.
Humana
Humana is a large health insurance provider that offers coverage in all 50 states. Company offers a variety of health plans, including PPOs, HMOs, Medicare, high-deductible health plans. The organizaion is known for its strong focus on wellness and preventive care.
Humana offers a variety of wellness resources, including online health assessments, wellness coaching, and fitness programs. Humana also offers telehealth services, which allow members to connect with doctors and other healthcare providers remotely.
Make your choice wisely as there is nothing more important than health
We think that a best health insurance provider should be operating the state you live in, have all services you need at a reasonable price. To make the best bet – check out them all and make a comparison table. But remember, if everything looks great but the service is bad, or your experience with them, then change the vendor.
In conclusion, if you have specific questions or concerns regarding which health insurance provider is best – or what is their cost, coverage, policies, connect with the vendor of your choice and they would be happy to try and provide you with helpful information or resources to guide your decision-making process. Stay healthy!