Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

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When looking for affordable health insurance, you’ll find many options. These include your employer, the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, and Medicare. Several states have a state marketplace. Choosing the right health insurance plan is a key decision that affects your finances and health. Take time to research and compare benefits to find which plan is right for you.

What to consider when choosing health insurance:

  • Monthly premium
  • Benefits offered
  • Customer service and satisfaction
  • Value for money

Read on to discover the pros and cons of the top 10 best affordable health insurance companies.

What You Should Know About Affordable Health Insurance Plans

If you’re on a group employer plan, your premium can’t cost more than 9.5% of your household income.

  • Affordable is defined as no more than 9.5% of your household income: If you’re on a group employer plan, your premium can’t cost more than 9.5% of your household income. That doesn’t include your spouse or dependents.
  • Anyone can apply on the Health Insurance Marketplace: The Health Insurance Marketplace is your route to affordable insurance, whether you’re shopping for individual coverage, want to apply for Medicaid, or need to compare your options against what your employer offers.
  • You may qualify for government assistance: Through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you may qualify for a subsidy, which offsets the cost of your monthly premiums. Depending on your income and demographics, you may qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If you’re 65 or older or have a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for Medicaid.

How We Rate Health Insurance Companies

  • Financial strength: The financial strength rating uses the insurance company’s A.M. Best financial strength rating. A.M. Best is a credit rating agency specializing in the insurance industry, which rates an insurer’s ability to meet ongoing obligations.
  • Customer satisfaction: The customer satisfaction rating considers the Better Business Bureau (BBB), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and Consumer Affairs ratings. These ratings use customer complaints and satisfaction ratings.
  • Value: The value rating calculates an insurer’s overall value based on monthly premium, annual deductible, the price of an office visit, ER visit, and annual maximum out-of-pocket cost.
  • Coverage: The coverage rating considers the insurer’s availability of coverages, plan types, and network size.

How to Compare Health Insurance Companies

Make sure network providers are convenient and cover special needs you or your family have.

When comparing information on the best affordable health insurance companies, it’s essential to look beyond premiums and learn about benefits, deductibles, and additional coverage. A place to start is preparing a list of questions to be answered, including household size and specific health issues:

  • Find affordable health plans in your area: Start by enrolling on Healthcare.gov. Once you’ve answered income and household size questions, you get an overview of health plans available in your ZIP code. Alternatively, browse plans in your area from the See Plans and Prices tool.
  • Research the network: Most health insurers have a network of preferred providers that you must use or your copay increase. Check that those providers are convenient and verify if the network providers include any special needs that you or your family have.
  • Research prescription drug coverage: Check whether prescription drug coverage is included and if the amount is sufficient for your family’s needs. You may need to apply for a prescription drug plan.
  • Compare monthly premiums: Compare monthly premium amounts for each policy, taking into account the plan level.
  • Compare deductibles: A deductible is an amount you must pay before the health policy pays out any benefits. Low deductibles mean you have lower annual out-of-pocket health costs.
  • Compare copays: Depending on the plan level, your copay, the amount you must pay for each service changes. For example, for Bronze plans, copays are 40%, whereas Gold plans are 20%.
  • Research dental coverage: Many policies, including Original Medicare, don’t include full dental benefits as standard, so check what services are included and whether you need a separate dental plan.
  • Check insurer ratings: Always check insurer ratings. The ratings above are a good guide, and you can find localized policy-specific ratings on the NCQA insurer ratings.

Choosing the best affordable health insurance starts with determining your eligibility. Eligibility for health insurance is based upon several factors, including household income and household size. In addition, you must live in the United States and be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawfully residing in the country. You can’t be denied insurance for preexisting conditions.

  • Employer health insurance: You can get coverage through your employer if the company offers health insurance. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), 47% of employers provide health coverage. Large companies with more than 50 full-time employees must offer health insurance or pay tax penalties. Smaller companies can provide health care insurance through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). Employer health insurance is generally cheaper than purchasing insurance on your own. If you have employer health insurance, you can use a flexible spending account (FSA) to save pretax dollars to cover deductibles and copayments. However, you can’t keep your insurance when you leave except throughCOBRA, and you have limited choice regarding benefits.
  • Individual and family insurance: You can purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace or from private health insurers in your state. You must apply during the annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP) that runs from November 1 through to December 15. You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) under qualifying circumstances, such as if you’ve lost your job, moved, changed employment, or got married. If you buy health coverage through the marketplace, you may qualify for an Advance Premium Tax Credit that effectively lowers insurance premiums.
  • Medicare: Medicare is government health insurance for people age 65 or older and those with certain disabilities. Original Medicare covers hospitalization and preventive care. A Medicare Advantage Plan is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare has options for prescription drugs and additional coverage, such as dentistry. If you don’t apply when eligible, you may face penalties andexperience delays before coverage takes effect. In addition, deductibles may be high if you don’t have Medigap cover or a Medicare Advantage Plan.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid is government health insurance which provides essential health benefits for low-income adults, pregnant women, children, and older adults with disabilities. Medicaid eligibility depends on several factors, including income, household size, and family status. Each state manages their own Medicaid program, and eligibility and benefits differ according to whether the state has extended Medicaid. However, cover and care are comparable with private health insurance, and Medicaid supports premiums for low-income qualifiers on Medicare.
  • CHIP: If you earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but can’t afford private health insurance, you can enlist your children in the CHIP. Each state administers its own CHIP program. Mandatory cover includes well-baby and well-child visits, dental benefits, vaccines, and behavioral health.

Aetna Health Insurance: Best for Customer Service

Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

Company Overview

Aetna is one of the oldest and largest health insurance companies on the market. Founded in 1853, it started offering medical insurance in 1951. Aetna offers insurance policies in 50 states. These include individual, group, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage plans. Aetna is one of the most successful and affordable health insurance companies in the country, offering good customer service.

Is Aetna a Good Health Insurance Provider?

What Do Aetna Health Insurance Plans Cover?

Aetna Health offers several health insurance options:

  • Dental
  • Family health plans
  • Individual health plans
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • Pharmacy
  • Vision

How Is Aetna Rated?

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Aetna.

Overall rating: 4.8

Anthem Health Insurance: Best Value

Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

Company Overview

Anthem health insurance company is ranked number three in market share with policies in 25 states. Apart from standard health insurance plans, Anthem offers a selection of special insurance policies for hospital indemnity, critical illness, and limited-term enhanced choice. The company has an extensive network of primary care providers. You can expect good customer service, but note that some policies, including Medicaid and Medicare, aren’t available in all states.

Is Anthem a Good Health Insurance Provider?

What Do Anthem Health Insurance Plans Cover?

Anthem Health offers several health insurance options:

  • CHIP
  • Dental
  • Group insurance plans
  • Individual health insurance
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Vision

How Is Anthem Rated?

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Anthem.

Overall rating: 4

Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance: Best for Nationwide Coverage

Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

Company Overview

Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the largest health insurance companies covering all 50 states. A unique aspect is that Blue Cross Blue Shield consists of an association of 35 independent companies. While this means service standards may differ from one region to another, overall, BSBC’s pricing plans, services, and discounts are among the best.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield a Good Health Insurance Provider?

What Do Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Plans Cover?

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers several health insurance options:

  • Corporate health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Group insurance plans
  • HSAs
  • High-deductible health insurance
  • Individual health insurance
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Small business health insurance

How Is Blue Cross Blue Shield Rated?

Overall rating: 4.6

Cigna Health Insurance: Best for Coverage Options

Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

Company Overview

Cigna is a large health insurance company operating in the U.S. and Europe. The company began in 1981 through the merger between INA Corporation and Connecticut General Corporation. It offers a range of affordable health insurance policies in a limited number of states, and its Medicare prescription drug and Medigap insurance network covers most of the country. Cigna policies offer excellent coverage in a strong health care provider network, including pharmacies and behavioral health providers.

Is Cigna a Good Health Insurance Provider?

What Do Cigna Health Insurance Plans Cover?

Cigna offers a wide range of individual and group health insurance plans:

  • Dental and vision plans
  • Group health insurance (PPO, HMO, Open Access, customized local plans, and high-deductible health plans)
  • Health and wellness programs
  • Individual and family insurance
  • Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance plans
  • Pharmacy programs
  • Savings and spending accounts (HSA, FSA)
  • Supplemental plans

How Is Cigna Rated?

Overall rating: 4.1

Highmark Health Insurance: Best for Plan Selection

Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

Company Overview

Highmark Health is a large independent health insurance company and licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company sells policies in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia, with limited availability in New York. The company maintains the high standards set by their parent company. As a result, the company has a good reputation and a high renewal rate.

Is Highmark a Good Health Insurance Provider?

What Do Highmark Health Insurance Plans Cover?

Health insurance plans offered by Highmark include:

  • CHIP
  • Dental
  • Individual and family plans
  • Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance
  • Travel
  • Vision

How Is Highmark Rated?

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Highmark.

Overall rating: 4.1

Humana Health Insurance: Best for Over 50s

Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

Company Overview

Established in 1961, Humana health insurance company offers an array of HMO, PPO, and Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. It’s one of the most popular employer medical plans, but it no longer offers individual or family medical insurance plans. Humana has a reputation for high-quality plans. Customer satisfaction levels are high.

Is Humana a Good Health Insurance Provider?

What Do Humana Health Insurance Plans Cover?

Humana insurance options include:

  • Dental
  • Employer group health insurance
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance
  • Vision
  • Pharmacy

How Is Humana Rated?

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Humana.

Overall rating: 4.4

Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance: Best for High NCQA Rating

Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

Company Overview

Kaiser Permanente is one of the largest nonprofit health insurance companies. It was founded in 1945 in the shipyards during World War II. The secret of success was its prepaid approach that funded medical care facilities and staff. This approach still holds today with its extensive physician and hospital network. As a result, service quality is high, while the prices are low.

Is Kaiser Permanente a Good Health Insurance Provider?

What Do Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance Plans Cover?

Kaiser Permanente offers several health insurance options:

  • Employer plans
  • Family health plans
  • Individual health plans
  • Medicaid/Medi-Cal
  • Medicare

How Is Kaiser Permanente Rated?

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Kaiser Permanente.

Overall rating: 4.6

Molina Healthcare Health Insurance: Best for Underserved Populations

Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

Company Overview

Molina Healthcare began in 1980. The company specializes in the government-subsidized market, providing a range of Medicare and Medicaid policies for low-income households. Molina has an extensive network of preferred providers and clinics. Its website is easy to use, and you can compare plans in your ZIP code.

Is Molina Healthcare a Good Health Insurance Provider?

What Do Molina Healthcare Health Insurance Plans Cover?

Molina Healthcare offers several health insurance options:

  • Family health plans
  • Individual health plans
  • Medicaid and CHIP
  • Medicare

How Is Molina Healthcare Rated?

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Molina Healthcare.

Overall rating: 3.8

UnitedHealthcare Health Insurance: Best for Plan Options

Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

Company Overview

UnitedHealthcare, founded in 1977, is the largest U.S. health insurance company, with an estimated 14% market share. It offers a broad range of affordable health insurance policies and has an extensive network of physicians, hospitals, and medical care providers. While premiums may be a bit high, UnitedHealthcare offers extras such as virtual consultations, travel insurance, and online tools for individuals and group policies.

Is UnitedHealthcare a Good Health Insurance Provider?

What Do UnitedHealthcare Health Insurance Plans Cover?

UnitedHealthcare offers numerous health insurance options:

  • Dental
  • Employer plans
  • Family health plans
  • Individual health plans
  • Marketplace plans
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Self-employed plans
  • Short-term/TriTerm insurance
  • Student plans
  • Supplemental
  • Vision

How Is UnitedHealthcare Rated?

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated UnitedHealthcare.

Overall rating: 4.6

WellCare Health Insurance: Best for Medicare

Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

Company Overview

WellCare was founded in 1985 to provide Medicaid coverage in Florida. Over time, the business has expanded to cover a full range of Medicare plans. The company offers insurance across the country through several subsidiaries. In 2020, Centene bought out WellCare to create one of the largest providers of government-sponsored insurance.

Is WellCare a Good Health Insurance Provider?

What Do WellCare Health Insurance Plans Cover?

WellCare offers several health insurance options:

  • Family health plans
  • Individual health plans
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare

How Is WellCare Rated?

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated WellCare.

Overall rating: 4

Which insurance providers is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurers in the US?

Insurance and health care consultant

Tammy Burns is an experienced health insurance advisor. She earned her nursing degree in 1990 from Jacksonville State University, obtained her insurance billing and coding certification in 1995, and holds a health and life insurance license in Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Burns is Affordable Care Act (ACA)-certified for health insurance and other ancillary, life, and annuity products. She maintains an active nursing license and practices private-duty nursing.

Burns’ background as a nurse, insurance biller and coder, and insurance consultant includes infectious disease, oncology, gynecology, phlebotomy, post operative, family medicine, geriatrics, home health, hospice, human resources, management, billing, coding, claims, fixed annuities, group and individual health and life products, and Medicare. She’s always been driven by a desire to help people, spending more than 25 years as a practicing nurse in hospitals, private doctors’ offices, home health, and hospice. As a nurse, Burns supported patients filing insurance claims with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies as well as responding to billing questions from confused patients.

Seeing firsthand how unsuspecting patients are frequently confused by an overly complex system they don’t understand led Burns to become an insurance agent and health care consultant, now helping people understand the medical system. Since becoming an insurance agent in 2013, she has worked with some of the largest and most reputable insurance carriers and agencies in the nation, and she has built a large and loyal clientele by way of her commitment to transparency and personalized service.

Sources

Which insurance provider is the oldest and largest system of independent health insurance in the US?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are the oldest, most experienced providers of health coverage in America.

Which of the following providers specialize in the management and treatment of interstitial cystitis?

A urologist is a doctor specializing in bladder diseases. Some gynecologists and urogynecologists (women's health doctors) also treat people with IC.

What is the maximum reimbursement a third party payer will provide?

NHA CCMA.