When seeking an insurance provider, it always pays to shop extensively. Most brokers are equipped to do the work for you. Typically, they will research at least three to five suppliers and advise you on making a choice. In today's market, you have an unlimited number of companies from which to choose. This array of insurance providers can be mind-boggling, but here are five of the most popular to help you start your search.
Aetna
A 150-year-old-plus company, AETNA offers its members nationwide coverage. Its subsidiaries include Aetna Life Insurance Company, Aetna Health Insurance Company of New York, Aetna Health of the Carolinas, Inc., Aetna Heath, Inc., Aetna Health of California, Inc., and Aetna Health Administrators, LLC. Based in Hartford, Connecticut, it offers individual medical and dental coverage in most states. Some policy applications can be accessed online, depending on location. Others may require an in-person consultation with an accredited agency or broker.
Additional health services include: vision, disability, dental, drug, and extended care. Aetna also offers a pharmacy discount card and supplemental insurance for Medicare.
Kaiser Permanente Insurance Group
One of the largest U.S. insurance providers, Kaiser Permanente is a leading not-for-profit institution with the majority of its customers residing in California. Other active states include Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington. The Kaiser network includes Kaiser Foundation Hospitals (with subsidiaries), the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, and Permanente Medical Groups. Seattle's Group Health Cooperative is an affiliate. Kaiser Permanente is identified as the largest integrated system with this network in the United States.
Founded in 1945, its mission is to create an HMO umbrella of preventative care, affordable health insurance, and comprehensive medical care in concentrated locations. Under the parent group of Kaiser Permanente, the organization has achieved recognition in the fields of research and education.
UNICARE Life and Health Insurance Company
A subsidiary of WellPoint Health Networks, UNICARE operates in California (Blue Cross of California). It offers a comprehensive range of plans nationwide. Both Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans are features of this company. UNICARE rates highly in fast application processing, stability of premiums, high claims payout, exceptional customer service, and cutting-edge health plan offerings.
Each plan within the UNICARE system can be adapted to meet individual needs. In addition to personal health care provisions, it offers the expected array of vision, dental, disability, drug, and life policies. Representatives are always available to adjust plans to address changing needs.
Golden Rule Insurance Company
Established in 1940, Golden Rule Insurance Company is a nationwide provider of health and life insurance, medical savings accounts (HSAs), and annuities. As part of the UnitedHealthcare network, it offers plans to both individuals and groups. Its leading-edge development of HSAs has ensured that this plan is available for all applicants.
Golden Rule also issues short-term health insurance policies, as well as supplemental Medicare plans. Additional information and quotes are easily accessible through a number of Web sites as well as a wide network of brokers with knowledge of Golden Rule policies and applications.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
A comprehensive health insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers plans for individuals and groups. It promotes great flexibility within each plan regarding selection of physician and hospital care with in-network and out-of-network solutions. In addition, coverage is guaranteed throughout a wide network of national and international locations for travelers.
In light of rising health insurance costs, BCBS has recently instituted a wellness campaign that includes "BlueWorks," "WalkingWorks," and "Your Choices Count" with oversight that could result in innovative changes to the quality of health care and how it is managed.
