Is united healthcare a good health insurance

Kaiser Permanente offers affordable health insurance with great customer support

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Health insurance companies offer health insurance plans to patients who need to purchase individual health insurance for themselves and their families. Health insurance can help to defray medical costs if you become sick or injured. The region you live in will determine which health insurers you have access to, and coverage options vary from state to state.

The best health insurance companies have high ratings when it comes to financial strength, customer service ratings, claims service, plan prices, policy offerings, coverage benefits, and provider choices. There is no one “best” health insurance company, but the best one for you will depend on the type of private health insurance you need, your budget, and what is available in your area.

The Best Health Insurance Companies of 2022

• Best for Health Savings Plan (HSA) Options: Kaiser Permanente
• Best Large Provider Network: Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Best for Online Care: UnitedHealthCare
• Best for Employer-Based Plans: Aetna
• Best for Telehealth Care: Cigna
• Best for Wellness Care: Molina Healthcare

Best for Health Savings Plan (HSA) Options: Kaiser Permanente

 Kaiser Permanente

• Policy Types: 3
• AM Best Rating: NR
• States Available: 8

Why We Chose It

Kaiser Permanente was the top performer in California, Colorado, Maryland, and the Northwest and South Atlantic regions, according to the 2022 J.D. Power & Associates Commercial Member Health Plan Study. Kaiser Permanente was ranked the number one overall health insurer on Insure.com as of July 2022. In the study, 87% of people surveyed said they would recommend it. Also, 90% of customers plan to renew their policies.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong customer service

• Health savings account options

• Variety of health plans available

Cons

• Limited coverage areas

Overview

Kaiser Permanente is a trusted name in health insurance. It offers medical care through its managed care organization and network of Kaiser Foundation hospitals and medical centers. It has won numerous customer service awards from J.D. Power & Associates.

Kaiser Permanente offers private health insurance to residents of California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and Washington D.C. Its network includes more than 23,000 participating physicians.

If you live in one of Kaiser Permanente’s coverage areas, you have access to several plan options, including bronze, silver, gold, and platinum plans. Bronze and silver plans offer the option to add a health savings account (HSA).

The HSA options through Kaiser Permanente are available for high-deductible plans. The contributions are tax-free and can be used to help pay for qualifying expenses, including:

• Prescriptions
• Primary and specialty care visits
• Doctor and hospital visits
• X-rays
• Lab tests
• Ambulance and emergency care services
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Vision and dental care.

The HSA balance is transferable even if you change jobs, and the account comes with a debit card. You can invest any amount you’ve saved over $2,000 into one of the offered mutual fund selections.

Read the full Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance review.

Best Large Provider Network: Blue Cross Blue Shield

 Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Policy Types: 2
• AM Best Rating: A
• States Available: 50

BCBS members have access to plans through health maintenance organizations (HMOs), exclusive provider organizations (EPOs), and preferred provider organizations (PPOs).

Why We Chose It

BCBS health care organizations offer nationwide coverage, and three of its companies were included in the top 11 best health insurers by Insure.com. Of those three, the ones that have AM Best ratings for financial strength received an A or better.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive coverage areas

• Multiple policy options

Cons

• Customer service complaints

Overview

The Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Association offers private health insurance coverage in the United States and over 190 countries. Over 106 million Americans have their health insurance through a BCBS organization. There are over 30 BCBS independent health insurance companies in the U.S., and many have an AM Best financial strength rating of “A” (excellent).

The HMO plans offer the most comprehensive plans at the greatest savings but limit doctor choices to those inside the HMO. The EPO plan uses select provider networks and incorporates policies that promote and manage member health care. On the other hand, the PPO plans offer more flexibility with a great number of participating doctors.

In fact, BCBS PPO providers are so numerous that you are likely to be close to one no matter what part of the country you live in. BCBS plans also give you access to HSAs and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). With an FSA plan, you can save money tax-free for health insurance deductibles and other health-related expenses.

The HSA plan is similar but is only for high deductible plans and doesn't have to be through an employer. You may choose to apply the funds in these plans to insurance deductibles and enjoy the benefits of lower insurance premiums with a high-deductible plan.

Read the full Blue Cross Blue Shield review.

Best for Online Care: UnitedHealthCare

 UnitedHealthCare

• Policy Types: 4
• AM Best Rating: A
• States Available: 50

Why We Chose It

UnitedHealthcare has excellent financial strength ratings and has a network of PPOs across the nation. Its online health care services are excellent.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large PPO network

• Online health care services

Cons

• Average or less-than-average customer satisfaction ratings

Why We Chose It

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) has an “A” (excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best and is a part of UnitedHealth Group, which is the largest health insurer in the U.S. It offers individual insurance that meets the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements for essential care.

A real standout feature for UHC members is the access to online care, including the ability to order prescriptions online, speak with a nurse via a hotline, and participate in online wellness information. Members can also go online 24/7 to find doctors and set up appointments, file claims, and even speak with a doctor through a mobile device. It even has a mobile app, so you can use these resources on the go.

UHC is a great choice for people who want the option to manage their health care electronically. HMO and PPO plans are available with access to HSAs and FSAs. Member discounts are available for a variety of health related products and services including: hearing aids, vision services (including Lasik), and smoking cessation programs.

They also have an extensive preferred provider network of over 1.3 million physicians and other health care professionals. UHC also offers Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans.

Best for Employer-Based Plans: Aetna

 Aetna

• Policy Types: 5
• AM Best Rating: A
• States Available: 50

Why We Chose It

Aetna was ranked second by J.D. Power in Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio in 2021. It also performed strongly in the South Atlantic region. It has excellent financial strength ratings, and coverage is available in all 50 states.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• HSAs

• Nationwide coverage

• Wellness programs

Cons

• Received a 2.5-star overall rating from Insure.com

• Only 67% customer loyalty rating

Overview

Aetna has an excellent reputation and is one of the largest health insurers in the U.S. It has an AM Best “A” (excellent) financial strength rating. Aetna was acquired by CVS Health in 2018, but still provides employer health plans to residents of all 50 U.S. states. Aetna does not offer private, individual insurance but does offer Medicare, Medicaid, employer plans, and student plans. Members also have access to HSA plans (available for high-deductible plans).

There is a large provider network, so members will be able to find an Aetna-approved provider no matter the part of the country they reside in. Network plan options allow members to see an in-network doctor or a licensed doctor, although seeing ​a network doctor will provide the greatest savings.

Aetna offers several plan types, including HMO, PPO, Indemnity, EPO, POS, HDHP with HSA, and Stop-loss. There are numerous wellness programs available to Aetna members, too, including gym memberships, weight-loss programs, health coaching, and more.

Read the full Aetna Health Insurance review.

Best for Telehealth Care: Cigna

 Cigna

• Policy Types: 4
• AM Best Rating: A
• States Available: 13

Why We Chose It

Cigna has excellent financial strength ratings, and out-of-network approvals are not required. It has excellent telehealth services available to members.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Out-of-network care available without a referral

• Telehealth services

Cons

• Limited coverage area

Overview

Cigna is a global health insurance provider and offers private health insurance in 13 U.S. states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia. It has an “A” (excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best as of June 2022. Referrals for out-of-network care may or may not be required depending on your plan. The greatest savings are realized by using an in-network provider.

Plan options, deductibles, and co-pay options vary by state. High-deductible plans are available along with HSA plan options. Policyholders can search plan network doctors, estimate costs, check claims status, and get insurance ID cards all online.

There are several attractive member benefits, including access to a home delivery pharmacy, health information helpline, rewards programs, flu shot information, and the Cigna telehealth connection program, which allows you access to board-certified telehealth providers, such as MDLIVE.

Best for Wellness Care: Molina Healthcare

Molina Healthcare

• Policy Types: 4
• AM Best Rating: N/A
• States Available: 19

Why We Chose It

Moody’s Investors Service upgraded its credit ratings for Molina in 2020 and the wellness and preventive care services are excellent.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent wellness program

• Excellent preventative care

Cons

• Limited coverage territory

Overview

Molina Healthcare offers healthcare services through Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance marketplaces in 19 states. It insures about 5.1 million members as of March 2022. Coverage options, plan choices, and benefits vary by state. Many of its health plans come with low co-pays and cover essential medical care such as prenatal, emergency services, hospital care, vaccinations, lab tests/x-rays, prescription drugs, doctor’s visits, and vision insurance.

Molina has some excellent perks, wellness care, and preventive health care services for its health insurance members including adult immunizations, adult preventive services, child and adolescent immunizations, pediatric preventive health care, prenatal and postnatal care.

Final Verdict

There are plenty of health insurance plans to choose from, but which ones are available to you will depend on where you live. The best health insurance plans feature affordable monthly premiums, low deductibles, and high customer satisfaction ratings. Our overall pick for the best health insurance provider is Kaiser Permanente.

Available in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Maryland, and Virginia, plans from Kaiser Permanente come highly rated by J.D. Power. Kaiser Permanente has a history of strong customer service and also comes with HSA options.

Compare the Best Health Insurance Companies

When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance for 2021?

The enrollment period for the HealthCare Marketplace ranfrom Nov. 1, 2021, to Jan. 15, 2022, for coverage in 2022. Special Enrollment may be available in certain circumstances. For coverage in 2023, the enrollment period for the HealthCare Marketplace begins Nov. 1, 2022. The enrollment period for those newly eligible for Medicare is a seven-month window starting three months before turning 65. After that, the annual enrollment period is from Jan. 1 through March 31 each year.

Those who buy insurance from an employer should ask their HR department about the enrollment period because private companies can set their own deadlines.

Are Health Insurance Premiums Tax-Deductible?

Health insurance premiums may only be deducted if total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) in a year.

Taxpayers must also itemize their deductions if they want to deduct their health-related expenses. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 increased the standard deduction significantly, so itemizing makes less sense for most taxpayers.

Self-employed individuals who do not qualify for employer-sponsored health insurance may deduct premiums on their taxes without itemizing.

What Does Health Insurance Cover?

Health insurance typically covers the costs of medical, prescription, and surgical services. It pays for your care if you get sick or injured, as well as preventative care such as vaccines and wellness checkups with your doctor. It pays for most prescription drugs and medical devices. 

Health insurance doesn’t cover elective surgical procedures or beauty treatments, however, and it’s not the same as accident insurance. Health insurance will most likely cover your medical expenses if you’re involved in an accident, but accident insurance is a supplemental policy that gives you a lump sum to help pay for your out-of-pocket accident-related costs. 

Does Health Insurance Cover Therapy?

Health insurance may cover therapy and counseling visits, but it depends on the specific policy. Check your insurance summary to see if mental health counseling is covered.

If it is covered, make sure the provider accepts your specific plan. Many therapists do not accept health insurance. If that’s the case, you can submit receipts to your health insurance provider for reimbursement. They may provide some benefits for out-of-network therapists, but this also varies by policy.

Does Health Insurance Cover Dental?

Medical insurance plans do not cover dental expenses, except for children. Dental insurance for adults has to be purchased separately. If you receive health insurance through your employer, they may also provide dental insurance.

How Do I Find Out What My Health Insurance Covers?

Insurance companies are required to provide a document that lists all the covered services. Most people receive a copy of this when they first enroll. If you can’t find yours, log on to your insurance profile online or call a customer service representative to ask for the summary.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?

Health insurance plans can vary greatly in cost based on factors such as your health, your geographic region, the amount of your deductible, and co-pay requirements. It’s a good idea to compare the total costs and benefits of the plan and not just look at the premium. 

Policies with lower deductibles generally allow you to pay less upfront, but you’ll pay a higher monthly premium in exchange for that. You’re effectively paying more on a monthly basis rather than all at once through a deductible when you need care. You might also be responsible for a co-pay, a fixed percentage of the balance remaining after you’ve paid your deductible. You and the insurance company are sharing the costs. 

Health insurance you might receive through your employer is typically cheaper than purchasing a policy on your own.

Is Health Insurance Worth It?

It’s very rare to find a scenario where health insurance isn’t worth the cost. You never know when you’ll become sick or get injured, and it’s significantly cheaper to pay for health insurance than to incur large medical bills. Doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and ambulance rides can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s better to pay for health insurance than risk getting stuck with those bills. 

Methodology

We reviewed several health insurance companies and chose these based on their customer satisfaction ratings, the type of coverage they offer, financial strength ratings, and coverage areas. We also looked at additional features the health insurance companies offered their members, including online services and wellness programs.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day/7 days a week to get information on all of your options.

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19. CVS Health. "CVS Health Completes Acquisition of Aetna, Marking the Start of Transforming the Consumer Health Experience."

20. AM Best. "AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to CIGNA Global Insurance Company Limited."

21. AM Best. "Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company."

22. Moody's. "Rating Action: Moody’s Upgrades Molina Healthcare’s Ratings (Senior Debt to Ba3); Outlook Changed to Stable."

23. Molina Healthcare. "Form 10-Q," Page 7.

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26. Medicare.gov. "When Does Medicare Coverage Start?"

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28. Internal Revenue Service. "Topic No. 502 Medical and Dental Expenses."

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