The larger health insurance companies include, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana and Cigna. In many cases the larger companies have the ability to offer lower cost plans because they process and manage a huge volume of policies. However, you may also wish to consider private health insurance that is available to low-income patients.
As a result of the Affordable Care Act, or the ACA which is also commonly called Obamacare, states have to offer some form of affordable plans for those with low incomes, and who do not already qualify for Medicaid.
If you make too much to afford Medicaid, but too little to afford other plans, then consider applying for the subsidies offered by the U.S. government to offset the costs.
Many consumers are unaware of the fact that private insurance companies also offer low cost alternatives to using a policy via the healthcare marketplace from the larger companies.
If you visit an insurance agency in person, or via a video platform, then you not only receive personalized assistance, but you are able to have your insurance plan tailored to your specifics and budget.
The best health insurance companies and plans include:
- Best Companies: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana. These have nationwide or even global coverage.
- Best HMO: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan.
- Best Value: Humana. Many private plans available.
- Best Online Portal and Service: United Healthcare.
- Region specific Insurance companies: HealthPartners (Midwest), Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan(New York), Harvard Pilgrim (New England area).
Many of the large health insurance companies work with employers to offer discounted bulk insurance products. If your employer offers health insurance be sure to compare the offered plan to others in the private and public sector. In most cases you save more money and pay less out of pocket each month by selecting your company’s healthcare package.
