Archive for June, 2009

Assurant Pennsylvania Health Insurance

Posted on: by Ed Harris 1 Comment

Assurant Pennsylvania health insurance plans are provided through Assurant’s parent company, Time Insurance. And although Time is a reliable and established company, I only occasionally recommend Assurant Pennsylvania health insurance coverage.  Their “short-term” plans offer reasonable premiums in many parts of the state. These plans also offer many coinsurance and deductible options, which is a feature many other carriers don’t offer.

An important consideration is their Pennsylvania rates. In many parts of the state, their rates are quite high. For example, Assurant’s monthly rate for comprehensive coverage (husband/wife ages 45 with two children) is $751, compared to United HealthCare’s rate of $546 and Aetna’s rate of $606. Assurant’s “MaxPlan” was compared to similar policies from other companies.

Assurant’s Pennsylvania’s HSA insurance rates are also high in many parts of the state. The monthly rate for a $5700 family deductible is $452. HealthAmerica’s rate for a $5000 deductible is only $368 and United HealthCare’s rate for a $5500 family deductible is only $365. Plan coverages were fairly similar. However, their rate for their $7,500 and $10,000 deductibles is sometimes attractive and worth considering. In Western Pennsylvania, their lower deductible options are reasonable.

Assurant also offers additional health insurance plans at reduced rates, including the  “CoreMed” plan. But coverages are greatly diminished and similar plans are also available from most of Pennsylvania’s other health companies. In some instances, however, the CoreMed policy will meet your needs and offer a premium that is within your budget.

While considering Pennsylvania health plans, I always research all of the major companies. But in most situations, Assurant’s rates and coverages are not as competitive as other Pa carriers. When/if this changes, I will include their most affordable options in my recommendations.

UPDATE July 2011- Assurant, while still not a major player in the state, does have fairly low rates in selected pockets of the state. I actually anticipate the number of pockets to slowly increase so we’ll make sure we provide those situations to you. When (and if) the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange becomes a reality in 2014, it will be interesting to see what Assurant’s role will be.


Pennsylvania Individual Health Insurance Plans

Affordable individual Pennsylvania health insurance plans are made available by most major health companies. Aetna, United HealthCare, HealthAmerica, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Capital Blue Cross, Independence Blue Cross and Geisinger are some of the larger carriers that provide high quality coverage at an affordable rate. Although Assurant and Celtic aren’t as big, there are pocket of the state where they are viable options. For example, Celtic offers very attractive temporary medical rates.

Individual health insurance plans often cost much less than an employer-sponsored plan. Some of the reasons include: more selective underwriting, lack of maternity coverage (without a rider) and less medical risk with a single family. Also, Pennsylvania private health care generally is less expensive than medical care in many neighboring states such as New Jersey and New York. Individual plans often cost less than $100 per month, and many family plans are available for monthly rates between $250 and $400.

Pennsylvania health insurance plans also offer a wide variety of coverage options. Unlike some group options, you can easily obtain catastrophic, comprehensive or HSA coverages. In some counties, a few companies will have substantially lower premiums, so it’s important to use an experienced broker to help you find the best plan. For example, in parts of the central part of the state (Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster & Cumberland Counties), Geisinger may have much more competitive rates than other carriers. Yet a few counties in either direction, another company may be a better choice.

PaHealthinsurancecoverage.com is the premier resource for family and individual Pennsylvania health insurance plans. Instantly, you can view, compare, and if you wish, apply online for the most affordable high quality plans in the state. And since premiums are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance, you will not find a lower rate anywhere! We’ll take the time to explain the difference between policies in terms that you’ll understand. We don’t want you to just take our word regarding which plan is best for you. It’s important that you understand why some plans are better than others and how it affects you.

Please click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page to view your health insurance rates. If you need help (and you probably will!), call us at (888) 513 6446 or “contact us” through the link on the right side of the page.

Pennsylvania Health Care Changes

Pennsylvania health care reform gained momentum as Governor Ed Rendell took action on four health care reforms in the state. Three of the four bills were part of his “Prescription For Pennsylvania” series of reforms.

Highlights of some of the changes include expanding Cobra health benefits to small Pennsylvania health businesses and allowing uninsured single adult children (up to age 30) to be covered by their parents’ Pennsylvania health insurance plan.

For complete details of all of the health care changes, please click here.

To instantly view, compare, and apply for high quality Pennsylvania health insurance plans, please click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page. Pahealthinsurancecoverage.com is the premier resource for Pennsylvania health insurance.

May 2011 Update:  Health care reform is still moving  forward. However, we may see a Supreme Court ruling next year. We’ll keep you posted.

UnitedHealthcare Pennsylvania Health Insurance Plans

UnitedHealthcare (UHC), one of the nation’s largest health insurers, offers many affordable health insurance plans to Pennsylvania residents. Comprehensive plans, catastrophic plans and Pennsylvania Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are available in most areas of the state. Purchasing a plan is easy. Deciding which plan to buy requires some assistance.

Pa Catastrophic Plans

The “Saver 80” plan is UHC’s catastrophic plan. Monthly premiums are lower than most Pennsylvania health insurance plans. A lifetime unlimited benefit provides coverage for major medical claims. The policy is ideal for those persons interested in covering only catastrophic claims. A prescription discount card is included that provides small reductions. Any qualified preventative benefit has no waiting period and no out of pocket expense. For persons without coverage, this plan is a great starting point.

Pa Comprehensive Plans

The “Copay Select” and “Copay Saver” plans are UHC’s most comprehensive plans. Both plans include catastrophic and preventative coverages. The “Copay Select” plan offers unlimited office visit coverage with comprehensive prescription coverage. The “Copay Saver” plan, costs less, since only four office visits and generic prescriptions are covered. But the savings can be substantial, especially if coupled with a higher deductible.

Pa Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

The “HSA 100” plan is UHC’s most comprehensive Health Savings Account. After one (not two or more!) family deductible, covered expenses are paid at 100%. Preventative coverage is not subject to the deductible. Rates are generally quite competitive, especially in Western Pennsylvania. In many parts of the Eastern part of the state, rates are also very attractive.

UnitedHealthcare Pennsylvania health insurance plans will not always be your best option. But, as the premier resource for health insurance, we’ll always recommend the best plan that fits your particular situation.


UPDATE: October 2010. A few changes. Most UnitedHealthcare plans now offer preventive coverage that is not subject to a deductible or waiting period. Lifetime maximum caps have been removed although $3 million would be enough for the vast majority of Pennsylvania residents.

And of course…the Phillies won the division again this year. But right now, they are down 3-2 (in games) to the pesky Giants in the playoffs!

Ed

UPDATE: January 2011. UHC’s rates remain attractive. The “Saver 80″ plan is now best used with deductibles of $2,500 or more.