See If You Qualify for Lower Rates
Say goodbye to insurance confusion and hello to clarity with TrySmartly, your dependable roadmap to health coverage. We recognize that everyone has distinct health needs and financial boundaries. Our primary goal? To make understanding insurance – in all its complexities – a straightforward, streamlined experience.
The vast healthcare insurance landscape can be daunting when trying to compare health insurance plans. That's where TrySmartly steps in. We offer an array of resources, insights, and tools crafted to enlighten and inform, allowing you to make well-versed decisions about your health insurance choices.
When seeking the best individual health insurance, you need to find a provider that offers affordable health insurance and quality coverage. UnitedHealthcare, one of the best health insurance companies in the United States, fits this bill.
UnitedHealthcare policyholders benefit from an expansive network of 1.3 million physicians and care professionals, plus 6,500 hospitals and care facilities in many parts of the U.S. The company holds an average 3.7 out of 5 rating from the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
UnitedHealthcare presents two main types of health insurance plans on the ACA marketplace:
Aside from Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, UnitedHealthcare's offerings extend to employer-based plans, Medicare, Medicaid, short-term health insurance, and supplemental insurance, which includes critical illness insurance.
The affordability of a UnitedHealthcare plan depends on numerous factors like the plan type, metal tier, age, and where you live. However, to give you an idea, the average monthly cost of an ACA marketplace plan for a 30-year-old is
When it comes to added value, UnitedHealthcare goes beyond just the basics. Here are some extra perks offered by the company:
Are you seeking a cheap family health insurance provider that combines value, reliability, and extensive coverage? Consider Kaiser Permanente.
Kaiser Permanente is a nonprofit organization offering integrated healthcare services, combining health insurance and health service delivery for a holistic experience. Its comprehensive provider network includes 39 hospitals, 734 medical facilities, and 23,656 physicians.
However, it is only available in eight states, including Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, and the District of Columbia.
Kaiser Permanente also extends beyond medical care with its Thrive Local program, connecting members to non-medical and socio-economic services. These services include mental health counseling, food assistance programs, and housing support.
Kaiser Permanente presents a variety of health insurance plans, including individual and family health insurance, Medicaid (including Medi-Cal), and Medicare. It also provides two affordable plans on the health insurance marketplace: Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans.
Kaiser Permanente stands out for its affordability, particularly for families. The average monthly costs for a family of four are as follows:
These costs can vary depending on factors such as family size, age of the policyholder, and location.
Kaiser Permanente does more than offer basic health insurance. It actively promotes a healthier lifestyle with the following benefits:
As young adults navigate the complexities of health insurance for the first time, Blue Cross Blue Shield stands as a reliable option for adaptable and wide-ranging coverage.
With its extensive network across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) ensures you're never too far from quality healthcare. BCBS is a federation of 34 independent companies, each offering unique plans tailored to their communities' needs. As such, BCBS presents various coverage options to match every individual's unique healthcare needs.
Blue Cross Blue Shield delivers diverse health insurance plans to meet your specific needs, featuring choices that span from the ACA marketplace to individual coverage. Here are the coverage options available to young adults:
For young adults seeking coverage, BCBS presents affordable options. The average monthly premium for a 21-year-old is approximately $419, while a 27-year-old would pay an average of $431 per month.
While these prices may be slightly higher than some competitors, BCBS's extensive coverage, global provider network, and wellness discounts can make it a worthwhile investment for your health.
With BCBS, you're not limited to local options. You can access healthcare providers across 200 countries through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core, expanding your healthcare reach beyond your immediate surroundings.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) goes beyond just insuring you. It enriches your health journey with a slew of extras tailored for young adults:
Navigating the healthcare landscape as a college student comes with its own unique set of challenges. A cost-free way to maintain health coverage is to stay on your parent’s plan until you’re 26. Another affordable option is to get health coverage through your university. School-sponsored health plans cover basics but may not offer comprehensive coverage or may have limitations.
If you’re looking for more coverage or don’t qualify to remain on your parent’s plan, Aetna offers comprehensive healthcare coverage for college students. The company offers convenient walk-in MinuteClinic locations and virtual visits. The plans are competitively priced, especially for younger adults, and backed by strong financial ratings. It holds a respectable 3.4-star average rating from the NCQA and an A (Excellent) financial strength grade from AM Best.
Aetna provides two main types of plans:
Aetna offers affordability, especially in its bronze and silver plans. On average, a 21-year-old would pay around $310 a month for a Bronze plan and $413 for a Silver plan. These rates can change based on factors like location, age, and pre-existing conditions.
Aetna enhances your healthcare experience with valuable extras to improve wellness and save you money.
Choosing the right dental health insurance can be a top priority, given its significance for your overall well-being. With a robust network of over 120,000 dentists and PPO providers, Guardian Direct offers many choices to suit your dental care needs.
Guardian Direct offers a choice of four dental plans, each with its own set of benefits:
Choosing the right dental plan is about the services offered and how well it fits into your budget. Guardian Direct understands this dynamic, offering plans aligning with quality coverage and affordability. Below is a detailed table that outlines the cost structure of various plans based on a benchmark case of a 30-year-old female in California.
| Plan Type | Monthly Premium | Preventative Care Reimbursement | Basic Care Reimbursement | Major Care Reimbursement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Plan | $58 | 100% | 80% | 50% |
| Achiever Plan | $47 | 100% | 70% | 50% |
| Core Plan | $32 | 80% | 50% | 50% |
| Starter Plan | $24 | 100% | 50% | Not Covered |
Navigating health insurance for seniors may be complex for some. However, there are several healthcare options, from low and no-cost federal plans to affordable private insurance coverage.
Medicare is a health insurance program you've contributed to throughout your working life via a Medicare tax on income. It comprises several parts, including options from private insurance companies and a public option. If you're 65 or older or have a qualifying disability, Medicare can offer the most cost-effective solution.
Medicare allows you two primary pathways to enrollment, each suited to distinct needs:
While Medicare is the most recognized insurance provider for those over 65, younger individuals may also be eligible if they have a qualifying diagnosis.
Although Medicare provides robust hospital and health insurance, it does not cover all out-of-pocket costs. Thus, supplemental plans are available to cover prescription drug costs, co-pays, and deductibles.
Medicare is a more affordable healthcare option for seniors looking for basic coverage. Here is a breakdown of estimated Medicare costs:
If your golden years look more bronze because of a tight budget, Medicaid may be your best option. A public health insurance program, Medicaid offers free or low-cost insurance for qualified seniors, making it the most budget-friendly choice.
Even if you're already enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid allows for dual enrollment, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Eligibility criteria do differ among states. Generally, if your income is less than $18,754 for an individual or $25,268 for a couple, you're likely to qualify.
For seniors who exceed the income eligibility but face high medical expenses, the Medicaid "spenddown" program may offer a pathway to qualification. This provision allows you to deduct medical expenses from your income, potentially making you eligible based on the reduced amount. Note that the types of medical expenses covered by the "spenddown" program can vary by state and may cover various costs, such as prescription medications, emergency room visits, and some forms of long-term care.
Humana's Medicare Advantage plan could be just what you're after if you're looking for all-encompassing health coverage for seniors. With a blend of affordability and quality and an average rating of four out of five stars on Medicare.gov, Humana is a top choice for seniors.
Humana provides a range of Medicare Advantage plans designed to cater to various healthcare requirements. Whether managing chronic conditions, seeking preventive services, or requiring a wellness-focused plan, Humana has covered you.
One of the significant perks of selecting a Humana Medicare Advantage plan is the bundled prescription drug coverage. Instead of navigating multiple policies for healthcare and medication, Humana combines both into one comprehensive package. This eliminates the need to juggle various plans and payment options, streamlining your healthcare management.
Certain Humana plans also offer benefits for those seeking specialist care or additional services like vision and dental. It’s an incredibly convenient option for seniors who want to consolidate all their healthcare needs under one provider.
Humana features a range of $0 Medicare Advantage plans. However, it's important to remember that even with a $0 plan, you're still responsible for your Medicare Part B monthly premium.
In the arena of Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, policies, Humana tends to be on the pricier side. For instance, their Plan G policy costs an average of $11 more monthly than the national average.
As for prescription drug coverage, Humana's Part D plans come in three tiers, priced at $33, $38, and $82 per month. Depending on your plan, you might also have to meet a deductible, ranging from $200 to $505 for brand-name or specialty drugs.
Health insurance costs can vary significantly, depending on the type of plan chosen, metal tier, personal medical history, and age. Health insurance is available in a variety of formats, from Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans on the ACA marketplace to Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans.
The average monthly cost for a Bronze plan on the ACA health insurance marketplace is $928, while the costs for Silver and Gold plans are $1,217 and $1,336, respectively. It is worth noting that deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance, monthly premiums, and out-of-pocket maximums can influence the cost of health insurance.
Alternatively, the cost can differ if you opt for a health insurance plan such as an EPO, HMO, or PPO. For instance, a 30-year-old can expect to pay an average of $436, $390, and $458 for EPO, HMO, and PPO plans, respectively.
The cost of health insurance plans varies by type and the individual's age. The following table breaks down the average monthly cost of different plans on the ACA marketplace and for EPO, HMO, and PPO plans:
| Age/Plan Type | ACA Marketplace | EPO | HMO | PPO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (21) | $365 | $380 | $342 | $404 |
| Individual (27) | $386 | $405 | $361 | $423 |
| Individual (30) | $412 | $436 | $390 | $458 |
| Individual (40) | $469 | $490 | $438 | $516 |
| Individual (50) | $655 | $685 | $613 | $721 |
| Individual (60) | $994 | $1,037 | $930 | $1,095 |
Aside from individuals, health insurance rates also vary for couples and families. These rates often increase with age and family size. Here are the average monthly costs for ACA marketplace plans:
| Age | Couple | Couple + 1 Child | Couple + 2 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | $730 | $1,007 | $1,284 |
| 30 | $834 | $1,110 | $1,387 |
| 40 | $937 | $1,214 | $1,491 |
| 50 | $1,311 | $1,588 | $1,864 |
| 60 | $1,987 | $1,184 (ACA) | $1,217 (ACA) |
In health insurance, one term you'll often encounter is the deductible. This refers to the out-of-pocket amount you need to pay for certain healthcare services before your insurance begins to cover costs. Simply put, if you have a $1,000 deductible, you'll be responsible for the initial medical bills until they reach $1,000. After that, your insurance policy takes over, covering a portion or even all of your eligible healthcare expenses.
Interestingly, your deductible has a direct impact on your insurance premium. Higher deductibles often come with lower monthly premiums and vice versa. This happens because a higher deductible means you accept more initial financial responsibility, which can reduce monthly premiums.
Discovering affordable health insurance that meets your unique needs is a step-by-step process. Here are some key points to guide you on this journey:
Evaluate Your Health Needs: Consider your current health status and any potential future requirements. Whether you need routine check-ups or preventive services or have a chronic condition to manage, your healthcare needs will significantly influence your
Budget Assessment: Understand what you can afford in terms of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance. This insight helps steer you towards a plan that fits comfortably within your financial capacity and stays within your coverage limits.
Market Research: Compare various health insurance plans from providers. Look at factors like coverage options, cost, and their network of healthcare providers. Remember the balance between premiums and out-of-pocket costs: lower premiums often come with
Seek Professional Advice: If you find the options overwhelming, don't hesitate to consult healthcare professionals or insurance advisors. They can provide expert insights and guide you toward a suitable plan that offers adequate coverage without breaking the bank.
With the right information at your fingertips, you're well on your way to securing an affordable health insurance plan that aligns with your healthcare needs and financial situation. The ultimate goal is to attain peace of mind and confidence in your coverage for the healthcare services you need.
The best health insurance is about ensuring the right protection tailored to your unique health needs at an affordable rate. Rely on TrySmartly's wealth of information to navigate your insurance choices. With us by your side, you're equipped to make smarter decisions about your health coverage.