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

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 and has excellent financial strength ratings. Kaiser Permanente offers private health insurance to residents of California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington state, as well as those living in Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. Its network includes more than 22,000 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. All plan types except for gold and platinum offer the option to add a health savings account (HSA).

The health savings account (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/specialty care visits, doctor/hospital visits, X-rays, lab tests, ambulance/emergency care services, physical/occupational therapy and vision/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.

Why we picked it: Kaiser Permanente was the top performer in California, Colorado, Maryland, and the Northwest and South Atlantic regions according to the 2019 J.D. Power & Associates Commercial Member Health Plan Study. Kaiser Permanente received an 84.16 out of 100 overall customer satisfaction rating from Insure.com and 89 out of 100 rating in claims processing. Ninety-four percent of customers plan to renew their policies.

Blue Cross Blue Shield: Best Large Provider Network

The Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Association offers private health insurance coverage not only in the United States but in over 190 countries. Over 100 million Americans have their health insurance through a BCBS organization. There are 36 BCBS independent health insurance companies in the U.S. and most have an A.M. 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. The PPO plans, on the other hand, 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 a FSA plan, you can save money tax-free for health insurance deductibles and other health-related expenses. The HSA plan is similar but must be used only for qualifying medical expenses. 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.

Why we picked it: BCBS health care organizations offer nationwide coverage and seven of its companies were included in the top 10 best health insurers by Insure.com. Of those seven, the ones that were rated by A.M. Best had a financial strength rating of “A-” (excellent) or above. A variety of plans are available to choose from.

UnitedHealthCare: Best for Online Care

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) has an “A” (excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. 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 programs. 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 hearing aids, vision services (including Lasik), and smoking cessation programs. UHC has a very large preferred provider network of over 1.3 million physicians and other health care professionals. UHC also offers Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans.

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

Aetna: Best for Employer-Based Plans

Aetna has an excellent reputation and is one of the largest health insurers in the U.S. It has an A.M. 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 offers affordable private health insurance options that include preventive care, hospitalization, office visits, immunizations, and other types of essential health care services. 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 any licensed doctor, although seeing ​a network doctor will provide the greatest savings. Aetna offers several types of provider plans including HMO, POS, PPO, EPO, and HDHP with HSA. There are numerous wellness programs available to Aetna members, too, including gym memberships, weight-loss programs, chiropractic services, and more.

Why we picked it: Aetna received five stars in overall customer satisfaction for the Delaware, West Virginia, and Washington D.C. areas in the 2019 J.D. Power & Associates Commercial Member Health Plan Study. It has excellent financial strength ratings and coverage is available in all 50 states.

Cigna: Best for Telehealth Care

Cigna is a global health insurance provider and offers private health insurance in 10 U.S. states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia. It has an “A” (excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best. 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 including Amwell and MDLIVE.

Why we picked it: Cigna has excellent financial strength ratings and out-of-network approvals are not required. It has excellent telehealth services available to members.

HCSC: Best for HMO Plans

Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) is the largest customer-owned health insurer in the U.S. It was founded in 1936 and services more than 15 million members in its operating states of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. HCSC offers a wide variety of Health insurance programs through its affiliates and subsidiary companies. Plans and coverage options vary by state.

Healthy living programs are available including an online health assessment tool, smoking cessation support, weight-loss programs, maternity programs, fitness programs, and a 24/7 nurse hotline. Its secure member website offers 24/7 access to health plan information and online tools. Mobile alerts are available to members through text or by email including claims information notification, exercise and fitness tips, prescription drug reminder, diabetes diet tips, and heart healthy diet management and care tips.

Why we picked it: HCSC has an “A” (excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best, plus top-notch health programs for members with 24/7 access online.

Molina Healthcare: Best for Wellness Care

Molina Healthcare offers private health insurance to residents in California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin, plus some parts of Virginia, Maine, and Idaho. It insures more than 3.4 million members across the United States. Coverage options, plan choices, and benefits vary by state. Many of its health plans come with no 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.

Why we picked it: Moody’s Investors Service recently upgraded its financial strength ratings, and the wellness and preventive care services are excellent.