The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act sought to reform health care in America in one sweeping, comprehensive package. The legislation could not, however, put purchasing power in the hands of consumers hard hit by the recession that began late in 2008. According to figures compiled by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and published in the journal “Health Affairs,” health care spending in the U.S. in 2010 increased only 3.9 percent. The second lowest increase in half a century.

High Unemployment Equals Lost Insurance Benefits

As unemployment hovered between 8 to 9 percent from 2009 through 2011, many Americans lost their job-based insurance benefits and could not afford private policies. As a result, more and more people put off medical care. Total health care spending in the U.S. for 2010 came to $2.54 billion (17.9 percent of the total economy), or approximately $8,402 per person.

Health care costs in the U.S. have increased almost 8 times from the 1980 level of $1, 110 per person. Many Americans who had already struggled with that upward curve for three decades lost the fight when they lost their jobs during the recession, or were forced to sharply curtail personal expenses to cover day-to-day necessities like food for their children.

Annual spending on health care in 2009 grew just 3.8 percent, the lowest rate recorded in 50 years. The miniscule 0.1 percentage point change in that level for 2010 is a clear indicator of the tight economic conditions under which Americans continue to labor more than a year later. Even given these statistics, however, per capita health spending in this country is the highest in the world.

Health Care Prime Political Point in Presidential Election

As the country moves into the 2012 presidential election season, these are the kinds of numbers that will be front and center in candidates’ remarks about the perceived success or failure of President Barack Obama’s health care reform package. Hailed by the White House as the president’s central domestic achievement, critics argue that the Affordable Care Act is actually Obama’s greatest failure and illustrates his ineffectiveness as a leader.

In March, the Supreme Court will be reviewing the constitutionality of one of the most hotly debated aspects of the Affordable Care Act, the requirement that all Americans have health coverage by 2014. Critics contend that the constitution does not give Congress the power to compel citizens to purchase any product in a free marketplace including insurance coverage. Although most Americans are compelled to buy auto insurance as a condition of holding a driver’s license, those stipulations are state, not federal laws.

High Cost of Medical Care Tied to Federal Debt and Spending

Health care reform also intersects with the ongoing acrimonious political infighting about the federal debt and deficit spending. By the second quarter of 2011, outlays for Medicare and Medicaid benefits were already up 10 percent for the year over 2010 levels, and on track to post a $90 billion hike for the year, sending the annual rate above $1 trillion for the first time.

Conservative candidates are hammering for both a repeal of key aspects of what is termed as “Obamacare” in the political jargon, as well as for a sharp decrease in “entitlement” programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Given the graying of the American population, spending increases in both programs are inevitable without legislative changes. Every day for the next 15 years, thousands of Baby Boomers will turn 65 and become eligible for both Social Security and Medicare benefits.

Additionally in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will extend coverage to some 30 million more Americans when Medicaid is to be expanded via a system of health insurance exchanges in each state. In 2011, Medicaid enrollment was up by 3.7 million as droves of Americans sought federal help when they could no longer afford private health insurance. The Obama administration, in an effort to help state governments, increased federal spending to share the Medicaid burden.

The Health Care Debate if Far from Resolved

Given the relationship between health care reform and deficit spending, President Obama will face an-ever growing challenge in defending the success of his health care reform package. In 2011, insurance premiums grew faster than benefits for the first time in approximately seven years. The price of coverage was up 8 to 9 percent on average, with some small group plans seeing even steeper hikes. Although small business owners tend to have a more intimate relationship with their employees and continue to offer insurance benefits even in hard times, many can no longer afford to keep their doors open and pay for health insurance.

Misunderstands and Rumors Complicate the Situation

Perhaps no other president in modern history has been at the center of so many swirling rumors as Barack Obama. When the Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a study in November 2011, the results indicated that the vast majority of Americans do not understand the Affordable Care Act, nor can they name its major provisions. Yet, 44 percent of those surveyed disapprove of the legislation and by extension, the president.

Outrageous claims continue to circle on the Internet, with one of the most prevalent being the so-called “death panel.” This rumor suggests that the president’s support of “end of life” counseling is actually an attempt to cut medical spending in the U.S. by killing off thousands of older Americans by denying life-extending care to them in their final years. Run the phrase “Obama death panel” through a search engine and more than 135,000,000 results are returned.

Facts Speaker Louder than Rumors

Even in the face of that kind of obviously inflammatory rumor mongering, however, there are hard facts that make the health care reform debate central to the overall feeling of frustration and decline with which American voters are struggling. Insurance is 8-9 percent more expensive and fewer Americans than ever are utilizing the services of a doctor. We are an overweight and out-of-shape nation, with a third of the population qualifying as obese. Diabetes and heart disease are on the rise, and the population is growing older.

These problems are set against a varied social backdrop. There is an ever-widening gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” in America, graphically illustrated by the Occupy protests in the summer of 2010. Government spending is out of control. The collapse of the mortgage industry and the sweeping wave of foreclosures led to a real estate crisis that left thousands of Americans homeless and starting over. And there is a widespread call for a clamp down on big business after the bailout of Wall Street failed to halt rogue behavior on the part of big business. The popularly perceived failure of health care reform is symptomatic of a larger malaise, with the common man suffering the hardships while the politicians debate.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Ongoing Health Care Reform Debate Symptomatic of Larger Problems.

The on-going debate over the state of health care in the United States will move front and center in the 2012 presidential election year. For the most part, politicians will be focused on major policy points, like the highly contentious requirement for all Americans to carry health insurance by 2014. The decision the Supreme Court hands down after its review of that aspect of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will contribute materially to all the subsequent political rhetoric. In the meantime, real people are dealing with real health insurance issues out of the national limelight, like the crisis of failed medical device implants, in particular, metal-on-metal artificial hips.

Widespread Failure of Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants

These devices, which were marketed to consumers in their mid-50s were touted as a significant improvement over the previous generation of implants. Specifically recommended for younger patients, implants like the DePuy hip, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, were supposed to have an operational life of 15 years or more. As many as half a million Americans may have received these implants, that once accounted for a third of all artificial knees and hips used in America. Now, however, more than 5,000 lawsuits are underway, with many more to come, targeting surgeons for improperly positioning the devices and seeking recompense from manufacturers for their faulty designs.

In addition to simple failure of the hip’s function, the all-metal devices, during the regular motion of normal wear and tear, can shed metal debris into the surrounding bone and tissue. If left unattended, this may lead to bone necrosis or “death.” If the damage is sufficiently severe, a second “revision” surgery may be impossible, since the bone will no longer hold an implant. Consequently, thousands of Americans are being left permanently crippled in their 50s. The costs for these defective implants ultimately trickle through the entire medical system; they result in higher insurance premiums as companies try to recoup their benefit expenses; and they are even felt by taxpayers via the cost of Medicare payments.

Individual Medical Bills Reach Staggering Levels

A case highlighted by the New York Times vividly shows just how expensive a prolonged medical crisis of the nature of a failed hip implant can be. The newspaper profiled a 55-year old man whose artificial hip failed. Although his insurance did cover all his costs, the associated hospital fees were in excess of $400,000 with an additional $28,000 in doctor’s fees. Insurance companies will make that money back, and they typically do so by raising premiums across the board. Since health insurance benefits have already seen an 8-9 percent hike in 2011, with some pundits expecting that much again in 2012, specific cases like the crisis of medical device failures materially deepen an already bad situation.

The medical device failure issue also points to the broader scope of a phrase like “health care reform.” Most Americans equate that simply with, “I want to pay less for my health insurance,” when the next statement should be “and I want the Food and Drug Administration to do a better job of protecting me.” As long as problems of the size and severity of medical implant failure exist, bringing the cost of health care down in the U.S. is going to be extremely difficult. No one wants to eat the expense of such a failure, and so a complex game of robbing Peter to pay Paul begins, with the consumer most often being the one who loses in the end.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Failure of Medical Implant Devices Severely Escalates Health Care Costs.

In an opinion piece for The Washington Post, Robert J. Samuelson discusses the extent to which the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may prove to be a political liability for President Obama in the 2010 presidential election. His discussion is based on what Samuelson calls Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ efforts to make the health care reform law “disappear” for the president. In particular, Samuelson cites Sebelius’ decision to pass the final decision on the definition of “essential health benefits” for minimum health insurance to the states.

Under the provisions of the act, all Americans will be legally required to carry “acceptable” health insurance by 2014. The specific meaning of that language, however, is left up to the Health and Human Services secretary, and its implications are enormous. By 2016, the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that 35 million Americans will receive subsidized health insurance through Medicaid or via policies purchased through state insurance exchanges. The “essential health benefits” definition will apply to that coverage, as well as to unsubsidized policies purchased by individuals or in small-group insurance markets for pools of employees of 100 workers or less.

The conundrum is the same one that has plagued health insurance for decades. The broader the provisions of the policy, the more expensive the premium, which, in this case, would escalate government spending levels at a time when trimming the budget and resolving debt is central to the national debate. Sebelius essentially, as Samuelson termed it, “ducked this question.” Each state will define essential health benefits based on its own existing policies. Whether or not this adheres to the letter of the health care law is highly questionable, and it certainly does not provide for a comprehensible and enforceable national standard.

In immediate political terms, however, the decision could deflect a great deal of Republican criticism away from the President who has had to contend with charges that his reforms create a health care strait jacket that forces “one size fits all” coverage on all Americans. In dealing with the conservative opposition, it’s hard to politically err on the side of states rights. This historic pull between federal and state prerogatives, however, beyond directly contributing to a civil war, most normally creates the one element that already exists in over-abundance in the health care debate — confusion.

Under the present decision then, the states will have to make a choice on the “essential health benefits” definition based on one of ten existing insurance plans in the state. Samuelson quotes an example of how the directive explains the available choices, “The largest plan by enrollment in any of the three largest small group insurance products in the state’s small group market.” That alone proves that what is good politics for the president in terms of the coming election is not good policy for the average American. Of course, the whole thing could be rendered a moot point if, in March 2012, the Supreme Court renders that portion of the Affordable Health Care act which creates mandatory health insurance unconstitutional.

The only thing that’s clear about about the ongoing health care debate is that it will become more confusing, not less so between now and November, when the entire matter could fall to a completely new presidential administration.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Definition of Essential Health Benefits Good Politics, but Poor Policy.

When preparing for retirement, it is important to consider what health care plans are available. It is risky to let employer-sponsored health care expire without having a replacement lined up, so before this happens individuals should be sure to research their options. Here are some of the basics.

Medicare

Medicare is available for retirees who are 65 or over. It divided into different parts, but Parts A, B, and D are the most relevant. Part A is free for most retirees and is also known as “hospital coverage.” It helps cover the cost of inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospices, and some home health care. Part B requires a monthly premium based on household income, and helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient care, and some physical therapies and home health care services; however, all services must be deemed medically necessary for coverage. Part D plans are available to help cover prescription drug costs. Part D plans are run by private companies who determine any additional monthly premiums.

COBRA

If you choose to retire before the age of 65, COBRA may be an option. COBRA stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, a law that requires employers to continue to provide healthcare benefits to retired employees for up to 18 months after retirement. However, the employer is not required to continue their contribution. This means that individuals will need to pay the entire premium which can be a substantial cost. If you are considering this option, be sure to contact your human resources manager to find out exactly how much continuing your coverage will cost.

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, requires individual states to include provisions for high-risk persons to be able to purchase insurance. Each state has its own way of doing things, but in general, HIPAA options are expensive and only provide very limited medical coverage. If this is your only option, it may be better than going uninsured. However, finding private coverage may be less expensive and offer better coverage options than relying on a HIPAA plan.

Private Insurance

If you are retiring before age 65 and are in good health, you may be able to find affordable private healthcare insurance. There are many coverage options available and premiums can be kept low by choosing plans with high deductibles. Shopping online can help you get an idea of basic costs and compare prices of different providers as well as different levels of coverage. Speaking to an agent in person or over the phone can also help you get a better idea of your options and find the best deal.

As you approach retirement, keep in mind that, in the long run, good coverage may save you more money than cheap coverage and will also give you peace of mind. When planning your retirement savings, make sure to be realistic and expect continued increases in healthcare costs. This will help you maintain a high standard of living and enjoy your golden years.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Retirement and Health Insurance.

You’ve tried lowering your deductible, choosing lower coverage policies, and just about everything else to save money, but health insurance rates are still skyrocketing. Following these five unorthodox tips can help you cut your healthcare costs and find alternative ways to get the affordable health care coverage you need.

Find a Generic Drug Plan

You may have noticed when shopping for over-the-counter medicines that the store brands cost much less than the brand-name varieties. The same is true for the prescription drugs that insurance companies cover. Generic drugs are identical in composition to their brand-name counterparts, but the brand names are significantly more expensive. As a way to cut down on costs, some health insurance companies have begun offering lower health insurance rates for policy holders who agree to purchase generic drugs.

Quit Smoking

It will come as no surprise that smokers carrier a higher risk of health care expenses, but many people may not be aware that smoking can also increase the cost of their insurance. Insurance companies analyze risk to determine rates, so it follows that high risk populations end up with higher health insurance premiums. There are many good reasons to quit smoking, so here’s one more: if you are a smoker and are looking for a lower price on health insurance, it’s time to kick the habit.

Shop Online

By shopping online, it is easy to see the level of coverage that companies offer as well as the rates and discounts that are available. You can easily customize your health insurance quote by filling out short questionnaires, allowing you to compare different plans and weigh the benefits of each one. Furthermore, you can take your time while examine your options so that when you are ready to buy, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you got the best insurance rate possible.

Consider Separate Policies for Family Members

It may seem intuitive that you will get the best rate possible by grouping your family together, but sometimes buying insurance for high-risk individuals can increase rates for an entire family. It may be possible to get a better deal by shopping on an individual basis rather than including everyone in a single family plan, then doing the math to see if splitting the plans will help you save money.

Ask for Discounts

Some insurance companies offer bonuses and discounts for participating in fitness programs, paying for premiums on a yearly basis, getting annual check ups and more. But you’ll never know if you don’t ask! Call your insurance company or check out their website to find out what kinds of discounts are available. You may even find that you are already doing something that can save you money.

In today’s world of high-priced health care, the only thing more expensive than paying for insurance is not paying for insurance. However, following these tips and being proactive when finding the right coverage can help you get discounts, save money, and have confidence that you and your family will be covered in the event of an emergency.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at 5 Unorthodox Ways to Lower Health Insurance Rates.

Healthcare has become a national issue in the United States, but purchasing it doesn’t have to be difficult. Online systems make finding the right healthcare plan and premium easy, removing the confusion that surrounds lengthy contracts and technical jargon. Here are some reasons why it’s best to shop for health care coverage online.

Get Informed

Health insurance is designed to cover a wide range of individuals with varying medical histories and conditions. Some insurance providers offer varying levels of coverage from which to choose. For example, if your yearly healthcare costs are typically very low, you might want to choose a higher deductible or select a plan that pays 70% instead of 90% of costs after your deductible is met. This will help balance yearly costs with a low insurance rate. Premiums can also be customized to fit an individual depending on their age and medical history. Online health insurance quotes make it easy to see exactly what kind of insurance is available and how much it costs.

Find the Best Coverage

Finding the right insurance by shopping in person or over the phone can be difficult and confusing. By shopping for health insurance online, it is easy to make comparisons between different coverage plans and know exactly what is included in each. Shoppers can go at their own pace and research information that is relevant to them without feeling pressured to buy right away. This kind of thorough research gives shoppers confidence in the choices they make  and a sense of security that they will have the coverage they need in an emergency.

Save Money

Over the past few years, health insurance premiums have become increasingly expensive. Even employers who provide healthcare coverage often have to increase the amount of money that employees contribute to make the group coverage affordable for the company. Depending on an individual’s age and medical history, it may be possible to find better rates on private insurance than with an employer-provided plan. By shopping online it is easy to compare the rates you are paying now with what is available through private coverage in order to get the best possible deal.

Save Time

The Internet has made it possible to find volumes of information with just the click of a mouse, and insurance websites are full of useful information that shoppers can find conveniently. The terminology of insurance shopping can be difficult to sort out, but most web sites are designed with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sections that quickly and effectively answer the most common questions that shoppers have. Additionally, it takes only a few moments to fill out the website questionnaires that will give an online health insurance quote instantaneously.

It’s no secret that shopping online is a great way to get a good rate, and saving time and money is important to everyone. Next time you are considering your insurance options, be sure to look online for the best prices and plans that are available.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Why Its Better to Get Health Insurance Online.

Health insurance is a critical part of everyone’s finances. Unfortunately, there are some situations that coverage providers refuse to insure.

Cosmetic Surgery

Health insurance companies strictly operate on a basis that covered procedures are required in order to maintain health and well being. Cosmetic surgery is often not “needed” by the patient and as a result is not covered under most health insurance plans. If cosmetic surgery is covered it is usually for re-constructive surgery after an injury, or to rectify a birth defect.

Dialysis

Around 250,000 Americans are currently experiencing chronic kidney damage or kidney failure. The number of patients is expected to double within the next 5 years. This blood cleansing process takes place for six hours three to six times a week and is critical for the survival of patients. Surprisingly, most health insurance companies, around 73%,  do not cover dialysis treatments. Transplants are also largely uncovered, with 75% of insurance providers refusing coverage.

Pregnancy and Maternity Care

Insurance providers see pregnancy as a planned event that is under the control of the insured persons. As such, many policies do not cover the necessary maternity care (blood tests, ultrasounds, prenatal care) without an insurance rider.  A staggering one-third of Americans pay completely out of pocket for maternity care. Additionally, 30% of American insurance companies do not provide coverage for gynecology services. Another 73% do not provide coverage for infertility treatments.

Sterilization

Only 26% of insurance providers offer coverage for sterilization procedures such as vasectomies or tubal ligation. This procedure may fall under “preventative tests” which are also uncovered by insurance companies. It is also suggested that the non coverage of sterilization methods stems from political or religious views.

Ambulance Services

Ambulance rides are expensive, with some counties even charging fines for situations that require an ambulance. 36% of U.S. insurance providers do not cover ambulance services. This is largely because of the number of ambulance rides called in situations where patients, or families and friends of the patient, had the ability to reach the emergency room using a personal vehicle.

Vision Care

Insurance providers often have riders for discounts on glasses, contacts, and eye exams. However, most visits to the optometrist are paid completely out of pocket. For patients who only replace glasses every few years, the premiums for eye care insurance may be an unnecessary expense.

Alternative Treatments 

Otherwise considered as non-traditional, alternative treatments are not usually covered by a health insurance policy as it is seen to be used in place of conventional medicine or complementary (used alongside other treatments). This might include such treatments like yoga, acupuncture and massage etc.

If you have an important procedure or service that isn’t covered, you can always appeal to the coverage provider. Some states also have policies that pay additional funds if you file your appeal with their state-run programs and win.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at What Can’t Be Covered by Health Insurance?.

Colds can be incapacitating for many people. Luckily, there are some  common cold foods that help the suffering cope with intense cold symptoms.

Foods Rich in Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in many foods and dietary supplements. Recent studies have shown that zinc may have the ability to reduce the intensity of the common cold. Additionally, the mineral will also shorten the duration of a cold if consumed when the first symptoms of the illness begin to appear. Foods rich in zinc include beef, crab, baked beans, almonds, oysters, and milk. Supplements can also be used, but an overdose can cause serious side effects.

Chicken Soup

The steam and heat from soup typically help to relieve congestion. The warmth from soup also releases tension and alleviates body aches associated with colds. Some ingredients in chicken soup are even rumored to reduce inflammation. As creamy soup can contribute to congestion, broth based soups are the best choice for cold relief. Antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins are all prevalent in ingredients used in most chicken soup recipes and available canned soups.

Foods Rich in Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a weak acid that prevents the synthesis of cell walls. Additionally, this vitamin is a powerful antioxidant. It’s important to remember that this essential vitamin can only be obtained from the consumption of foods. Foods rich in vitamin C include lemons, oranges, grapefruit, and strawberries. Citrusy juices can also be used to obtain this nutrient.

Spicy Foods

Spicy food, such as curry or hot peppers, help with the opening of airways. This expansion effect greatly relieves the congestion associated with the common cold. As the sense of taste is dulled during a cold, the consumption of spicy foods can also provide a relief from the bland taste and texture of ordinary foods. Spicy dishes can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and tongue, so persons unused to spices should consider this solution with caution.

Garlic

Garlic is an herb belonging to the onion family. Garlic contains allicin, a chemical with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is the most commonly used ingredient in anti-cold remedies. Studies have also shown that garlic can help prevent the onset of a cold. It’s important to note that the use of garlic can result in body odor, dizziness, bad breathe, and sweating. Garlic is also theorized to prevent heart disease and certain kinds of cancers.

Ginger

Ginger is the stem of a plant known as Zingiber officinale. This root is another common ingredient used in cold remedies. It has been shown to stimulate the circulation of blood within the body. Ginger also helps to keep airways like sinuses and lungs clear of mucus that can build up during a cold. This plant is generally taken in the form of tea, although it can be mixed in with other foods.

The next time you or someone you love comes down with a cold, consider these cold foods for natural and effective symptom relief.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Top Foods for Curing the Common Cold.

Health insurance is defined as any program that assists with the payment for medical expenses. There are a number of medical services that are commonly covered by health insurance companies.

Medically Necessary Procedures

A “catch-all” for determining if something is covered by insurance is to determine if the procedure or service is medically necessary. A medically necessary procedure is classified as a medical service that is required to maintain an overall quality of life and wellness. This means that elective procedures, alternative medicine, and cosmetic surgeries are generally not covered by any insurance providers.

Doctor Visits

Routine visits to general practitioners are almost always covered by health care providers. These visits include the yearly physical exams that are required by school systems and some businesses. Pediatric care physicians are also covered under visits to general practitioners. Visits to dentists and optimists, however, are generally not covered without an additional rider on the policy.

Prescription Drugs

The cost of prescription medications can be alarmingly high, especially those prescriptions necessary to combat certain diseases. Luckily, most health care plans come with coverage for medications. These discounts usually work on either a copay or a deductible system. It’s important to note that some plans cover only generic prescriptions and may not have coverage for brand names.

Diagnostic Tests

Health insurance policies generally cover a range of common diagnostic tests. Diagnostic tests are used to diagnose diseases, track the recovery from a disease, or ensure that a patient is disease-free. These procedures include, but aren’t limited to, blood tests, physical exams, and exercise stress tests. Take note that some highly specialized diagnostic tests may not be covered by insurance providers.

Hospitals and Extended Care

Various health insurance companies provide coverage for hospital stays. Unfortunately, this coverage may not extend to emergency room services or ambulance services. Extended care facilities, such as nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and various therapy institutions. Board and care facilities are generally not covered by health insurance as they do not provide medical services.

Diabetes Treatment

Americans with diabetes often require several medical services on a regular basis. This includes medication and equipment such as insulin and glucose monitors or test strips. The good news is that insurance providers typically completely cover diabetes treatment and its associated costs.

Preventative Services

Preventative services are now covered thanks to the Affordable Care Act instated by Obama in September, 2010. These services include but aren’t limited to alcohol abuse screening, blood pressure screening, cholesterol screening, HIV screening, and STI counseling. Immunizations for adults and children are also covered by the new insurance plans.

Mental Health

Mental health care for conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, or anxiety are generally covered under health insurance plans. However, providers such as therapists and psychiatrists can be severely limited based on which company a patient has coverage with. Patients will only receive benefits if they visit a therapist within their insurance coverage network.

If you have questions about what your insurance policy covers, call your provider’s 1-800 number for more information.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at What Can Be Covered by Health Insurance?.

Finding a health insurance provider can be a tough task for anyone. The following is a list of the top health insurance companies in the United States.

CIGNA

CIGNA Health Management INC. is a URAC accredited insurance provider. Formed in 1982, CIGNA is a merged effort of the Connecticut General Corporation and the INA Corporation. This company scored two out of four possible stars on the Health Care Quality Report Card, a ratings system created by California’s Office of the Patient Advocate. CIGNA also operates in 25 different countries.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is an 80-year old federation of locally operated insurance companies. The two independent organizations that make up the association, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, merged in 1982. They are most prominent in Arizona and Pennsylvania. BCBS also has branches in states such as North Carolina, Michigan, California, and Alaska. In addition to nationwide coverage, BCBS offers worldwide services in the form of BlueWorldwide Expat.

Tufts Associated Health Maintenance Organization

Founded in 1979, this non-profit organization offers a wide range of coverage for individuals and employers. Tufts ranked third in the 2010 national rankings of 230 different health care companies. The network includes 90 hospitals and over 20,000 practicing physicians. The company currently serves over 750,000 patients.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

HPHC is a non-profit healthcare organization founded in 1980. The organization is a merger of Harvard Community Health Plan and Pilgrim Health Care. They also primary focus is providing financial support for community health care. HPHC has a coverage network of over 135 US hospitals and 28,000 practicing physicians. This network includes individuals, small medical groups, and large unspecialized medical groups. They are the highest ranked insurance plan for member satisfaction by the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Member Health Insurance Plan Study.

Grand Valley Health Plan

Grand Valley Health Plan was founded in 1982. GVHP is a provider for the West Michigan area. They boast a policy of always accepting new patients and never requiring claims forms. GVHP employs in-house physicians and medical staff. Emergency coverage spans worldwide for life threatening situations. Additionally, out of network specialists are covered on a case-by-case basis.

Health New England

Health New England is based in western Massachusetts and was founded in 1985. This managed care organization boasts a membership of over 100,000 patients and more than 5,000 employers. HNE coverage is accepted at most western Massachusetts hospitals. This provider is owned by the non-profit Baystate Health healthcare system.

Geisinger Health Plan

This organization offers healthcare plans for individuals, families, and businesses. Started in 1985, GHP is one of the nation’s largest rural healthcare providers. They serve an area spanning 43 counties in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. The network includes over 37,000 healthcare providers and has a membership of over 270,000 patients. GHP has special policies in place for out-of-network emergency care and prenatal education.

Which insurance company you go with largely depends on your income and your residential location. When researching healthcare providers, be sure to choose those whose networks adequately cover your local area.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at 7 Top U.S. Private Health Insurance Companies.