In times of economic uncertainty more people turn to self employment as a means of securing a job. Without the group insurance coverage plans of an employer, how does a self employed person secure health insurance that will cover his or her needs? There are options that vary according to premium cost and the services they provide. Besides using the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which the organizations below also subscribe to, here are the top five health insurance providers for the self employed. They are, in no particular order, UnitedHealth Group, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Read on to learn more about these top-rated providers.
Top 5 Insurance Providers for the Self-Employed
- UnitedHealth Group
- Humana
- Kaiser Permanente
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
UnitedHealth Group
The largest health care provider available in the U.S., UnitedHealth offers pretty standard coverage options with generally higher premiums at all levels. Their website is comfortably navigable with option plans and coverage rates well organized for members to compare when learning more about their coverage. UnitedHealth also shows a strong support for healthy communities, both supporting strong communities and helping to build healthier ones where it is needed.
Highlights:
- UnitedHealth provides standard coverage at higher premiums
- Offers a user-friendly website
- Involved in community building
Humana
Operating in 22 states in the West, Southwest, and the South, Humana has a variety of coverage plans with lower premiums on average. Humana also provides discounts on various health care products and medical services. Reflecting the knowledge that lifestyle changes can improve or maintain good health, Humana even offers locations where members can attend cooking classes to improve their diet or exercise classes to get into better physical condition.
Highlights:
- Humana operates in 22 states
- Offers generally lower premiums on average
- Provides cooking and exercise classes
Kaiser Permanente
With a range of lower average premiums and a healthy variety of plans available, Kaiser Permanente is often recognized as the best among managed care organizations. They are, unfortunately, only available in eight states at this time. With organized health care providers and salaried doctors, Kaiser Permanente strives to keep insurance costs low. The premiums for people over 55 and the range of options available for them are good. Kaiser Permanente would probably serve those aged 35 and under the best, but their entire range of premiums and coverage options are good.
Highlights:
- Kaiser Permanente provides a variety of plans across most age groups
- Offers lower premiums
- Available in eight states
Aetna
Aetna offers coverage that is more affordable but limited in its actual coverage. This would work better for younger adults with fewer medical issues and lower incomes. In fact, the range of coverage options for young adults is wider than the range of options available for those over the age of 55. It is not available in all states.
Highlights:
- Aetna offers cost effective premiums
- Provides better coverage options for younger members
- Not yet available in all states
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
An organization of 37 health organizations, BCBS is available in most states. With average premiums across the board, it manages a wide variety of plan options for different age groups and many health needs. This broader range of insurance coverage plans makes BCBS competitive and popular in the field of health insurance coverage. The average premiums rates and the medical coverage that BCBS can offer varies across state lines due to state regulation. In some states, BCBS offers member discounts for a variety of healthy-lifestyle organizations. This can include health programs, clubs, and diet programs, as well as some fitness monitors.
Highlights:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield is available in most states
- Offers average premiums for a wide variety of coverage plans
- Discounts on healthy-lifestyle organizations
Conclusion
For the self-employed looking for health insurance coverage, the Affordable Care Act can provide a main shopping hub for information on rates and services provided by insurance groups. Health insurance providers offer a variety of premiums and medical services for different age groups throughout regions of the United States. Overall, Blue Cross Blue Shield seemed to offer the best balance of premiums rates and health service coverage in more regions.