This is a totally subjective question because "best" can be defined in different ways by different people. Some define it by monthly premium cost, some by the level of benefits, others by the provider network offered and most people define it by some combination of all of these factors.
In Tennessee, from a service perspective I would argue there really is no best insurance carrier. I have individual clients and small group clients with all the carriers in this state and from the aspects of paying claims, producing ID cards, having service issues, etc., no insurance carrier really stands out from the crowd. As far as these aspects of the consumer experience go the insurance carriers have in many ways become a commodity.
In the individual health insurance marketplace in Tennessee in 2014, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee will generally enjoy the price advantage in most product categories and age bands. However, especially if a consumer is trying to purchase through the government marketplace (which as of the April 2nd date I'm writing this is closed except for people having a change of life status event) there is definitely a "buyer beware" warning I must give. The lowest cost plans you will see will largely be BC/BS plans in the Bronze category and the product designation will often be followed by an "E". The Bronze plans are all high deductible plans, generally $4000 to $6350 and few, if any have office visit or prescription drug copayment features. This means that in addition to your monthly premium you are paying for virtually all of your health care expenses out-of-pocket until you have met your plan's deductible. If you're the lucky type or have a next egg of a few thousand dollars you can always tap into then these plans may be a good fit for your needs. Also, the lowest cost plans with the "E" designation use a narrow PPO network which means you have a reduced choice in the doctors and hospitals that are in-network. This arrangement can be especially problematic for persons who live in more rural areas and may find themselves some distance from an in-network hospital for instance.
Purchasing health insurance in 2014 and beyond has become more complicated not less. A smart consumer should seek the guidance of an experienced and qualified health insurance agent to guide them to the health insurance plan that best meets their individual needs.
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In Tennessee, from a service perspective I would argue there really is no best insurance carrier. I have individual clients and small group clients with all the carriers in this state and from the aspects of paying claims, producing ID cards, having service issues, etc., no insurance carrier really stands out from the crowd. As far as these aspects of the consumer experience go the insurance carriers have in many ways become a commodity.
In the individual health insurance marketplace in Tennessee in 2014, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee will generally enjoy the price advantage in most product categories and age bands. However, especially if a consumer is trying to purchase through the government marketplace (which as of the April 2nd date I'm writing this is closed except for people having a change of life status event) there is definitely a "buyer beware" warning I must give. The lowest cost plans you will see will largely be BC/BS plans in the Bronze category and the product designation will often be followed by an "E". The Bronze plans are all high deductible plans, generally $4000 to $6350 and few, if any have office visit or prescription drug copayment features. This means that in addition to your monthly premium you are paying for virtually all of your health care expenses out-of-pocket until you have met your plan's deductible. If you're the lucky type or have a next egg of a few thousand dollars you can always tap into then these plans may be a good fit for your needs. Also, the lowest cost plans with the "E" designation use a narrow PPO network which means you have a reduced choice in the doctors and hospitals that are in-network. This arrangement can be especially problematic for persons who live in more rural areas and may find themselves some distance from an in-network hospital for instance.
Purchasing health insurance in 2014 and beyond has become more complicated not less. A smart consumer should seek the guidance of an experienced and qualified health insurance agent to guide them to the health insurance plan that best meets their individual needs.
Marlin McKelvy
Consumer Directed Benefit Solutions
www.cdbsagency.com