OTHER RESOURCES FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

You should get more information from health plans and/or insurance agents before making any decisions concerning health insurance.  "Insurance Agents" and "Insurance Brokers" are professionals licensed by state insurance departments.  They earn commissions by helping their clients get insurance policies.  Some agents offer policies from several companies; others only offer policies from one company.  Agents should be willing to meet with employees of small business clients to discuss health insurance policies.

The following are some other resources online that provide useful information on health insurance, including the websites for some national health insurance plans.   We plan to expand Health-Insurance-Info.net to include a section that lists health insurance plans by state.

Health Insurance Information and Plans

Aetna  "Aetna is one of the nation's leading health care and related benefits organizations, providing a full spectrum of products and services including health care, dental, vision, pharmacy, group life, disability and long term care coverage."

AHRQ: Agency for Health Research and Quality   "The information presented here will help you choose a plan that is right for you. You may be buying health insurance for the first time, or you may already have health insurance but want to consider changing plans. Married or single, children or no children, this information will help you to find out how to choose a health insurance plan that best meets your needs and your pocketbook."

BCBS: Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Health Insurance  "We are the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, the trade association for the independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans... The 43 local member companies of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association have provided millions of families like yours with top-quality, affordable health insurance for more than 70 years."

BenefitPoint  "BenefitPoint, the first employee benefits infrastructure company, has built the industry application that makes the procurement, distribution, and management of employee benefits easier. As the central nervous system for the employee benefits industry, we connect carriers, brokers, employers, and employees."

BenefitPort: The Network for Employee Benefits   "We provide end-to-end connectivity that allows brokers and their clients to shop, purchase, enroll, serve and renew through one convenient website, all online. And our local offices throughout the country provide superior support and a competitive advantage through seamless business solutions... BenefitPort is one of the largest, fastest growing technology-based insurance and employee benefits distribution networks."

CIGNA  "Consumers Professionals Providers. CIGNA. A Business of Caring"

ConsumerDrivenHealthCare  "ConsumerDrivenHealthCare.us is intended to help employers, self-employed individuals, employees, and policy makers: to better understand the structure, pros, and cons of various types of CDHC health plans; and to choose among the different CDHC companies and options." 

Definity Health   "Definity Health, a personalized approach to healthcare that provides a better experience for everyone: Consumers can finally choose the care they really believe in. Employers benefit from more predictable costs and greater employee satisfaction. Providers gain more freedom and can better focus on their patients."

eBenX: Health and Welfare Benefits   "For more than 10 years, eBenX has accurately and efficiently moved data and dollars between the buyers and sellers of health and welfare benefits. eBenX uses its unique proprietary technology, the Internet and strategic support services to simplify and automate the purchase, administration and payment of group health and welfare benefits. Utilizing eBenX technology and services results in reduced administrative and health care costs for employers, strengthened client relationships and improved efficiencies for brokers; reduced administrative costs and the ability to package new products for health plans and other carriers; and more choice, convenience and improved service for employees, retirees and their dependents."

EGS: Insurance   "EGS compares hundreds of health insurance, life insurance, medicare supplement and other plans to gives you the very best. No need to continually shop online and fill out countless forms and questionnaires. We do all the shopping for you!"

eHealthInsurance: Compare Plans & Companies Here   "The leading online service to learn about, compare and buy health insurance. Largest Selection of Health Plans. Leading health insurance companies. Best prices. Easiest Way to Compare. Instant health insurance quotes. Side-by-side comparisons. Get Help and Advice. 100+ representatives and licensed professionals. Toll-free phone, email and chat."

Employease: eHR, Human Resources and Benefits Management software solutions  "Employease provides the leading eHR and benefits administration solution, delivering Fortune 500 service, functionality and flexibility to companies of all sizes. Over 1000 organizations use Employease to reduce administrative costs, improve employee service and increase HR value without the costs and limitations of traditional HR or benefits software."

Fortis  "Fortis is an international financial services provider active in the fields of insurance, banking and investment."

Golden Rule Insurance Company   "Golden Rule Insurance Company is a major provider of health insurance for groups and individuals, life insurance, and annuities. Golden Rule has been recognized by Ward Financial Group as one of the 50 Top Performers companies that have done the best job of balancing financial safety, consistency and performance over the past 5 years according to Business Insurance... Medical Savings Account Plans help you take control of your health care expenses with a tax-favored savings account and quality medical coverage."

Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA)   "The Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA) HIAA is the voice of America's health insurers, who protect consumers from the financial risks of illness and injury by providing flexible and affordable products and services that embody freedom of choice... HIAA is a member-driven trade association that shapes and influences state and federal public policy through advocacy, research, and the timely accumulation, analysis, and dissemination of critical information to its members."

Health Insurance Finders   "HealthInsuranceFinders -- A medical insurance hub helping you learn and apply for insurance from many top-rated companies. We offer services geared toward individuals, families, and small businesses."

HealthAllies  "HealthAllies is not a health insurance plan - it's an innovative new approach to healthcare. HealthAllies offers low-cost, market ready products that allow employers to offer their employees access to savings on healthcare services not traditionally covered by their health insurance. Using the power of the Internet and an extensive network of providers, we offer employers the opportunity to enhance their employees' health benefits, while saving on their total benefits spending... Our approach to healthcare allows providers to offer their services at rates they have established and patients to choose the treatments and services they value most from providers they have chosen. It's an evolutionary, consumer-driven approach that reduces healthcare costs, increases choices and simplifies healthcare administration."

HealthInsurance.com  "HealthInsurance.com empowers small businesses and individuals to make informed health insurance decisions. Utilizing the convenience of the web, HealthInsurance.com makes it easier for individuals and small-business owners to make informed choices about providing health insurance for themselves and their employees."

Health-Insurance-Info.net"Some health insurance websites help people to get quotes for health insurance from certain companies. Other sites explain the basics of health insurance so that people can better understand their options.  Some sites provide current news about health insurance -- like defined contribution and Health Reimbursement Arrangements.  Still other websites discuss public policy concerning health insurance. The purpose of Health-Insurance-Info.net is to provide all of this information in one educational website... Health-Insurance-Info.net is designed to help employers get the best health insurance for their employees and to help individuals get the best health insurance for themselves and their dependents."

HealthInsurance.org: Affordable health insurance   "Affordable health insurance for individuals, families, the self-employed. Here are the tools to help you become a better-informed health insurance consumer, and get quotes from reputable, financially-stable insurance companies."

HealthInsuranceInfo.net: Health Insurance Consumer Guides   "Georgetown University Institute for Health Care Research and Policy has written A CONSUMER GUIDE FOR GETTING AND KEEPING HEALTH INSURANCE for each state and the District of Columbia - fifty-one in all. These Consumer Guides are available at this web site and will be updated periodically as changes in federal and state policy warrant."

HealthMarket.com: Leading the Way   "HealthMarket was founded in 1999 as an innovative alternative to managed care. HealthMarket puts members and their doctors back in control of their healthcare decisions. HealthMarket's core product, Self Directed Health Plans, empowers members to take a more active role in their healthcare decisions - usually the most important decision they will ever make. There's no need for network restrictions, pre-authorizations and referrals that most other health plans require. Members simply choose the provider and obtain care when the need arises. HealthMarket products are competitively priced, offering employers significant premium cost predictability."

HealthPartners  "HealthPartners is a family of nonprofit Minnesota health care organizations focused on improving the health of its members, its patients and the community. HealthPartners is consumer-governed. HealthPartners and its related organizations provide health care services, insurance and HMO coverage to nearly 660,000 members."

HIICAP: Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program  "New York State Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) provides free, confidential, accurate and unbiased health insurance information, counseling and assistance for Medicare beneficiaries and their families. HIICAP helps people understand and make choices regarding Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare managed care, private insurance (including Medigap and long term care insurance) and related public benefits."

HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act   "The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) protects health insurance coverage for workers and their families when they change or lose their jobs... Find out about how the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects you and your family members when you buy, change, or continue your health insurance."

Humana Inc.   "Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation's largest publicly traded health benefits companies, with approximately 6.4 million medical members located primarily in 18 states and Puerto Rico. Humana offers coordinated health insurance coverage and related services -- through traditional and Internet-based plans -- to employer groups, and government-sponsored plans."

Insure.com: The Insurance Guide Instant Online Quotes   "Consumer insurance guide"

Kaiser Permanente   "Kaiser Permanente is America's largest not-for-profit health maintenance organization, serving 8.1 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. An integrated health delivery system, Kaiser Permanente organizes and provides or coordinates members' care, including preventive care such as well-baby and prenatal care, immunizations, and screening diagnostics; hospital and medical services; and pharmacy services... Kaiser Permanente serves members in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia."

Medicaid  "If you have low income or limited resources, learn how the Medicaid program can help with your medical costs. Medicaid programs vary from state to state, but most health care costs are covered if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. You can also go directly to the Medicaid information most relevant to you."

Medicare  "Find information on what Medicare covers, who is eligible and how to enroll. Use our search tools to get a personalized report on Medicare health plans, nursing homes, dialysis facilities, participating physicians, and prescription drug programs in your area."

MyHealthBank.com: Self-directed software for health insurers   "MyHealthBank was founded in April 2000 by leaders in healthcare, health insurance, health benefits, and technology with the vision of leading the revolution of a consumer-driven healthcare marketplace. MyHealthBank's product vision is based on the pillars of self-direction: a solid insurance foundation, comprehensive seamless self-service, personal health accounts, and online marketplaces that share quality and cost information. MyHealthBank is focused exclusively on developing and delivering self-directed software systems for health insurers."

Net Quote: Free Quotes on Health Insurance in All 50 States

Oxford Health Plans   "Oxford Health Plans offers health plans to employers and individuals in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, through its direct sales force, independent insurance agents and brokers. Oxford's services include traditional health maintenance organizations, point-of-service plans, third-party administration of employer-funded benefits plans and Medicare plans."

PacifiCare Health Systems   "Dedicated to making people's lives better, PacifiCare Health Systems is one of the nation's largest health care services companies. Primary operations include health insurance products for employer groups and Medicare beneficiaries in eight states and Guam, serving approximately 3.3 million members. Other specialty products and operations include behavioral health services, life and health insurance, dental and vision services and pharmacy benefit and medical management."

Find-Physician.com"This site is an educational service of Physician.info that is free for both consumers and providers. It is intended to provide people with educational links to help them: to find a physician in a particular State (find a doctor in a particular State), including information about physician practice locations and credentials: and to find which physicians are on the medical staff at which hospitals in a particular State. While these resources are available elsewhere on the internet, the goal of Physician.info is to provide them all for each State."

QuoteSmith.com: Instant Online Quotes   "Founded in 1984, Quotesmith.com owns and operates two comprehensive online consumer insurance information services, www.insure.com and www.quotesmith.com. Catering to self-directed insurance shoppers, Quotesmith.com provides a comprehensive array of comparative auto, life and health quotes, including news, information and decision-making tools that are not available from any other single source."

SCHIP: Insure Kids Now!   "Insure Kids Now! is a national campaign to link the nation's 10 million uninsured children--from birth to age 18--to free and low-cost health insurance. Many families simply don't know their children are eligible... Free or low-cost health insurance is available now in your state for uninsured children under age 19. Call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) toll-free for more information. To learn more about the State Children's Health Insurance Program, look here to find out if your child qualifies and how to apply."

SCHIP: State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)   "The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)"

SelexSys  "SelexSys, founded in 1997, provides a unique and innovative service that simplifies employee health benefits communications, evaluation, and selection. This service enables employers to reduce costs and eliminate labor intensive processes by using the Internet. Building on the power of the Internet the service empowers employees with decision making tools based on information, education, and analysis... The mission of SelexSys is to improve the healthcare system by empowering health care consumers to make informed value-based decisions."

TigerQuote.com: Low-Cost Health Insurance   "Tigerquote.com helps provide insurance consumers with the perfect blend of online information technology married to expert personalized service. This combination is critical because buying insurance involves variations in coverage and deductibles so making the best decision is more complicated than 'which policy is cheapest'... Tigerquote.com has licensed insurance agents available locally, by e-mail or toll-free telephone to answer questions about the quotes and policies listed."

UnitedHealthcare  "UnitedHealthcare... serving employers, consumers, physicians, brokers and agents... products and services that put individual customers at the center of their health by encouraging access and use of timely health information. You'll see a broad range of benefit plans integrating medical and specialty products and specialty products."

Vivius: A Personalized Healthcare System   "No one knows your healthcare needs better than you. That's why we created Vivius, the first PHS - Personalized Healthcare System. With Vivius, you have the freedom to make every medical choice, and you can do so knowing the cost of each one up-front. See, we figured out that by using the Internet as our tool, we could put the decision making process firmly in the hands of those whose lives it affects, all while keeping healthcare expenses under control... Because no one should control your healthcare needs but you."

WellMed  "WellMed's award-winning products and services enable individuals to make informed decisions about their health while providing client organizations with business intelligence to proactively address costly health care issues. The WellMed Health Hub integrates personal health management applications with a company's business rules, benefits, guidelines and third-party health resources to give everyone involved the information they need to bring about positive behavioral change. Organizations that purchase WellMed's solutions generally include self-insured corporations, health insurance companies, government agencies, pharmaceutical manufacturers and national retailers."