by Russell Noga | Updated February 5th, 2024
When deciding between Anthem vs United Healthcare, you want clear facts, simply presented. This article cuts through complexities, comparing the two on coverage, cost, and service quality. Whether it’s PPOs or HMOs, premiums or deductibles, get the insights you need to choose confidently.
Key Takeaways
- Anthem holds a considerable market share in California and focuses on flexible benefits and simplified administration, whereas United Healthcare operates nationwide but is no longer active in California, offering extensive networks and cost management.
- United Healthcare tends to have more competitive pricing with average monthly premiums lower than Anthem’s, yet both have varying cost structures including deductibles and copays that affect out-of-pocket expenses.
- Both Anthem and United Healthcare provide various health plan types (HMO, PPO, EPO), extensive online tools, and prescription drug coverage; however, they differ in their quality of customer service and perception of care, as evident in varying customer and user review ratings.
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Anthem and United Healthcare: A Comprehensive Comparison
Anthem Blue Cross is a major healthcare insurer with a strong presence in California, holding approximately one-third of the market share in the state. Known for its range of flexible and innovative benefits and health improvement programs, Anthem simplifies administration for its clients. On the other hand, United Healthcare, the only carrier with a nationwide presence, has opted to withdraw from the California market. However, it ensures access to quality care and effectively manages healthcare costs through its extensive network, wellness programs, and award-winning customer service.
Comparing these two companies in the individual market of health insurance landscape allows us to gain insight into their offerings, benefits, market share, and overall presence and performance. This comparison will assist readers in making informed decisions that best suit their unique healthcare needs.
Coverage Options
Anthem and United Healthcare provide a diverse selection of health plans, including unitedhealthcare plans and:
- HMO’s
- PPO’s
- HSA’s
- HRA’s
- Dental
- Vision
United Healthcare is recognized for its higher level of flexibility, offering various Select options at the Silver level with different benefits, including one without copays. The benefits offered by both companies, like preventive care, are largely mandated across much of the health care market, ensuring comparable coverage.
When it comes to plan types, there are several options to consider:
- PPO plans provide extensive flexibility, allowing the selection of in- or out-of-network providers.
- HMO plans limit members to specific network providers.
- EPO plans also mandate the utilization of network physicians and specialists.
Generally speaking, the Silver level plan, which is often on the same level as a benchmark for comparison, typically features copays.
Provider Networks
Both Anthem and United Healthcare offer extensive provider networks, providing a rich array of other providers and extensive doctor networks for the group market throughout the state and country. They also offer narrow network HMO and PPO options. However, it’s worth noting that Anthem offers a transition from PPO to EPO plans, resulting in non-coverage of off-network benefits in non-emergency situations.
United Healthcare’s Direct network option includes a hospital copay but offers competitive rates, while the Select option is a standard plan without the additional hospital copay. To ascertain the in-network status of your preferred healthcare providers for a specific plan, it is advisable to review the provider listings for each plan by obtaining a quote.
Cost Analysis: Anthem vs United Healthcare
United Healthcare is often favored by many individuals due to its competitive pricing in health insurance plans, contributing to its reputation as a cost-effective option. Anthem’s average 2022 premium for non-subsidized health insurance for a family of four was $1,437 per month, while United Healthcare’s average monthly premiums are $423 for Bronze, $546 for Silver, and $606 for Gold plans.
Anthem plans generally feature an annual flat-dollar deductible that must be met before the plan begins covering medical expenses. This aspect of cost consideration is vital as it directly impacts the out-of-pocket expenses you may incur during your healthcare journey.
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Quality of Care: How Anthem and United Healthcare Measure Up
Customer reviews serve as a valuable tool in assessing the overall value and quality of an insurance provider’s care. Anthem’s network providers have received a range of opinions, with positive feedback on provider communication and assistance, as well as concerns about higher co-pays and denied claims. On the other hand, United Healthcare’s network providers have received a rating of 1.32 stars out of 5 based on 244 reviews, indicating a more negative perception.
In terms of quality ratings, United Healthcare has an AM Best rating of A+ (Superior) and high Medicare Star Ratings for quality of care and customer service. However, it is confronted with significant customer dissatisfaction, evidenced by low patient review scores.
Anthem, on the other hand, has received varied reviews, encompassing positive feedback and some discontent related to expenses and claims processing.
Online Tools and Resources
Anthem and United Healthcare both offer comprehensive online portals, facilitating efficient management of claims, payment history, and doctor information for members. However, United Healthcare offers a slightly more advanced portal for employers. Its online provider search tool provides a range of features, such as:
- Locating network doctors and facilities
- Verifying member eligibility
- Reviewing benefits
- Accessing care plans
- Obtaining digital member ID cards
Anthem’s online portal, on the other hand, has received positive feedback from its members, who have expressed satisfaction with its quality, user experience, and health outcomes. However, United Healthcare’s online resources have received a low user rating of 1.32 out of 5 stars, suggesting predominantly negative feedback from users.
Handling Allstate Supplement Request Denials
Even the best-laid plans can encounter hiccups, and Allstate supplement requests are no exception. Denials can happen, but they’re not the end of the road. Common grounds for denial encompass incomplete or inaccurate information submitted on the claim form.
However, a denial is not the final word. Allstate offers an appeal process for denied supplement requests. While the duration for Allstate to respond to an appeal varies, it typically falls within a period of 30 to 60 days. To appeal a denied request, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as photographs of the damages, repair estimates from contractors, and any other pertinent supporting documentation.
Common Reasons for Denial
Understanding the common reasons for denials can help you prepare a more robust Allstate supplement request. Incomplete or inaccurate information on the claim form can lead to the denial of an Allstate supplement request.
Adequate documentation plays a crucial role in the approval of Allstate supplement requests. Insufficient evidence or discrepancies in documentation may result in the rejection of your request. Likewise, discrepancies in repair estimates can prompt Allstate to reassess the damage or seek further details, which could lead to the rejection of the supplement request.
Appealing a Denied Request
If your Allstate supplement request is denied, don’t lose hope. An appeal can turn the tide in your favor. The appeal process involves identifying the reason for the claim denial, seeking guidance from the claims adjuster, and adhering to the subsequent procedures in the appeals process.
To make a strong appeal, you may need to provide additional documentation, like photos of the damages, repair estimates from contractors, and any other relevant supporting documentation. While the duration of the appeal process varies, it could take as little as 30 days or as long as several weeks to receive a response from Allstate.
An experienced auto accident attorney can also assist you in filing an appeal and may provide representation throughout the process.
Prescription Drug Coverage: Anthem vs United Healthcare
Anthem Blue Cross offers the Select Formulary, which is a detailed list of covered prescription drugs encompassing information about:
- brands
- generics
- dosage/strength options
- specific coverage details for each medication
United Healthcare offers a Prescription Drug List (PDL) that categorizes commonly used medications into cost tiers and provides three prescription drug plans to assist in cost savings. This PDL is comparable to Anthem’s Select Formulary, as it includes information on brands and generics and aligns with how they structure and provide coverage for prescription drugs.
Both companies offer searchable drug lists with comprehensive coverage details. Anthem allows downloading of their formulary with regular updates, while United Healthcare categorizes their Prescription Drug List into cost tiers, providing a tiered approach to medication coverage.
Vision and Dental Coverage: Anthem and United Healthcare
Anthem provides vision insurance through their Blue View Vision SM plans, which cover check-ups, eye exams, and provide allowances for glasses or contacts. When it comes to dental coverage, United Healthcare provides a range of options, including preventive and comprehensive services such as routine cleanings, fluoride treatments, filings, crowns, root canals, extractions, dentures, and major dental care like dental implants. In addition to these specialized services, both companies offer medical care options to ensure overall health and well-being.
While Anthem is recognized for offering the most comprehensive vision coverage, United Healthcare excels in providing a cost-effective vision plan option. In terms of dental coverage, Anthem’s offerings are accessible in 14 states, whereas United Healthcare provides nationwide dental coverage and includes a comprehensive array of dental services and major procedures.
Customer Service: Anthem and United Healthcare
Although Anthem and United Healthcare offer online services to their members, some aspects of their customer service, particularly administrative elements, are considered less user-friendly. Furthermore, the claims processing experiences offered by both companies are often perceived as burdensome by clients.
Anthem has been rated 3.6 stars out of 5 on Insure.com for its customer service. However, United Healthcare, despite its extensive range of policy offerings, does not have a specific customer service rating available. It’s worth noting that Anthem has not obtained accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, hence there is no official BBB rating for their customer service.
Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans: Anthem vs United Healthcare
Anthem and United Healthcare both offer a variety of Medicare Supplement plans. Anthem tends to offer diverse levels of coverage at generally more affordable prices, while United Healthcare offers more comprehensive coverage, albeit at higher premiums. Anthem’s Plan A has a monthly premium of $90. In comparison, United Healthcare’s Plan A is offered at a monthly premium of $110.
In terms of Medicare Advantage plans, both companies provide plans that function similarly to HMOs, indicating an emphasis on managed care strategies in their offerings. When evaluating Anthem and United Healthcare, it is crucial to consider factors such as:
- Coverage
- Cost
- Provider network
- Customer service
- Reputation of the carrier.
Making the Choice: Factors to Consider
The selection of a health insurance plan should entail consideration of the variety of plans available, such as:
- HMOs
- PPOs
- HSAs
- HRAs
Considerations related to cost play a crucial role in the selection of an insurance provider. While premiums are a predictable cost, it is the out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance that can sway the decision.
Given the extensive networks of both Anthem and United Healthcare, the provider network is a significant factor in the decision-making process. Effective customer service ensures timely assistance, resolution of concerns, and overall satisfaction for policyholders, which can greatly influence their choice.
Summary
This post has provided a comprehensive comparison between Anthem and United Healthcare, two major players in the health insurance industry. The comparison covered various aspects, including coverage options, cost analysis, quality of care, online tools and resources, prescription drug coverage, vision and dental coverage, customer service, and Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans.
Choosing between Anthem and United Healthcare ultimately depends on your individual healthcare needs, budget, and preferences. Both companies offer a wide range of plans and services, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully consider all factors before making a decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anthem bigger than UnitedHealthcare?
No, UnitedHealthcare is bigger than Anthem in terms of the number of health insurance customers, serving almost 50 million compared to Anthem’s 40 million. UnitedHealthcare has the largest enrollment in the United States.
What company has the best health insurance?
Kaiser Permanente is considered the best health insurance company for overall coverage in 2024. If you’re looking for top-notch health insurance, Kaiser Permanente is a great choice.
What are the 2 most common health insurance plans?
The two most common health insurance plans are Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). Each has its benefits and considerations to keep in mind.
How does UnitedHealthcare rank against other healthcare companies?
UnitedHealth Group ranks as the top company in the health care insurance and managed care sector, according to Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list for 2023. This marks the 13th consecutive year they have achieved this recognition.
What are the benefits of United Healthcare’s pricing?
The benefit of United Healthcare’s pricing is their competitive rates, making it a cost-effective option for many individuals.
Speak to the Professionals about Medigap Plans and Original Medicare
If you find understanding the benefits involved with Original Medicare and Medigap Plans challenging, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a Medigap plan, or you want to know more about Anthem vs United Healthcare, we can help. Call our team at 1-888-891-0229 for a free consultation or complete the contact form on this site, and an expert will call you back at a convenient time.
We have decades of experience advising our clients on the complexities of Medicare and Medigap plans, the benefits, cost and deductibles. We’ll ensure you get the best rate in your state and advice you can trust.
Russell Noga is the CEO and Medicare editor of Medisupps.com. His 15 years of experience in the Medicare insurance market includes being a licensed Medicare insurance broker in all 50 states. He is frequently featured as a featured as a keynote Medicare event speaker, has authored hundreds of Medicare content pages, and hosts the very popular Medisupps.com Medicare Youtube channel. His expertise includes Medicare, Medigap insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Part D.