Top 10 Health Insurance Providers
By Dante Holloway | Published: Not Specified | Category: Health Insurance
About Health Insurance
Health insurance is a type of insurance coverage that pays for medical, surgical, prescription drug, and sometimes dental expenses incurred by the insured. It helps protect individuals and families from high, unexpected healthcare costs.
How We Evaluated
Providers were evaluated based on factors including network size, variety of plans offered, general customer satisfaction ratings, perceived affordability, and availability of digital tools. Scores are relative estimates based on publicly available information and market reputation.
Rating Criteria
- → Network Size
- → Plan Variety
- → Customer Satisfaction (Proxy)
- → Affordability Perception
- → Digital Tools
The Best Health Insurance
Florida Blue (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida)
Visit Website →An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in Florida.
Target Audience
Individuals, Families, Employers (Small & Large), Medicare Beneficiaries
Service Offerings
Individual & Family Plans
Wide range of on-exchange and off-exchange plans within Florida.
- HMO
- PPO
- EPO
- Various metal levels
- Truli health options
Employer Group Plans
Coverage options for businesses operating in Florida.
- Diverse network choices (BlueCare, BlueOptions, etc.)
Medicare Plans
Offers Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO), Medigap, and Part D plans.
- Often includes dental, vision, wellness benefits
Retail Centers
Physical centers for in-person support and health resources.
- Located throughout Florida
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Premium
Varies based on county, plan selection, age, tobacco use, etc.
Cost-Sharing
Deductibles, copays, coinsurance differ between plans.
Pros
- + Dominant market presence and large network within Florida
- + Strong brand recognition and generally positive customer service perception
- + Innovative retail centers for member support
- + Wide variety of plans for different market segments
Cons
- - Service area limited strictly to Florida (though BlueCard access available nationally)
- - Can be more expensive than some competitors for certain plans
Verdict
"The leading choice for residents and businesses in Florida, offering extensive networks, diverse plans, and strong local support."
Centene Corporation
Visit Website →A multinational company primarily providing services to government-sponsored healthcare programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, and the ACA Marketplace (often under brands like Ambetter).
Target Audience
Medicaid Beneficiaries, Medicare Beneficiaries, Individuals & Families (Marketplace - Ambetter), Military Families (TRICARE), Correctional Facilities
Service Offerings
Medicaid Managed Care
Operates Medicaid plans in numerous states.
- Programs for TANF, CHIP, ABD populations
Medicare Plans (Wellcare)
Offers Medicare Advantage (Wellcare brand) and Part D plans.
- Focus on coordinated care
Marketplace Plans (Ambetter)
Largest carrier on the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace under the Ambetter brand.
- Available in many states, often with competitive pricing
TRICARE
One of the managed care support contractors for the military health system.
- Serves specific TRICARE regions
Scorecard (Overall: 7.0 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Premium
Medicaid typically $0. Marketplace (Ambetter) and Medicare (Wellcare) premiums vary but are often competitive.
Cost-Sharing
Cost-sharing varies significantly across programs and plan levels.
Pros
- + Leading provider in the ACA Marketplace (Ambetter)
- + Extensive experience with Medicaid and Medicare populations
- + Often provides affordable plan options
Cons
- - Customer satisfaction ratings can vary significantly by state and brand
- - Network breadth may not match top commercial carriers in all areas
Verdict
"A major force in government programs and the largest ACA Marketplace insurer, making it a go-to for many individuals seeking subsidized or lower-cost coverage."
Molina Healthcare
Visit Website →Focuses primarily on government-sponsored healthcare programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, and ACA Marketplace plans.
Target Audience
Medicaid Beneficiaries, Medicare Beneficiaries (including Dual Eligibles), Individuals & Families (Marketplace)
Service Offerings
Medicaid Managed Care
Provides Medicaid services under contract with various states.
- Tailored programs for specific populations
Medicare Plans
Medicare Advantage plans, including Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs).
- Focus on low-income seniors and people with disabilities
Marketplace Plans (ACA)
Offers individual and family plans on the health insurance exchanges in several states.
- Often among the lower-cost options
Scorecard (Overall: 6.4 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Premium
Medicaid often has no premium. Medicare and Marketplace premiums vary, often positioned competitively.
Cost-Sharing
Low or no cost-sharing for Medicaid. Variable for Medicare/Marketplace.
Pros
- + Specializes in serving Medicaid and low-income populations
- + Often offers competitive pricing on ACA Marketplace plans
- + Significant presence in government programs market
Cons
- - Networks may be more limited than larger commercial insurers
- - Customer service ratings have historically been mixed
- - Fewer options for employer groups
Verdict
"A key provider for individuals and families eligible for Medicaid, Medicare (especially D-SNPs), or seeking lower-cost Marketplace options."
Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC)
Visit Website →The largest customer-owned health insurer in the US, operating Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Target Audience
Individuals, Families, Employers, Medicare Beneficiaries
Service Offerings
Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans
Offers BCBS plans under state-specific names (e.g., BCBSIL, BCBSTX).
- PPO
- HMO
- POS
- EPO
- Access to BlueCard network
Individual & Family (Marketplace)
Significant presence on the ACA exchanges in its five states.
- Various metal tiers
Medicare Plans
Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D options.
- Network and plan options vary by state
Employer Group Plans
Coverage for businesses of all sizes within its operating states.
- Customizable plan designs
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Premium
Varies by state, plan type, age, location within the state.
Cost-Sharing
Deductibles, copays, coinsurance set per plan.
Pros
- + Strong market share and network within its five operating states
- + Access to the national BlueCard network
- + Customer-owned status (non-profit legal reserve company)
Cons
- - Limited geographic reach (only 5 states)
- - Customer service perceptions can vary
Verdict
"A dominant player in its five-state region, offering a wide range of BCBS plans with extensive local networks and national BlueCard access."
Kaiser Permanente
Visit Website →An integrated managed care consortium combining health insurance with its own network of hospitals and medical groups.
Target Audience
Individuals, Families, Employers, Medicare Beneficiaries, Medicaid Beneficiaries (in certain areas)
Service Offerings
Integrated Health Plans
Members typically receive care within Kaiser Permanente facilities.
- HMO-like structure
- Emphasis on preventive care
- Available in 8 states and DC
Medicare Advantage Plans
Kaiser Permanente operates highly-rated MA plans within its service areas.
- Coordinated care model
Individual & Family Plans
Marketplace and off-exchange plans in its service regions.
- Typically require use of KP network
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Premium
Varies by region, plan, demographics. Often competitive within its markets.
Cost-Sharing
Generally predictable copays for in-network services.
Pros
- + Highly coordinated care model
- + Consistently high customer satisfaction and quality ratings
- + Strong emphasis on preventive care
- + Excellent digital tools for members
Cons
- - Limited geographic availability (8 states + DC)
- - Restrictive network requiring use of Kaiser facilities/doctors
- - Limited choice of providers
Verdict
"A top choice for those living within its service areas who value integrated, coordinated care and consistently high quality, provided they are comfortable with a closed network."
Humana
Visit Website →Primarily focused on Medicare Advantage plans, but also offers other health and wellness products.
Target Audience
Medicare Beneficiaries, Employers, Individuals (limited), Military Families (TRICARE)
Service Offerings
Medicare Advantage Plans
A major provider of Part C plans with various network types (HMO, PPO).
- Often includes dental, vision, hearing benefits
- Wellness programs like SilverSneakers
Medicare Part D Plans
Standalone prescription drug plans.
- Partnership with various pharmacies
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Plans to cover costs not paid by Original Medicare.
- Standardized plan types
Group Health Plans
Medical, dental, and vision plans for employers.
- Less focus than Medicare
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Premium
Medicare Advantage plans often have low or $0 premiums (beyond Part B). Other plan premiums vary.
Cost-Sharing
Deductibles, copays, coinsurance are plan-specific.
Pros
- + Market leader in Medicare Advantage
- + Generally high customer satisfaction among Medicare members
- + Often includes valuable extra benefits in MA plans
Cons
- - Limited offerings for individual/family non-Medicare plans
- - Network size may be smaller than largest national carriers in some areas
Verdict
"An excellent option for Medicare beneficiaries seeking comprehensive Advantage plans with strong customer support and extra benefits."
Cigna
Visit Website →A global health service company offering health, life, and accident insurance products and related services.
Target Audience
Employers (Large & Multinational), Individuals (specific markets/products), Medicare Beneficiaries, International Expats
Service Offerings
Employer Group Plans
Comprehensive health benefits for large and mid-sized employers.
- PPO
- HMO
- Open Access Plus (OAP)
- HDHP
Medicare Plans
Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans.
- Focus on chronic condition management
Individual & Family Plans (Non-ACA focus)
Offers dental, vision, supplemental health insurance directly.
- Limited ACA medical plan participation
Global Health Benefits
Insurance for expatriates and globally mobile workforces.
- Extensive international network
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Premium
Pricing varies based on group size, plan design, location, demographics.
Cost-Sharing
Standard deductibles, copays, coinsurance based on selected plan.
Pros
- + Strong focus on employer-sponsored plans, particularly large groups
- + Excellent international coverage options
- + Good digital tools and wellness programs
Cons
- - Limited participation in the individual ACA marketplace
- - Can be perceived as less affordable for some plan types
Verdict
"A leading choice for large employers and those needing international coverage, with strong wellness integration and digital platforms."
Aetna (a CVS Health company)
Visit Website →A long-standing insurer now part of CVS Health, offering health, dental, vision, and pharmacy benefits.
Target Audience
Employers (Small & Large), Individuals, Families, Medicare Beneficiaries, International
Service Offerings
Employer Health Plans
Group insurance options for businesses.
- PPO
- HMO
- HDHP
- Indemnity Plans
Individual & Family Plans (Marketplace)
ACA-compliant plans available in select states.
- Focus on integrated care with CVS Health services
Medicare Plans
Medicare Advantage (including D-SNP), Medigap, and Part D plans.
- Often integrated with CVS pharmacy benefits
Student Health Plans
Insurance plans tailored for college and university students.
- Typically ACA compliant
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Premium
Costs vary widely depending on plan selection, demographics, and location.
Cost-Sharing
Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance apply based on specific plan details.
Pros
- + Integration with CVS Health services (MinuteClinic, pharmacy)
- + Broad national network
- + Good selection of Medicare Advantage plans
Cons
- - Reduced presence in some individual ACA marketplaces
- - Customer service can be hit or miss
Verdict
"Strong choice for employers and Medicare beneficiaries, especially those who value integration with CVS pharmacy and retail clinic services."
Elevance Health (formerly Anthem)
Visit Website →A leading health company operating Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in 14 states, plus other brands.
Target Audience
Individuals, Families, Employers, Medicare Beneficiaries, Medicaid Beneficiaries
Service Offerings
Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans
Operates as Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, etc. in specific states.
- HMO
- PPO
- EPO
- POS plans
- Access to BlueCard network nationally
Medicare Plans
Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans.
- Often includes extra benefits
Medicaid Plans
Managed care plans in numerous states.
- Tailored to state requirements
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Premium
Highly variable based on location, plan, age, and other factors.
Cost-Sharing
Includes deductibles, copays, coinsurance specific to each plan.
Pros
- + Strong regional presence in its operating states
- + Access to the broad BlueCard PPO network nationally
- + Good range of plan options
Cons
- - Brand recognition varies depending on the state
- - Customer service ratings can differ by region
Verdict
"A major player, especially strong in states where it operates BCBS plans, offering good network access and plan diversity."
View Top Ranked Provider
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UnitedHealthcare
Visit Website →One of the largest health insurers in the US, offering a wide range of products nationwide through its UnitedHealth Group parent company.
Target Audience
Individuals, Families, Employers (Small & Large), Medicare Beneficiaries, Medicaid Beneficiaries
Service Offerings
Employer-Sponsored Plans
Group health plans for businesses of various sizes.
- PPO
- HMO
- POS
- HDHP with HSA
Individual & Family Plans
Plans available through the ACA marketplace and off-exchange.
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum tiers
Medicare Plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C), Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), and Medicare Supplement (Medigap).
- Extensive network options
- Additional benefits like dental, vision
Medicaid Plans
State-managed care plans for eligible low-income individuals and families.
- Varies by state contract
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Premium
Varies significantly based on plan, location, age, subsidies.
Cost-Sharing
Includes deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, amounts vary by plan.
Pros
- + Vast national network of doctors and hospitals
- + Wide array of plan types for different needs
- + Strong digital tools and mobile app
Cons
- - Customer service experiences can be inconsistent
- - Can be more expensive than some regional competitors
Verdict
"A top choice for those seeking extensive network access and a broad selection of plans across employer, individual, and government programs."
Final Recommendation
The health insurance market features large national carriers with vast networks and diverse offerings, integrated systems like Kaiser Permanente providing coordinated care in specific regions, and specialists in government programs like Molina and Centene. Regional BCBS plans like HCSC and Florida Blue offer strong local networks with national access. Choosing the best provider depends heavily on individual location, budget, healthcare needs, and preferred plan type (HMO, PPO, etc.).