Health Insurance Blog

Thestreet.com recently rated the financial strength of HMOs from coast-to-coast.  It is important to understand the financial strength of an insurance company that will be providing you benefits as a weak company may provide you with sub-standard care as well as the potential for financial loss.

The following companies were rated as having an A+ financial strength rating by thestreet.com

• Health Care Services Corporation
• Blue Cross of California
• Excellus Health Plan
• Group Hospital & Medical Services
• LA Health Services & Indemnity
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
• Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield
• Horizon Health Care of New Jersey
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of KC
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island
• Carefirst BlueChoice
• Independent Health Association
• Anthem Health Plans of Maine
• Blue Cross of Idaho
• HealthKeepers Inc.
• Rochester Area HMO
• Optima Health Plan
• HMO Louisiana

More research about health plans by state.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan was the top rated California health plan based on their 2009 survey.

Based on their survey and analysis of more than 130 health plans nationally (broken up into 17 distinct regions), Kasier Foundation Health plan was the tops in the California region and among the best nationally.

The other health plans from California that were surveyed all performed below average.  They included:  Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California, Aetna, HealthNet, Pacificare, and CIGNA.

More information about the J.D. Power 2009 Health Plan Ratings.

More information about California health insurance.

More people are shopping for individual health insurance these days.  Golden Rule, says their sales are up 24% over the the past two months.  In addition, ehealthinsurance.com reports that submitted applications were up 18% in the 4Q, over 4Q in 2007.

Along with the increases in individual health insurance shoppers, health insurance rates have increased as well:

• About 80% of Anthem Blue Cross of California’s individual health insurance policy holders will receive double-digit rate increases shorty, and some will receive increases over 30% or more.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is seeking state approval to increase monthly premiums by 56%
• Lifewise raised rates in Washington by 17.6% effective January 1.  In addition, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon raised rates for their Washington state members by nearly 30% on avg.

For perspective, group health insurance premiums increased by roughly 5% in 2008.