We compared the two and found that Aetna is a better option if you qualify for Medicare, and Blue Cross is a better option if youre shopping for a private individual or family plan. Click to read our full Blue Cross review. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. "Getting Care Away From Home," Page 5. The success of the program leads to enrollment by employees in other professions across Dallas. At this time, Aetna offers Medicare, Medicaid, student health insurance and international insurance. Aetna Employees at Aetna rate their Gender Score a 62/100, with IT and Customer Success as the two departments that rate their experience the highest. Both Blue Shield and Blue Cross are solid insurance companies that deliver health insurance to local communities nationwide. If you qualify for Medicare, you might be able to get free Medicare Part A coverage through Aetna, and some plans also come with a $0 deductible. Compare rates from dozens of companies in less than 3 minutes. Aetna stands out for its plan perks and offering of international insurance. Aetna also boasts that it has the largest network of doctors, dentists, and hospitals in the insurance game. However, it has lesser insurance plans and packages compared to Blue Cross. We examined availability across states, National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and healthcare.gov ratings, types of plans available, plan benefits, dental insurance options, and cost, including premiums, copays, and deductibles. Find doctors, hospitals, dentists, and other providers, Losing health coverage (e.g., your spouse or domestic partner lost their job or died), Household income falling below the federal poverty level, Delaware/West Virginia/Washington D.C.: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Heartland: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Mountain: Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, Northeast: Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Southwest: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nevada. ), What Are The Benefits Of Getting A LOMA Insurance Exam Certification? ", Blue Cross Blue Shield. For more information, please see our However, you can choose from a range of coverage levels for ACA plansminimum coverage, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. The assistant at my doctor's office said I would need PCP referrals for certain care with Aetna POS. BCBS is comprised of dozens of smaller independent health insurance companies that pay a licensing fee to use the Blue Cross & Blue Shield trademark. Using data from annual Form 5500 Schedule A reporting to the federal government by large-group employers, data analytics firm miEdge ranked the top three carriers in each state based on in-force group health premium, predominantly from the fully insured employer-sponsored healthcare market. We see Premera Blue Cross and Aetna Insurance being alike in the plans they offer to their users. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. It sells health insurance plans under the Blue Cross license in Washington state except Clark County and under both of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield licenses in Alaska . Aetna vs Premera Blue Cross CEO Comparison Summary. In collaboration with U.S News & World News, the Aetna Foundation reveals the Healthiest Communities from 3,000 communities nationwide, across 10 categories. ", Oscar. Does Health Insurance Expire Immediately After Quitting a Job? UnitedHealthcare offers some nice options for meeting various needs, including dental coverage for children and adults on some plans, as well as short-term coverage, student insurance, and coverage aimed at people who are self-employed. For instance, Aetnas Level 1 PPO plan has an annual maximum benefit of $15,000 for in-network care, and the Level 2 PPO plan has an annual maximum benefit of $25,000 for in-network care. "BCBS Companies and Licensees. Aetna and Blue Cross are among the largest insurance companies with millions of members nationwide. To enroll in an individual health insurance plan from Blue Cross, youll have to do so during the annual open enrollment period. Neither company offers 24/7 support or an online chat feature. Compare Kaiser Permanente and Aetna side by side. Also the doctors I looked for are there in network for both plans. Aetna, which offers health insurance plans through CVS, is an excellent health insurance provider for people who want the convenience of getting medical care at a CVS MinuteClinic. One would have to wait for some time to access Premera Blue Cross dental insurance, but it also offers more dental insurance packages than Aetna Insurance. Blue Cross dental insurance does require a waiting period, but there are more plans to choose from. Both companies have an online member portal that allows you to see your policy information, view the status of claims, and make updates to your plan. 2023 Smartfinancial.com Ins LLC DBA SmartFinancial Insurance. Comparatively, employees at Premera Blue Cross rank Jeff Roe in the Bottom 15% of CEOs in Seattle. Of course, you can get your care from more than just CVS clinics with an Aetna plan. For instance, if you want peace of mind knowing that you can see almost any provider, anywhere, go for a PPO plan. To get an individual or family plan through Blue Cross, youll need to sign up during the annual open enrollment period, unless you have recently experienced a qualifying life event, such as giving birth or getting divorced. BCBS stands out for its excellent ratings, low premiums, and wide selection of plans. I recently got a job at Amazon and needed help in finding health insurance. Aetna, however, only recently started selling individual and family plans but it is a hybrid-branded insurance product under Aetna and CVS health. History It is why we see that people are usually trying to pick one out of these two insurance companies. Blue Cross Blue Shield. They also offer varying levels of plans, each offering different benefits. Network Blue Cross Blue Shield is a unique corporation because it is made up of dozens of small, independent insurance companies across the country. Average premiums increased by about 19% in Alaska for 2023, which was quite a bit more than the national average. One other note of caution: In many regions, UnitedHealthcare is rated below average by J.D. The best health insurance plan for you depends on the type of coverage you want and your budget. Once you choose a plan and buy a policy, your coverage will begin after a short waiting period. The nursing shortage is bringing lawmakers together to find a solution. Houston and Beaumont Chambers, Fort Bend, Hardin, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty . Read our advertiser disclosure for more info. Reason i ask is, I looked in the benefits and in the period it said April 2020 to March 2021. Plan types include HMO, PPO, EPO, and HMO-POS, and coverage falls into the bronze, silver, and gold metal tiers. If you already receive Social Security benefits, you wont need to verify your eligibility. Kaiser Permanente offers plans through the health insurance marketplace. UnitedHealthcare is a solid health insurance provider with superior financial strength. At a minimum, you can find an in-network doctor or urgent care facility, access your claims, download your ID cards, view your policy information, and check your deductible and HSA balance. 3. Learn more in our Oscar health insurance review. ). In 2018, The Aetna Foundation focused on the fight against the opioid epidemic in the U.S. with grants totaling $6 million. Both by yearly revenue and membership, Aetna is the third largest health insurance company in the United States. For example, a level one PPO plan may cover up to $15,000 for in-network services or up to $25,000 for a level two PPO plan with a $3,000 out-of-pocket maximum for either tier. Only 12 of 75 medical group providers remained. However, these insurance companies differ in various ways, including cost and coverage. Premera High PPO Premera HMO Premera Standard PPO How do I find a provider? Just keep in mind that for Blue Cross, you have to visit your states website in order to get an accurate quote. Some plans include dental insurance for children, but no plans include adult dental. ), Does Insurance Cover Hardware Removal Or Bone Metal Implant Removal Surgery? To review Aetna and Blue Cross, we focused on some of the most important factors to consider when comparing health insurance companies. Medicare is a government assisted insurance program that Aetna doesnt offer. Unlike Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield works through subsidiaries in the areas it offers health insurance. Today, it consists of 36 affiliates that cover Americans in every ZIP code and state. We often see it as a top choice for many people, and it is easy to confuse them. Blue-branded special needs plans have premiums that range from $9.30 to $59. POS plans are a hybrid between a PPO and an HMO. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a recognizable brand among the top insurance providers. Premera Blue Cross and Aetna Insurance are amongst the biggest healthcare insurance companies in the United States. So, for instance, if you had a baby, your childs birth certificate would be sufficient. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. They're both insurers; Aetna is a monolithic one, the Cross is a franchise of a national association in each state, and in some states may be less quality than others. And the companys premiums are among the highest of the companies we gathered quotes for. The companys first president was Eliphalet A. Bulkeley. Currently, Aetna sells government-funded Medicare and Medicaid plans, as well as group health insurance, student health insurance through universities, and international insurance only. If you need reimbursement for Medicare Part D prescriptions, you must use the Member reimbursement drug claim form (PDF). 1. Got it. Powers 2020 U.S. Medicare Advantage Study, which ranks insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans based on coverage and benefits, cost, customer service, and more. To get a Medicare plan through Aetna, youll also have to sign up during the special open enrollment period, unless you meet certain circumstances, like moving to another state or losing your existing coverage. If you have adult children under 26 years of age, they are eligible to remain on your health insurance plan. Prior, she was an arts and entertainment editor in New York City. Are Aetna And Blue Cross The Same Company? The only difference between both insurance companies, in this case, is that Premera Blue Cross has different websites for each state. A lower-cost alternative to private health insurance is a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which act like a savings account that you can use to pay for certain medical costs. Premera and its subsidiaries including Premera Blue Cross offer a variety of health insurance services including PPO, HMO, vision, long term care and dental insurance. If youre not sure where to begin, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/. Is Selling Life Insurance a Pyramid Scheme? Yes, Aetna is a good medical insurance company and stands as one of the top healthcare insurance companies in the United States. A huge difference between Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield is the network size and range. The Aetna Health app allows you to find a doctor in your area and see estimates of what certain procedures may cost. Answer (1 of 8): Better? ", Oscar. SmartFinancial Insurance is a digital insurance Not Really Nationwide BCBS sells insurance plans nationwide, which is a plus, but doesnt offer marketplace plans in all states. Aetna offers Aetna Medicare, Aetna Medicaid, student health insurance and international insurance. We see that some of their policies are similar while others differ. Most people have health insurance through their employer, but you can also get coverage through your states insurance marketplace or you can get coverage independently through a private provider. 2. Elizabeth Rivelli is an insurance writer passionate about helping people navigate the complex world of insurance to help them make empowered choices. Your email address will not be published. Part of it depends on the type of coverage you can qualify for. Learn more about the plans. In addition, Aetna and Blue Cross both offer vision and dental insurance. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Get Health Insurance Quotes From Top Carriers. Even worse, the companys plans got a 2-star rating from healthcare.gov. Aetna and Blue Cross members can manage their health insurance plans by mobile app, online portal or by speaking with a representative. 2023 Smartfinancial.com Ins LLC DBA SmartFinancial Insurance. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'insuranceblogx_com-banner-1','ezslot_0',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-insuranceblogx_com-banner-1-0'); Asides from dental insurance packages, you would see that you can enjoy more packages when you use Premera Blue Cross. For 2022, Premera's Medicare Advantage plans have an overall average rating range of 3.4 to 4 stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Any applicable benefit plan exclusions and limitations for coverage of hearing aids would apply to air conduction hearing aids, implantable hearing aids and semi-implantable hearing aids. By sharing the costs of hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs and more, these two health care companies help individuals, families and employees access the necessary medical services needed to thrive. Aetna is acquired by CVS Health Corporation at the end of 2017. As an alternative, you can apply through your states insurance marketplace to see what Blue Cross and Aetna plans are available with premium subsidies. Kaiser Permanente is only available in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Its not very easy to buy Aetna Insurance unless its offered by an employer. An exception to the enrollment period is if you recently experienced a qualifying event. She writes books under her given name, Afarin Majidi. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. You can also buy an individual or family plan directly from Aetna, the health insurance marketplace or you can get several free quotes with SmartFinancial. In 2022, Aetna earned an overall ratings of 4.29 stars out of five when weighted by enrollment and the majority of Aetna members are enrolled in a plan rated 4.5 stars or higher. If youre shopping for private individual coverage, Blue Cross offers a variety of policies with a range of coverage limits and deductibles. In 1853 the life and health divisions of Aetna separated. It is why the company is one of the top healthcare insurance companies in the United States. Offers all major plan types and Obamacare metal levels, Offers dental insurance for kids and adults on some plans, Free virtual care available 24/7 in some areas, Plans are sold by 34 independent and local companies. Most Aetna plans exclude coverage for hearing aids. Plus, its plans are sold through 34 regional companies, which means quality, customer service, plan availability, and features can vary widely depending on your location. Below we give you to rundown on two of the nations largest insurance providers. "Medicare Advantage Plans Struggle to Communicate Effectively With Members, J.D. I was leaning towards premera as well then I looked at iphone app reviews and Aetna had better and more reviews and that made me re think if am choosing the right one. Hydrophobic Car Coatings Explained, Internal Linking: Why it matters more than ever, Essential Kitchen Tools for Preparing Nutritious Meals. Aetna vs. Blue Cross: Which Should You Choose? Therefore, it is not shocking that they are amongst the top Insurance companies in the United States, and people get confused on which one to pick amongst the both. The plan that works for me is provided by both companies at the exact same price with identical benefits. Policies: Every organization tends to have policies that guide its operations, and these insurance companies are not any different. Whether you have health insurance through Aetna or Blue Cross, the out-of-pocket coverage limits will depend on the specific policy you buy. "Individual & Family Health Insurance Plans. You may also be able to get $0 preventive care and $0 virtual care through MinuteClinic with your Aetna health insurance plan. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Aetna is one of the largest insurance carriers and has a vast network of providers. You can also view your benefits, review account balances, and manage your claims. (, Somebody Hit My Rear Bumper, But Theres No Visible Damage, Should I File A Claim With Insurance? Examples include giving birth, getting married, losing employer-sponsored coverage, getting divorced, and moving to a new state. 1. The two didnt merge until 1982. Best for CVS MinuteClinic Access: Aetna/CVS Health Great for Nationwide Coverage: UnitedHealthcare Best Overall : Blue Cross Blue Shield The Balance's Rating 4.7 Get a Quote Pros & Cons Pros High NCQA plan ratings Offers all major plan types and Obamacare metal levels Offers dental insurance for kids and adults on some plans Provider Search is provided solely for the personal, non-commercial use of current and prospective Aetna members and providers. Kaiser Permanente. On the other hand, Aetnas coverage is not dependent on your resident state. To speak with an agent by phone, you will need to contact your local branch, which may have a different contact number and hours of operation. Started a new job and these are the two insurance companies they offer. Aetnas app allows you to search for doctors, view your claims, see your plan details, get your ID cards, track your spending, pay approved claims, and even compare costs for medical visits and procedures. 2022 U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan Study.. ", J.D. Oct 19, 2022 0 4 The Kaiser Permanente app allows users to find doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, view claims, and pay your bill. Want to get more work done in less time? Oshkosh Corporation, Go to company page For all other prescriptions (non-Medicare and Medicare without Part D) you must use this Prescription claim form (PDF). ", AM Best. rehab centers that accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, The impact of education policy on educational leaders, Do I Need Car Paint Protection? If your health plan benefits include a prepaid prescription drug plan, you must use a Kaiser pharmacy to obtain drugs at plan prices. Will My Insurance Plan Cover Dermatology Visits and Procedures? There may be a new ringtone in your life the urgent chime of a company-issued cell phone. She has written hundreds of articles about insurance providers, policies and industry trends. Answer a few questions and let Penny find the best rates in your area. Out of all the health insurance companies we reviewed, we found that Oscar plans offer the best value. And the company came in first across multiple regions in the J.D. The company offers a wide selection of health insurance plans, including health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), exclusive provider organization (EPO), and point-of-service (POS) plans, as well as dental coverage for kids and adults. However, Aetna was placed below average or did not rank at all in over half the regions analyzed, including: In the same study, Blue Cross fared better than Aetna and ranked highest in 12 of the 21 regions analyzed and above the region average in 20 locations, including: When using an in-network doctor or hospital, your claims will be submitted to the insurance company by that provider. Director of Performance Improvement and Innovation Karen Johnson says, "The Alliance and its members are extremely grateful to Aetna, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente Washington HMO and PPO, Premera Blue Cross, and Regence BlueShield who agreed to participate.