PreferredOne Emerges as Lowest-Cost Carrier for Individual and Family Healthcare Insurance as MNsure Open Enrollment Date Approaches

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn., Sept. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- PreferredOne, a Minnesota-based health services company, today announced that it offers the lowest-cost individual and family healthcare insurance plans available at all metal levels in eight of the nine MNsure pricing regions. The company offers 11 different plan options and two network choices, all of which meet the Affordable Care guidelines set forward in the new federal healthcare regulations. Minnesotans who are shopping for new plans, or who are currently uninsured, can review rates, coverage plans and provider networks immediately at PreferredOne.com. Enrollment begins October 1.

PreferredOne offers plans at varying levels, from catastrophic plans for younger, healthier people who may not otherwise consider health insurance. All plans offer 100 percent coverage for preventive care, discounts at health clubs, vision and pediatric dental coverage. Plan choices also include two provider networks. The Choice network offers access to 99 percent of the clinics and hospitals in Minnesota. The Select network, a more affordable option for those in the metro area, provides access to more than 6,000 doctors and first-rate healthcare systems including Fairview, HealthEast and North Memorial.

"PreferredOne is able to offer access to high-quality care at the lowest rates because we already have experience with individual and family plans, our administrative costs are low and we have longstanding relationships with providers, which allows us to manage costs for our members," said Steve Peterson, director of marketing, PreferredOne. "We believe that our excellent networks, flexible coverage options and lowest-cost premiums will make PreferredOne a great choice for Minnesotans who are shopping for a new plan."

Calculating 2014 Rates
MNsure allows consumers to shop for comparable plans and compare rates, but there are still options to consider and choices to make. PreferredOne is the only insurance carrier to date to make customized, 2014 rates available through its online rate calculator.

"Navigating choices about healthcare provider networks, co-pays and deductibles can be confusing and intimidating. We have an online tool that helps individuals and families understand their options and get an immediate premium quote," said Peterson. "Our goal is to make it easy for Minnesotans to evaluate their options, know their costs and make an informed choice."

Five Things To Consider
Even though the MNsure healhcare exchange is designed to help consumers make "apples to apples" plan comparisons, selecting the best healthcare plan to meet individual circumstances can still be challenging. Here are five things for consumers to consider as they begin their selection process:

• Insurance isn't optional – Beginning January 1, 2014, everyone must carry healthcare insurance or pay a penalty that increases each year. Enrolling on time is a good way to protect your financial future, as medical expenses are the number-one cause of bankruptcies. It will pay to get smart on health insurance plans and make an informed choice now.
• Know your provider network – The biggest difference in plans is often which doctors, clinics and hospitals are covered (also known as the "provider network"). Before choosing a plan, check to make sure your doctor is part of the network. You should also consider whether you are willing to make a change, which could save you money.
• Keep kids' needs in mind – Beyond immunizations and wellness checks, kids can have special needs, like dental services and eyeglasses/contacts. PreferredOne plans cover those types of expenses, but not all plans do. Check to make sure you clearly understand each carrier's youth benefits.
• Do the math – There is more to selecting a plan than just calculating what you will pay in premiums every month. Review plans carefully to understand what out-of-pocket expenses you are responsible for at the time you receive services, as well as how much you could be responsible for on an annual basis.
• Shop around – Many insurance carriers, plans, subsidies and government programs are available. Comparing plans and rates is a good way to start. Many people also will qualify for government benefits or tax credits. To find out which plans are right for you and explore all of your options, visit PreferredOne.com, talk to an insurance agent or visit MNsure.org.

About PreferredOne
PreferredOne (preferredone.com) is a Minnesota-based health services company offering employers and individuals a comprehensive range of health benefits services, including insurance products (fully and self-insured) throughout Minnesota and the upper Midwest.

Founded in 1984, PreferredOne is owned by Fairview Health Services, North Memorial Health Care and PreferredOne Physician Associates. PreferredOne offers health insurance administrative services and care networks. PreferredOne's full range of wellness, condition management and health coaching services supports members in reaching their health care goals. PreferredOne offers its plans through three companies, PreferredOne Community Health Plan, PreferredOne Insurance Company and PreferredOne Administrative Services. The company is headquartered in Golden Valley, Minn.

SOURCE PreferredOne