2022 Allwell Health Insurance Review • Pros, Cons + More – Benzinga
Offers HMO?YesOffers PPO?YesOffers EPO?NoOffers POS?No
While Allwell does not offer EPO and POS plans, it does offer HMO and PPO coverage, as well as SNPs. The company specializes in SNPs for those with chronic illnesses or special financial needs.
Customer service is where Allwell shines. Because each policy is state-specific, the company has set up customer service hotlines for all 16 states in which its policies are offered. This practice is unusual in the insurance industry and burdensome for the company but invaluable to the customer. Each hotline has its own state-specific, toll-free number and website.
As far as customer satisfaction goes, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) tracks complaints against insurance companies and Allwell ranks right up there among the best. Between the years 2018 and 2020, many of Allwell’s singular, state-specific customer service operations either had just 1 or 0 complaints at all.
BBB RatingNot BBB accreditedAM Best RatingbbNAIC Complaint IndexVaries by stateMoody’s RatingBa1 (Outlook stable)J.D. Power Rating769/1000
*Ratings are Cetene, Allwell’s parent company.
Allwell Health Insurance offers an online application process that is fast and easy, as well as specific to your state of residence. The application process asks questions about your needs step by step. Questions include:
What is your zip code?What county do you live in?Do you want a specific pharmacy covered?Do you take any prescription drugs?Do you have a doctor you want covered?
When the questions are done, you get a pricing list.
*The Allwell application process also includes the expeditious Blue Button from Medicare. Because Allwell offers Medicare Advantage Plans, customers must first be enrolled in Medicare. Allwell expedites the application process by offering the Blue Button from Medicare, connecting to the MyMediare.gov website and allowing applicants to automatically import their doctors, prescriptions and pharmacies from the previous year.
After running a test application, the resulting health insurance cost was low — almost all $0 across the board. All plans included:
DentalHearingVisionPrescription drug coverageEmergency care
Copays ran about the same as any other Medicare Advantage Plan. Average copays included:
Doctor’s office visits$0Emergency care$90-$120Doctor specialty visits$0-$50Out-of-Pocket Expense (In-network)$3,000-$6,700Out-of-Pocket Expense (Out-network)$5,100-$10,000
As far as deductibles were concerned, no plan in the test run had any deductible at all. Generic medications were all free with preferred-brand drugs ranging anywhere from $25-$105. Non-preferred drugs ran anywhere from $70-$140 with specialty tier drugs all running at 33%. Select care drugs were free.
Most plans offer outpatient substance abuse for just $25, podiatry services for $25 and outpatient mental services at $25 as well. Inpatient hospital care starts at $275 with inpatient mental health care services at $325. Fitness and home health care were free.
As far as pricing goes, it’s hard to beat no deductible and $0 monthly premiums. Allwell gets a strong five rating when it comes to pricing.
Maximum Annual out of Pocket$6,700 (In-network) – $10,000 (Out-network)Minimum Deductible$0
Allwell vs. Competitors
Compared to standard Medicare Advantage Plans, Allwell stands alone. Allwell Health Insurance specializes in both D-SNP and C-SNP for people with special conditions. It caters to customers who have chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes or qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
# of Healthcare Providers
700k+
1 Minute Review
In the past, Aetna health insurance plans were available on Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces across the country. Though Aetna no longer offers ACA-compliant plans, the company continues to make healthcare more affordable through Medicare Advantage Part D coverage and dental insurance plans.
Aetna’s Medicare options extend to most parts of the country, and premiums for Advantage plans begin at $0 a month. Part D coverage, which helps pay for prescription drugs, begins at about $7 a month in most states. Additionally, Aetna offers dental insurance and dental discount plan options that anyone who doesn’t have dental coverage through their employer can take advantage of. In addition, Aetna also offers a number of additional benefits not seen with other coverage providers, including discounts on prescription drugs and rewards for meeting health goals.
Pros
Offers multiple mobile app offerings to reward you for reaching fitness goals
Dental discount plans may include coverage for prescription drugs
Medicare Advantage plans available with no monthly premiums
Cons
Vision insurance only available when purchased with a dental plan
ACA-compliant health insurance no longer available
Best For
Nationwide coverage
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securely through Blue Cross Blue Shield’s
website
# of Healthcare Providers
28k+
1 Minute Review
Blue Cross Blue Shield consists of 35 separate companies that provide health insurance for roughly one-third of Americans. The company serves all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and many international areas.
While you look into the BCBS affiliates near you, understand what health plans are available as well as the health insurance cost. It offers extensive coverage that gives just about every American the opportunity to purchase a BCBS-affiliated health plan. However, be sure to read up on the company because the premiums and deductibles may not suit you and your circumstances.
Best For
Desire for a new doctor with plenty of options
No cap on annual maximum limits
Comprehensive coverage with exclusive discounts and partnerships
Pros
Coverage in all 50 states and outside the country
Covers both generic and brand-name drugs
Wide network of doctors, hospitals and specialists
Cons
Plans offered through regional companies, meaning you must look to your regional company for specific policies
Main customer service helpline may be difficult to reach
Best For
Pharmacy programs
# of Healthcare Providers
875k+
1 Minute Review
Cigna Health Insurance offers low-cost private health insurance and Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans for families and individuals. Founded in 1982 and based in Bloomfield, Connecticut, the company offers a wide array of health insurance plans including three Bronze plans, four Silver and one Gold. All Cigna plans are EPO plans, meaning they are all in-network. Free telehealth visits come with every plan and are available to customers 24/7.
The four-metal tier coverage plans include:
Bronze
Expanded bronze
Silver
Gold
Individual and family Cigna private insurance plans are all available on the Marketplace and through the Cigna website, as well as with licensed agents in each state. Because they are sold through the Marketplace, they can only be purchased during your state’s open enrollment period. Special enrollment periods apply for special circumstances.
Best For
Easy access to benefits
Pharmacy programs
Savings and spending accounts such as HSA and FSA
Supplemental plans
Pros
Home delivery for prescriptions
Health management mobile apps
Easy ID card replacement
Cons
Potentially high deductibles
Not available in all 50 states
# of Healthcare Providers
N/A
1 Minute Review
It isn’t easy to choose a health insurance company. You want to ensure you select the best carrier that will offer you the ultimate protection and has an excellent reputation within the industry. With annual revenue in the billions, Louisville, Kentucky-based Humana Health Insurance Co. is one of the largest health insurance carriers in the U.S. and offers coverage for millions of people. Humana is available in all 50 states and sells individual insurance, Medicare plans and group health insurance plans to businesses.
Best For
People ages 65 and older and looking to enroll in Medicare
Extras such as dental and vision coverage
Free fitness program
A business of any size
Pros
Partnerships with Walgreens and Walmart to bring you expanded prescription drug coverage
Rewards for healthy habits
Large provider network
Cons
HMO plans only available in 22 of 50 states
No short-term plans offered
Costlier plan required if you need international coverage
Best For
Access to Kaiser medical specialists
# of Healthcare Providers
150k+
1 Minute Review
Kaiser Permanente is a not-for-profit health plan. Kaiser Permanente offers both health insurance and health care, which has resulted in excellent reviews from customers and rating organizations. Kaiser Permanente does have limited service areas, and you typically need to stay in-network for services unless you’re experiencing an emergency.
Best For
People in Kaiser Permanente service areas
People who don’t mind managed care
People who like to manage their care online
Pros
Many services available in one location
Ability to make appointments online or using an app
Good customer service
Cons
Limited service area
Need to stay in the Kaiser Permanente network for most services
Best For
Same day coverage available
# of Healthcare Providers
855k+
1 Minute Review
UnitedHealthcare is an insurance company that is dedicated to making the health care system work better for everyone. Its plans can serve customers of all ages, starting in childhood and continuing all the way through the retirement years. The company partners with more than 1.3 million health care professionals and over 6,500 hospitals to give customers the freedom to access healthcare wherever they are. This insurance provider has a strong financial standing and good ratings, making it a reliable option for just about anybody.
Best For
People who want flexibility in their health care coverage
People who want supplemental insurance coverage
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid
Pros
Offers a wide variety of plans
Strong financial and customer service ratings
ACA and non ACA plans available
Cons
Not all plans ACA-compliant
The website can make it difficult to get a quote
Allwell runs the tables when it comes to:
Special Needs PlansCustomer serviceApplication experienceMonthly premiumsOut-of-pocket expense
The company hits a wall, however, when it comes to financial ratings like AM Best and J.D. Power.
What is a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)?
A Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), is a type of Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) that is specially tailored to meet the needs of people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Qualifying for Medicare means you’re 65 or older or on Social Security Disability, while qualifying for Medicaid means you also are considered low income. Because qualifying for both means you have special financial needs, most out-of-pocket expenses are met automatically. About 12 million Americans qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. People who qualify for D-SNP are considered those with the highest needs. D-SNP plans include:
Low or no monthly premiumsPrescription drug coverageTransportation costs to medical procedures and appointmentsCoordinated care servicesVision and hearing benefits
Most Medicare Advantage plans require you pay your out-of-pocket expenses, including the deductible. Qualifying for Medicaid means that the state picks up those costs for you.
What is a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP)?
A Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan, or C-SNP, is a type of Medicare Advantage Plan for people with chronic conditions. These conditions include:
Heart diseaseLung conditionsDiabetesEnd-stage renal disease (ESRD)Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)HIV/AIDSCancerChronic heart failureHemophiliaMental health issues
C-SNPs are a type of Medicare Advantage Plan geared specifically for patients with these types of long-term illnesses. Because they are looking at a lifetime of medical care, typical out-of-pocket expenses are often waived. Benefits include drug prescription plans like Medicare Part D, as well as health and wellness programs, substance abuse counseling and diabetes management services. Dental, vision and hearing coverage is sometimes included.
Many C-SNP plans come with low to no monthly premiums. Plans include both HMOs and PPOs, and have fewer coverage limitations than the typical Medicare Advantage Plan. To be eligible for a C-SNP plan, you must:
Be eligible for MedicareLive in the plan’s service areaBeen diagnosed with a chronic condition
A chronic condition is defined as one that lasts one year or more and requires ongoing medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of medical plans does Allwell specialize in?
1
What types of medical plans does Allwell specialize in?
asked 2022-04-08
Philip Loyd, Licensed Insurance Agent
1
Allwell offers Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), both HMO and PPO. Allwell specializes in both D-SNP and C-SNP for people with special conditions. It specializes in customers who have chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes or qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Answer Link
answered 2022-04-08
Benzinga
Why would someone want to enroll in a Special Needs Plan?
1
Why would someone want to enroll in a Special Needs Plan?
asked 2022-04-08
Philip Loyd, Licensed Insurance Agent
1
Special Needs Plans cater specifically to people who have special circumstances, like chronic illnesses. They also offer services to customers who are low income and qualify both for Medicare and Medicaid. Dual eligibility and chronic conditions mean the policyholder qualifies for additional help with out-of-pocket expenses, so monthly premiums are low or non-existent, and typically there is no deductible.
Answer Link
answered 2022-04-08
Benzinga
In which states is Allwell available?
1
In which states is Allwell available?
asked 2022-04-08
Philip Loyd, Licensed Insurance Agent
1
Allwell is available in 16 states only. States include: Arizona, Indiana, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Answer Link
answered 2022-04-08
Benzinga
