New York, Nassau County – how to choose between 6 providers for Essential Plan 1 through NY State of Health

Wife and I are eligible for the Essential Plan 1 from NY State of health for health insurance. We live in Nassau County at the moment, may move to Brooklyn in a few months. We have choice between 6 provider (healthfirst, fidelis, embledhealth, anthen, affinity by molina, united healthcare)

How the hell do we go about comparing / choosing a provider? We have no pre-existing doctors with whom we need coverage for, as we just moved here. We simply want the network with the best/broadest coverage and services.

It was my belief that United Healthcare's main employee/individual plan was very, because it was very expensive and in my research I read that United's network of providers is huge in NY. However, they have a 1 star rating for their Essential Plan. Full quality ratings per nystateofhealth.ny.gov are:

Healthfirst 5/5 Fidelis Care 3/5 EmblemHealth 3/5 Anthem 2/5 Affinity 2/5 United Healthcare 1/5

All the prices are exactly the same (free), and these ratings seem to suggest healthfirst as a good option. Quality detailed (these 5 star rating systems) are measured on following measures (Mental Health, Adult Care, Cardiovascular Care, Care for Respiratory Conditions, Diabetes Care, Satisfaction with Adult Care, Women's Preventive Care).

Should I just go with Healthfirst? Does United still offer their broad provider network even for the Essential Plan? Anything else I can consider when making this decision? Any help greatly appreciated!!!

submitted by /u/pagenotdisplayed
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