We would like to hear what you think about this new product being offered by UnitedHealth Group. Just this week, they have announced a new plan that allows current health insurance members to pay a monthly fee to guarantee future health insurance coverage, if they become uninsured or uninsurable. The product is called UnitedHealth Continuity, and it is aimed at people who are concerned they may lose their insurance coverage at some point in the future, and be unable to obtain another form of coverage.

If you decide to enroll, you will pay a monthly fee to reserve this future insurance policy. The cost of the fee is, essentially, 20% of the premium on the individual policy you currently carry. These monthly fees, though, may also depend on your age, gender, location, and the coverage plan you select. It is important to note that members must pass a medical review in order to be eligible for the product. So, if you are currently ill, you will probably not be eligible for the program.

UnitedHealth Continuity is currently available in 25 of the 40 states where United Health sells individual insurance policies. They hope to expand the program to the other 15 states eventually.

So, essentially, it’s an option to buy insurance insurance. You’re buying an insurance policy to protect you against your possible future un-insurability. It’s certainly an innovative idea, and United Health Group should be commended for their obvious care and concern for their customers. Yet the plan itself contradicts the health care reform ideas that have been so prominent lately. Barack Obama’s health care reform plan calls for massive changes to the health insurance industry, including a mandate that insurance companies provide coverage to everyone, regardless of pre-existing conditions. If that mandate is approved, there would be no reason for United Health’s new product. That said, health care reform could, and probably will, take a significant amount of time to establish itself. There may certainly be a select group of people that could benefit from this new plan.

We’re wondering what you all think. Is this something you might consider? Or should UnitedHealth Group be focusing their attention elsewhere?

Be Sociable, Share!

•