INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UnitedHealthcare's Golden Rule Insurance Company has introduced a new option for individuals and families who are looking for flexible, cost-effective temporary health insurance.
Golden Rule recently added a Short Term MedicalSM Copay product to its portfolio of short term plans. Customers purchasing this plan can add optional enhancements such as supplemental accident and critical-illness benefits.
Golden Rule's short term health plans are designed for people whose lives are in time of transition and face gaps in health coverage. They may include workers who are between jobs and find COBRA too costly or who aren't eligible for COBRA; recent graduates looking for work; new employees not yet covered by employer plans; and early retirees awaiting Medicare eligibility.
The new Short Term MedicalSM Copay is now available to consumers seeking temporary health coverage in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin, with additional states expected to follow in the coming months.
Statistics show that increasing numbers of Americans have been going without health insurance coverage for some period of time each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that, as of early 2010, nearly 50 million young and middle-class adults were without coverage for at least part of the prior year - almost 4 million more than in 2008.
"There are a number of reasons that consumers find themselves without health insurance coverage in today's economy, and it's important to offer a broad choice of temporary coverage options to fit specific needs," said Richard A. Collins, CEO, Golden Rule.
"Some consumers, for example, want the convenience and predictability of copays for doctor visits and prescription drugs, particularly if they have had similar coverage on an employer group plan. We are pleased to be able to offer this new option in both our short term and renewable health plans," Collins said.
Consumers purchasing a Golden Rule short term plan can choose from one to 11 months of coverage in most states, and deductibles range from $500 to $10,000. Other Golden Rule short term plan features include:
- Quick, easy online application at www.goldenrule.com; consumers usually hear back within 48 hours
- Flexibility to discontinue coverage at any time without penalty
- Provider discounts on medical care of up to 50 percent even before the deductible is met. Consumers have access to UnitedHealthcare's network of more than 650,000 physicians and health care professionals and 5,000 hospitals nationwide
- Choice of payment options, including direct monthly billing
- Ability to apply for consecutive short term coverage after the initial short term plan expires in most states
A leading provider of health insurance for individuals and families for more than 60 years, Golden Rule became a UnitedHealthcare company in 2003. UnitedHealthcare's personal health plans are offered in 38 states and the District of Columbia, and marketed under the UnitedHealthOne brand.
For more information about Golden Rule's portfolio of temporary and renewable health insurance coverage, consumers can call 1-800-974-4472, visit www.goldenrule.com or contact a local independent insurance broker who offers Golden Rule plans.