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At Blue Cross Blue Shield, we are committed to improving the health of the communities we serve. Our deep local roots give us a unique understanding of healthcare challenges at the heart of where care is delivered. Our unmatched national breadth—spanning every ZIP code in the U.S.—gives us expansive data and strong insights into how to improve care and drive equity and affordability in the big cities and small towns where your employees live and work. Learn how we’re positively impacting communities by:

  • Working hand-in-hand with doctors to improve care delivery
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Proven Network and Pharmacy Solutions—Tailored to Your Needs

We know every business has unique requirements—and your priorities are at the center of our health plan solutions. From our comprehensive portfolio of network options to our cost-saving pharmacy solutions, we’ll work with you to holistically manage your employees’ health and experience—all while lowering costs.

Customizing Care for Better Engagement, Recruitment and Retention

We know there isn’t a silver bullet when it comes to employee engagement. Through a data-driven, 360-degree approach, we’ll partner with you to pinpoint where your employees are on the health and wellbeing spectrum and offer high-touch and high-tech solutions that best engage them in their health and healthcare.

We'll also work with you to make sure you're offering the right kind of coverage and benefits, a very important value-add when it comes to talent attraction and retention, as well.

  Promote Workforce Wellness

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers a broad spectrum of programs that engage your employees in their health and wellbeing, helping them create healthy habits that lead to healthier, more productive lives.

*Available to members of participating BCBS companies. Speak to your local BCBS company to see what solutions they offer to meet your unique needs.

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Provides members with discounts on health and wellbeing products and services. Explore Blue365

Taking a Full-On Approach to Behavioral Health

We will work with you to offer the tools you need to care for your employees’ full health—mental, physical and emotional. Together, we can address behavioral health at every level:

  • Improving access to mental health providers through quality, affordable care
  • Integrating care to embrace the whole person and drive value
  • Reducing stigma
  • Driving equity with support for each employee’s unique experience
  • Creating a culture of health through broader behavioral health benefits and wellness programs

Let’s work together to create smarter, better healthcare solutions for you and your employees. Connect with a local BCBS company below.

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Best Health Insurance Companies for Small Businesses for 2024

Blue Cross Blue Shield is our top pick for its availability and wellness programs

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Blue Cross Blue Shield stands out as the best health insurance company for small businesses because of its range of coverage options. The company offers a nationwide preferred provider organization (PPO) network and extra benefits for employees, including an extensive discount program. 

Depending on your state, you may have a few options for finding health coverage for your employees, including through the Small Business Health Insurance Options Program (SHOP)—a government marketplace for small business health plans—and by purchasing a traditional group health plan from a broker or directly from an insurer. 

To choose the best health insurance companies for small businesses, we evaluated major health insurance carriers based on financial strength, customer satisfaction, coverage options, telehealth and wellness benefits, digital tools, and more. These are our top picks. 

  • Best Overall: Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Best for Customer Satisfaction: Kaiser Permanente
  • Best for Part-Time and Seasonal Workers: UnitedHealthcare
  • Best for Self-Funded Plans: Aetna
  • Our Top Picks

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Kaiser Permanente

UnitedHealthcare

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The Bottom Line

Small business insurance options.

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Methodology

Best Overall : Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers flexible options to small business owners, including the option to access the nation’s leading PPO network. In many states, BCBS employee plans come packed with extra benefits, and most plans include an extensive discount program.

Nationwide availability

Health and wellness discounts

Workplace wellness programs in many states

Poor J.D. Power ranking in some regions

Blue Cross Blue Shield, which is also our pick for the best health insurance company overall, offers employers many options. Among them are plans that include access to the BlueCard PPO network, which gives employees coverage when traveling nationwide. In some states, BCBS offers fully insured, level-funded, and self-funded plans. Blue Cross Blue Shield is a group of companies, so benefits and plans vary by region, but many member companies offer extra benefits. 

For example, the member company Anthem provides an employee assistance program at no extra cost to help members manage stressful events, from legal issues to the search for care. In many states, BCBS plans also come with 24/7 telehealth and access to mobile app plan management. Most members also get access to Blue365, an extensive discount program that also offers a $25 gym membership in some states. 

BCBS and Anthem companies had a combined average of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), an independent body that judges insurance plans on the quality of their providers, as well as customer satisfaction. But customer satisfaction ratings vary by region. Check the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan Study to see how BCBS fared in your region. While rankings are poor in many regions, BCBS was top-ranked in Florida. 

BCBS companies also have an A or A- financial strength rating from AM Best . 

Best for Customer Satisfaction : Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente has top customer satisfaction ratings from the NCQA and J.D. Power, along with an award-winning app and a suite of virtual care options.

4.2-star average NCQA rating

Top-ranked by J.D. Power in most regions where available

Administers HRAs, HSAs, and FSAs

Robust support for chronic conditions

Only available in eight states and D.C.

Kaiser Permanente has better customer satisfaction ratings than any of the major health insurance providers we reviewed, with a 4.2-star average NCQA rating and top J.D. Power rankings in four regions. The company offers employers many options. While Kaiser is known for its health maintenance organization (HMO) plans , it also offers preferred provider organization (PPO) plans . Employees can pair some plans with a Kaiser-administered health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) , health savings account (HSA) , or flexible spending account (FSA) . Members can even submit HRA and FSA claims using their mobile phone cameras. 

Free wellness coaching is included at no cost. Members who are at risk for chronic conditions are automatically enrolled in a disease management program with comprehensive support and remote patient monitoring. And Kaiser offers several additional employee benefits, including dental, vision, acupuncture, and chiropractic. Kaiser is also our top pick for the best digital tools, with an award-winning app, 24/7 virtual care, mental health apps, and online physical therapy. 

The main drawback is that Kaiser Permanente isn’t available everywhere. The company only offers plans in eight states and the District of Columbia. Kaiser does offer a SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program) plan in Georgia and Virginia.

Best for Part-Time and Seasonal Workers : UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare offers small business plans nationwide, including a unique coverage solution for contractors, part-time workers, and seasonal employees.

Offers a unique program for non-benefit-eligible workers

Offers wellness resources and incentives

A+ financial strength rating from AM Best

J.D. Power ratings vary by region

UnitedHealthcare is our top pick for small businesses with several types of employees and contractors, including part-time and seasonal workers. Its FlexWork program offers coverage for non-benefit-eligible employees nationwide. The program provides group-premium-equivalent rates for three plan types designed for different types of workers, and you can add extra benefits like $0 telehealth, dental, and vision. 

UnitedHealthcare also offers members access to Self Care (a wellness app), fitness incentives, an online weight loss program, a smoking cessation program, and more. Plus, UnitedHealthcare offers a large provider network of more than 1.3 million healthcare providers. 

UnitedHealthcare also boasts an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best and a 3.5-star average NCQA rating. Though J.D. Power ratings vary by region, UnitedHealthcare was the top-scoring company in Texas and Virginia. The company also offers SHOP plans in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and D.C.

Best for Self-Funded Plans : Aetna

Aetna is one of the few health insurance companies to offer self-insured plans tailored to small businesses. We also like that it offers virtual primary care and a CVS allowance.

Offers self-funded plans for up to 25% upfront savings

Offers a variety of health expense funds

Optional robust behavioral health benefits

Members of some plans can access affordable care at MinuteClinic locations

Fully insured group plans in some states don’t include MinuteClinic benefits

Self-funded plans from Aetna offer up to 25% savings upfront, plus stop-loss insurance if your claims for a particular month go over your maximum claims amount. When you renew your plan, Aetna will refund 50% of any surplus funding to you. 

Members get access to CVS Health virtual primary care plus up to a $100 allowance for health and wellness products at CVS. The company also offers HRAs, HSAs, FSAs, and retirement reimbursement arrangements (RRAs) in most states. In addition, you have the option of adding behavioral health benefits that include virtual counseling, mental health tools, and an employee assistance program. Many plans offer MinuteClinic benefits as well, but fully insured plans in some states are excluded. 

Aetna has a 3.5-star average NCQA rating and a financial strength rating of A with AM Best. The company also came out on top in the East South Central, Northwest, and Southwest regions in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Commercial Health Plan Study, but ratings vary by region. Aetna offers SHOP plans in Maryland and D.C.

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the most options for employers, with many plans providing access to the BlueCard PPO network and 24/7 telehealth, along with a variety of funding options in some states. If you’re looking for a self-funded plan, Aetna offers the best option tailored to small businesses in many states, as well as CVS benefits and optional robust behavioral health benefits. Kaiser Permanente takes the cake for customer satisfaction, with high third-party ratings and great digital tools, while UnitedHealthcare’s unique FlexWork program makes it our top pick for nontraditional employees. 

When choosing small business health insurance, you have a few options, according to Robert Slayton, an employee benefits consultant. 

Small Group Health Insurance

One option is to purchase a small group plan directly from a commercial health insurance company that serves small businesses or through a broker. “It gives the employer control over which plans to offer and [assurance] that people will remain covered while employed,” said Slayton. However, you may also need to offer COBRA or mini-COBRA plans. Mini-COBRA plans are required by some states for companies with fewer than 20 employees.

Self-Funded Plan

You may be able to save money by taking on the responsibility of paying out employee health claims yourself. This is known as a self-funded or self-insured plan, which typically relies on a commercial health insurer to administer the provider network and provide assistance with enrollment and claims processing. 

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) 

Another option is for the employer to offer a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), which is an employer-funded group plan that pays employees back for qualified health expenses up to a certain dollar amount each year. Expenses may include premiums for an employer-sponsored plan, as well as copays and coinsurance. There are several types of HRAs, including a qualified small employer HRA (QSEHRA) for companies with fewer than 50 full-time employees. Another type is an individual coverage HRA (ICHRA), which lets employees use the funds to buy their own health insurance with pretax dollars. Funds can also be used for copays and deductibles. “[Employers] choose an amount to give each employee so that the employee can purchase coverage on their own,” said Slayton. “Employees who claim this reimbursement must have an underlying individual plan or Medicare.” 

SHOP Plan 

The Small Business Health Insurance Options Program allows you to compare small business plans offered on the ACA Marketplace and offer one or multiple options to your employees. These plans are typically the only route to the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. However, they’re only offered on the federal marketplace in eight states and on state-run exchanges in 13 states. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do small businesses have to provide health insurance.

If you employ fewer than 50 people full-time, you are not required to offer health insurance to your employees. But more than half of firms that size do offer it, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. A 2022 U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey found that 88% of employees rank health insurance as the most important employer-provided benefit. If you have 50 or more employees and choose not to offer coverage that meets federal standards, you’ll be required to pay a penalty called a Shared Responsibility Payment instead.

How Much Does Small Business Health Insurance Cost?

Costs vary by location and the network and coverage you choose, but on average, small businesses contributed $7,349 per single covered employee in 2023. Experts recommend keeping your total employee benefit costs between 10% to 20% of your overall revenue.

What Is a Self-Insured Health Plan?

A self-insured health plan is a type of group health insurance in which the employer collects premiums and is responsible for paying claims when employees need care. These plans can be self-administered, or the business may work with an insurance provider to get stop-loss coverage (which puts a ceiling on your risk) and administrative support. 

There are several benefits to self-funded plans. Employers can keep surplus premiums (or receive a portion returned by the stop-loss carrier), plans can be customized to a greater degree, and certain ACA provisions that lead to high costs can be avoided. Increasingly, small businesses are opting for self-funded coverage. But self-insured plans aren’t right for every business.

Can an S Corp Pay for Health Insurance?

Yes. An S corp can provide health insurance for its employees. However, most health insurance companies require you to have at least two employees to get a group plan, so if you are an S corp owner and don’t have employees, you’ll need to get individual health insurance from the ACA Marketplace. Additionally, you can’t provide an HRA to anyone with a greater than 2% stake in your company.

How We Chose the Best Health Insurance Companies for Small Businesses

We chose the best health insurance companies for small businesses by looking at our research for our list of the overall best health insurance companies and then investigating what options these insurers offer for small businesses looking to buy plans for their employees. 

To identify which health insurance companies to review for our overall winners list, we analyzed business and market insight databases, considered health insurance company market share, and researched user-generated data from Google to determine public interest and trends in health insurance companies and plans. 

We collected data from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), an independent organization that rates healthcare plans on quality and patient satisfaction. We also gathered data from state and federal government insurance marketplace websites and databases, and directly from companies via websites, media contacts, and existing partnerships. The data collection process took place between Sept. 29 and Oct. 23, 2023.

We then developed a quantitative model that scores each health insurance provider based on 27 criteria that fall into four major categories and are crucial in evaluating the company’s offerings and benefits. We weighted the four categories as follows for this article:

  • Plan Quality & Customer Satisfaction : 20%
  • Plan Features : 40%
  • Availability : 15%

Read our full methodology for reviewing health insurance companies.

J.D. Power. “ Commercial Health Plan Member Satisfaction Declines in Key Areas, J.D. Power Finds. ”

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. " MiniCobra Continuation of Coverage Benefits Guide ."

Healthcare.gov. " What's An Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)? "

Healthcare.gov. “ SHOP Marketplace Basics for Employers .”

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “ As a Small Business Owner, Am I Required to Offer Health Insurance to My Employees? ”

KFF. " 2023 Employer Health Benefits Survey (Section 6) ."

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Understanding the Cost of Small Business Health Insurance Plans

  • Understanding the Cost...

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There are multiple factors that determine the cost of small business health insurance plans. Follow along to get the details and ensure you are choosing the the best health insurance plan as a small business owner.

What is the Cost of Small Business Health Insurance?

How much an owner pays depends on what metal tier and type of plan (HMO and PPO) is selected. Your contribution strategy also factors into the cost of health insurance for your small business. Most states require a minimum contribution for employer coverage.

Related Articles

How to Sign Up for Small Business Health Insurance

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan for Small Business Owners

Guide to Dental Insurance for Small Businesses

What are Metal Tiers in Small Business Health Insurance?

  • Platinum plans are the most expensive from a premium standpoint because they are also considered the richest. The plan typically covers 90% and the employees pays 10% of the cost services.
  • Gold plans usually cover about 80% and the employees pay 20% of the cost of services, which results in higher premiums than the Bronze and Silver plans.
  • Silver plan monthly premiums are more than Bronze plans, but the out-of-pocket costs for services are lower, with the plan covering around 70% and the employees paying 30% of the cost of services.
  • Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest out-of-pocket costs. Typically, the plan will cover 60% and the employees  will pay 40% of the cost of services.

Other Factors That Affect Your Insurance Cost

Five factors impact small business owners’ health insurance cost: the size of your business, the type of coverage you select, the age of your employees, business locations, and claims history. Let’s see how each can impact your cost.

Size of your business : Businesses with more employees pay lower premiums than those with fewer employees. The financial risk is smaller as the cost of claims can be absorbed by more employees.

Type of insurance : The coverage you select will determine how much you pay. More comprehensive plans that cover preventive care and prescription drugs tend to drive insurance costs up because those plans cost more to provide.

Age of Employees : The age of your employees can affect how your monthly premium. Older employees or those with more chronic conditions may be more expensive to insure than younger, healthier employees.

Location of your business : M ajor cities tend to have higher costs.

Your business claims history : Small businesses with high claims may have to pay higher premiums. A business that files higher claims will cost the insurance company more money.

We're here to help you understand health care options that meet employees’ needs and your budget. Learn more about available plan options or get a quote .

How Much You Contribute

One factor you can control is how much you contribute to the monthly premiums. As a small business owner in Illinois, you must at least contribute 25% to pay your employees' monthly premiums, or you can pay for more. One of the advantages of paying the full amount is that you have a better opportunity to retain talent and recruit new employees.

Tax Credit, Deductions, and Reimbursements

As part of the Affordable Care Act, small businesses can apply for a tax credit. There are other means of financial relief when offering employees health insurance, including tax deductions. Expenses that may qualify include monthly premiums, contributions to an HSA (Health Savings Account), and tax-advantaged dollars.

  • Have less than 25 full-time employees (FTE)
  • Average Employee salary is $56,000 or less per year
  • Employer pays 50% of the premium cost of full-time employees
  • You offer Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) coverage to all full-time employees

Non-Monetary Benefits of Small Group Health Insurance

There are added non-monetary benefits to offering health insurance. Increased well-being of individuals comes with confidence in their plan's ability to cover expenses. Employees are more likely to schedule routine check-ups, pursue specialist appointments, and take advantage of the health care benefits, which may reduce sick days. When you offer health insurance, the overall well-being of the workplace is likely to improve.

Learn more about small business plans available in your area.

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Small Group Health Insurance Options

More Value. More Choice. All Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) fully-funded standard small group Qualified Health Plans (QHP) for 2-50 employees offer features and benefits designed with members’ health and wellbeing in mind.

Popular Plans for Small Businesses

The broad PPO network gives you flexible benefit design options at a price you can afford while giving your employees the freedom to visit any doctor they choose, with benefits paid at a higher level when the doctor is within the network.

Blue Choice Preferred PPO SM

Blue Choice Preferred PPO is a comprehensive PPO network of doctors and hospitals with higher monthly premium and often lower out-of-pocket costs

Blue Options SM

Blue Options is a tiered design that helps you control your care and expenses with lower out-of-pocket costs for in-network doctors and hospitals, and the choice to use providers in the larger PPO network at a higher cost.

Blue Precision HMO SM

Blue Precision HMO is a smart network that covers 100% of employee health care costs so your employees will only need to cover copays for medical services in most cases.

Ask your agent or broker to get a quote for a BCBSIL standard small group qualified health plan.

  • Download the 2023 Small Group Plans Brochure
  • Download the 2022 Small Group Plans Brochure

Self-funded Small Group Option

Blue Balance Funded is an administrative and stop loss coverage suite of services for groups of 10-50 that includes consistent monthly payments for employers. To learn if Blue Balance Funded might be right for your company, have a conversation with your agent or broker as well as tax and legal advisers.

Full-Service Quoting, Enrolling and Management Solutions

For agents and brokers.

Bentegro for Small Business (1-50) is a comprehensive sales, enrollment and benefits management platform built for agents and brokers. Tell your agent or broker to talk to us about Bentegro.

For Employer Groups (2-10)

Groups too small for an agent, a broker or an in-house benefits manager can opt for a self-service employer enrollment and management solution when choosing a standard fully-funded plan. (Average group size is 5.)

BCBSIL Supports Your Business

Health care benefits are a crucial part of recruiting new employees and retaining your existing workforce. That’s why BCBSIL provides you with the tools, resources, and professional expertise you need to maintain the health, productivity, and satisfaction of the employees who help your business thrive.

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So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Best Medicare Supplement Plan G Companies in 2024

Alex Rosenberg

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Medigap Plan G is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement Insurance plan that all Medicare members can buy. It’s also the most popular of these plan types [0] AHIP . The State of Medicare Supplement Coverage . Accessed Feb 9, 2024. View all sources .

Plan G covers nearly all of the out-of-pocket expenses associated with Medicare Part A and Part B, such as copays, coinsurance and deductibles. (Medigap plans sold to people who became eligible for Medicare after 2019 can’t cover the Medicare Part B deductible — $240 in 2024 — so Plan G doesn’t cover that cost [0] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services . Compare Medigap Plan Benefits . Accessed Feb 9, 2024. View all sources .)

Since it can be difficult or impossible to change Medigap plans after the end of your Medigap open enrollment period , it’s a good idea to choose your Medigap Plan G company carefully.

Here are NerdWallet’s picks for the best Medicare Supplement Plan G companies in 2024.

Best Medicare Supplement Plan G companies

NerdWallet compares Medicare Supplement Insurance companies based on plan availability, member satisfaction, pricing, extra perks, state footprint and more.

Best overall: AARP/UnitedHealthcare

AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medigap

AARP/UnitedHealthcare

AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medigap plans have low complaint rates when compared with most competitors. There are many configurations of plan types and extras available — sometimes so many that it might be overwhelming to choose.

M-F 9am-9pm ET, Sa 10am-9pm ET

Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org

from askchapter.org

Plan types offered Medigap plan types the company generally offers (availability may vary by location). Options include Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N

A, B, C, F, G, K, L and N.

NAIC complaint rate How often the company’s members file complaints about their policies as compared to the industry average, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Premium discounts available Based on the number and size of a company’s available discounts on monthly premiums, in comparison to other insurance companies.

  • Offers as many as eight out of 10 plan types.
  • Available in every state.
  • Few customer complaints and strong third-party customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Health and wellness discounts cost extra, while some competitors offer them for free.
  • Plan variations and extras can get confusing.
  • Network requirements for lower-cost Medicare Select plans.

Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C. [0] UnitedHealthcare . AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans for Retirees . Accessed Feb 9, 2024. View all sources .

Why we like it: AARP and UnitedHealthcare make Medigap Plan G policies widely available with low prices and few member complaints. Unless you’re looking for specific side benefits or a high-deductible Plan G option, AARP/UnitedHealthcare Plan G can be hard to beat.

» MORE: Read our review of AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Insurance

Best for additional coverage options: Anthem

Anthem Medigap

Anthem stands out from most other Medigap companies by offering options to add dental and vision coverage to Medigap plans. It offers only a few Medigap plan types, though, and serves fewer states than most competitors.

A, F, G and N.

Close to expected

Above average

  • Mix and match dental and vision add-ons.
  • Several discounts based on household and payment methods.
  • Extra perks for fitness, health and wellness products and services.
  • Lower-coverage plans are sometimes more expensive.
  • Few Medigap plan types available.
  • Available in only about one-third of states.

Service area: 14 states [0] Anthem . Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) from Anthem . Accessed Feb 9, 2024. View all sources .

Why we like it: If you want to roll dental, hearing and vision coverage into your Medigap Plan G purchase, Anthem is a strong option. The company’s Anthem Extras packages offer multiple tiers of dental, hearing and/or vision coverage that you can mix and match with most Anthem Medigap policies to fit your needs [0] Anthem . Anthem Extras Packages . Accessed Feb 9, 2024. View all sources .

» MORE: Read our review of Anthem Medicare Supplement Insurance

Best for high-deductible Medigap Plan G: Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha Medigap

Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha's household discount of up to 12% is larger than most competitors' discounts, and members file few complaints about their policies.

  • Complaint rates are well below the market average.
  • Available in every state but Massachusetts.
  • Up to a 12% discount for living with another adult.
  • Few choices for plan type.

Service area : Every state except Massachusetts, plus Washington, D.C. [0] Mutual of Omaha Corporate Communications . Email Confirmation . Accessed Feb 9, 2024. View all sources .

Why we like it: Mutual of Omaha makes high-deductible Medigap Plan G widely available, whereas many competitors offer it in fewer states. Mutual of Omaha plans get far fewer complaints than average and have reasonably competitive pricing. The pricing gets even better for applicants who qualify for a household discount of up to 12% (terms and discount levels can vary by location) [0] Mutual of Omaha . Medicare Solutions Product Portfolio . Accessed Feb 9, 2024. View all sources .

» MORE: Read our review of Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement Insurance

Honorable mention: Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield is a collective of 33 companies. BCBS plans are available throughout the country, but plan types, prices and performance vary.

A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N.

  • "Blue to Blue" program could mean easier changes to coverage in the future.
  • Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
  • Offerings and experiences vary depending on BCBS company.
  • Higher prices for Plan N.
  • Cheaper Medicare Select plans have network requirements.

Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C. [0] Blue Cross Blue Shield . BCBS Companies and Licensees . Accessed Feb 9, 2024. View all sources .

Why we like it: Blue Cross Blue Shield licensees offer Medigap policies everywhere in the country. Broadly speaking, BCBS companies offer competitive prices and have roughly average complaint rates — but because different BCBS companies serve different locations, pricing, perks and member experience can vary. It’s worth looking at the Blue Cross Blue Shield options in your area to see how their Plan G offerings compare to other top companies.

» MORE: Read our review of Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Insurance

Find the right Medicare Supplement Insurance plan

Because Medigap plans are standardized, you can get precisely the same Medicare benefits from any company offering the plan. So when you shop, keep these considerations in mind to find the best policy to fit your needs:

Is your preferred plan available? Health insurance companies don’t always sell every plan, so check who sells the plan you want to buy in your area.

What are the premiums? Prices for the same plan can vary between companies, so check to find the most competitive rates.

Will your premiums change over time? Most policies cost more as you age, but some companies offer policies that let you lock in a price when you sign up.

Are there extras? Medigap plans’ core benefits are standardized, but in certain cases, some companies include such perks as discount programs or gym memberships.

Here’s an overview of our top picks for Medigap Plan G:

Best overall: AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Insurance

Best for additional coverage options: Anthem Medicare Supplement Insurance

Best for high-deductible Medigap Plan G: Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement Insurance

Honorable mention: Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Insurance

Note regarding NAIC complaint data: NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

On a similar note...

Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans

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Healthcare in Moscow

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This guide was written prior to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Travel to Russia is currently not advisable due to the area's volatile political situation.

Healthcare in Moscow is organised by the Moscow Health Department. While public healthcare facilities are available, most expats seek out private healthcare at international medical centres. Expats are advised to take out private medical insurance if it is not provided to them by their company.

Subsidised healthcare is provided to everyone living in the country, paid for by the state and the mandatory health insurance system. That said, professionals in the state system are likely to speak little to no English. 

There are several private medical centres in Moscow where English is spoken and where the healthcare is on par with expat standards. These clinics are generally very expensive, so it is highly recommended that expats take out private medical insurance to cover medical costs in Moscow. Most insurance coverage plans will also include evacuation cover for emergencies or life-threatening situations. 

Recommended hospitals in Moscow

Alliance medicale.

www.alliancemedicale.ru Address: Kutuzovsky Ave, 1/7

Intermed Center American Clinic

www.en.intac.ru Address:  4 Monetchikovsky Lane, 1/6, Building 3

International Clinic MEDSI

www.medsi.ru Address:  26 Prospekt Mira, Building 6

European Medical Center

www.emcmos.ru Address:   5 Spiridon'yevskiy Pereulok, Building 1

Further reading

►For more on the Russian healthcare system see our Healthcare in Russia page.

Expat Interviews " The standard is high, but health insurance is essential − both international and local cover tend to be adequate and similar for routine things." Read more about Stephen, a British expat, and his  experience living in Moscow . 

Are you an expat living in Moscow?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Moscow. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

Expat Health Insurance

Cigna Global Health Insurance. Medical insurance specifically designed for expats. With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider. Get a quote from Cigna Global
Aetna Aetna International, offering comprehensive global medical coverage, has a network of 1.3 million medical providers worldwide. You will have the flexibility to choose from six areas of coverage, including worldwide, multiple levels of benefits to choose from, plus various optional benefits to meet your needs. Get your free no-obligation quotes now!

Moving Internationally?

International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices. Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget. Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!
Free Moving Quotes ReloAdvisor is an independent online quote service for international moves. They work with hundreds of qualified international moving and relocation companies to match your individual requirements. Get up to 5 free quotes from moving companies that match your needs. Get your free no-obligation quotes now!

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Crowns, Bridges & Implants

When the exterior surface of a tooth becomes cracked, broken or compromised, a crown can be used to replace the surface. The crown can be made from various combinations of metal, porcelain or ceramic materials. First, the surface of a tooth is partially ground to provide an optimum mounting surface. Then, impressions are taken in a closed-mouth position. And finally, a crown is formed from those impressions and cemented to the tooth's ground surface. For natural appearance, the surface of the crown also can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth, When done properly, this solution can last for many years and is essentially unnoticed by the patient or others.

In some cases, a bridge or implant provides the best solution. A bridge is a prosthetic device with one or more artificial teeth in its center, and crowns at both ends used to cement the device onto abutment teeth. An implant is a root-shaped, titanium fixture that replaces the root of the tooth, providing a base for an abutment and crown. After placement into the bone, the implant heals through a process called osseointegration, which creates a very secure, long-last bond.

Both implants and bridges have their advantages and disadvantages, and either can be the best solution depending on patient circumstances. While the choice always should be made by the patient and dentist jointly, the following provides some general guidelines.

1. Advantage: Fixed option to replace missing tooth

2. Advantage: Restores function, aesthetics and phonetics

3. Disadvantage: Hygiene is more difficult and often compromised (requires more time and special floss)

4. Disadvantage: Teeth adjacent to missing tooth must be ground for crown mounting surface.

5. Disadvantage: Problems with adjacent teeth could compromise entire bridge

6. Advantage: Bridge can be made in relatively short time

7. Advantage: No surgeries are required

8. Disadvantage: The bone in pontic area will resorb or weaken over time

9. Disadvantage: Abutment, supporting teeth may decay

1. Advantage: Fixed option to replace missing teeth.

3. Advantage: Hygiene is easy (similar to normal cleaning)

4. Advantage: Adjacent teeth are not touched or effected

5. Advantage: Problems with adjacent teeth do not effect crown

6. Disadvantage: Implants require a longer, 6 to 12 month process

7. Disadvantage: May require multiple surgeries if there is bone loss

8. Advantage: Implant will support bone mass in area

9. Advantage: Implant is made from titanium and cannot decay

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Gingivitis & Periodontal Disease

Cosmetic dentistry in belmont.

Gingivitis is a common disease caused by bacteria in the plague, where the gums become inflamed, red and swollen, and easily bleed. The process is reversible if treated on time. This required good dental hygiene; brushing, flossing and regular dental visits.

When left untreated, gingivitis contributes to periodontal disease. Bacterial toxins in the plague progress downward and weaken bone structure. As the disease progresses, teeth become loose and at some point permanent loss becomes inevitable. Common risk factors include smoking, systemic diseases, medications, genetic susceptibility and poor hygiene.

Through a team approach that includes the patient, hygienist, periodontist and general dentist, the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease can be stopped. Scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) removes bacteria that promote the disease. Laser treatment is available. Medications may be used with treatment that include scaling and root planning (with both topical and oral antibiotics). If scaling and root planning are not effective, flap surgery is performed. In this process, gums are cut open to remove tartar deposits and bacteria in deeper pockets. Also, bone and tissue graphs can be used in conjunction with surgery as a regenerative procedure to promote bone growth. Periodontal maintenance is very important. According to studies done at Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine, non-treated periodontal disease can lead to atherosclerosis and heart disease, stroke, premature birth, respiratory diseases, and diabetes can be for difficult to control. 

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Dental Care in Belmont, MA

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In 1989, Dr. Mkrtchyan graduated from Heratsy Medical School in Armenia with DDS degree.

She then began her residency program in Oral Maxillo-Facial Surgery at Yerevan City Hospital,

and graduated in 1992 with a Degree in Oral Surgery. From 1992 through 1995, she worked

as an Oral Surgeon at Moscow City Hospital, and in 1995 moved to United States.  

In 2001, Dr. Mkrtchyan entered the residency program at Boston University School of Dental

Medicine, and graduated with a CAGS degree in Implantology in 2003. She began an Advanced

Standing program at BU, and graduated with a DMD Degree. As a graduate and post-graduate

student, she taught Implantology and Operative dentistry to residents and students, and

received many Certifications in Implantology.

After graduation, Dr. Mkrtchyan worked at several practices as both an Oral Surgery

and General Dentist.  

2006-2007:        Hudson Dental Care, Hudson, MA

2006-2010:        New Era Dental, Cambridge, MA

2009-2012:        Shrewsbury Dental, Shrewsbury, MA

2009-2013:        Advanced Dental Care, Somerville, MA

2007-Present:   DentaQuest Oral Health Center, Westborough, MA (which received

    ADA's Nationwide Number One Preventative Practice award in 2010)

2013-Present:   AMG Family Dental, Belmont, MA, Dr. Mkrtchyan's private practice  

Dr. Mkrtchyan lives in Belmont with her husband, Tigran, and their two children, Maria

and Alex. When not working, she enjoys time with her family, community work, and tennis .

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INSURANCES & PAYMENTS

  For insurance, we accept coverage from Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental plans, Guardian, and MetLife. For direct payment, we accept VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and Discover cards. 

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We'd Love to Hear from You! If you have comments or questions, please call us during business hours, or submit the following form and we will respond within one business day. Note: If you have a medical emergency, please dial 911.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Feel free to fax any documents to  : (617) 484-0650 

AMG Family Dental

71 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA 02478, US

(617) 484-0064

Copyright © AMG Family Dental - All Rights Reserved.

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IMAGES

  1. Understanding Blue Cross Blue Shield: Your Guide to Health Insurance

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  2. Small Business Health Insurance Facts You Must Know In 2022

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  3. The Top 5 Small Business Health Insurance Options in 2019

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  4. 5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Small Business Health Insurance

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  5. Small business health insurance options

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  6. Blue Cross Health Insurance Review

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  23. Moscow, Idaho

    First United Methodist Church (1904), S. Adams at E. 3rd St. Moscow (/ ˈ m ɒ s k oʊ / MOS-koh) is a city and the county seat of Latah County, Idaho.Located in the North Central region of the state along the border with Washington, it had a population of 25,435 at the 2020 census. Moscow is the home of the University of Idaho, the state's land-grant institution and primary research university.

  24. Healthcare and health insurance for expats in Moscow

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  25. AMG Family Dental

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  26. ARPA COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program

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