When it comes to health insurance, Horizon and UnitedHealthcare are two big names that often come up. But how exactly do these two providers compare when it comes to coverage, costs, and customer satisfaction?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key similarities and differences between Horizon and UnitedHealthcare to help you determine which might be a better fit for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Horizon | UnitedHealthcare |
| Coverage Area | New Jersey focused | National coverage |
| Plan Types Offered | HMO, EPO, PPO, POS | HMO, PPO, POS, HDHP/HSA |
| Provider Network | Extensive in NJ, over 90% of doctors/hospitals | Large national network, but more limited in NJ |
| Premium Costs | Wide range based on plan selected | Wide range based on plan selected |
| Member Perks | Blue365 deals, telemedicine, Baby Blueprints | UnitedHealthcare Motion, Virtual Visits, Rally rewards |
| Customer Satisfaction | 3 out of 5 stars on average | 2 out of 5 stars on average |
| Prescription Coverage | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Telehealth Offerings | Horizon CareOnline | Virtual Visits |
Overview Of Horizon
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is the state’s largest health insurer, providing coverage to over 3.7 million members. Horizon offers a wide range of health insurance options including HMO, PPO, EPO and POS plans for individuals, families and employers.
Some key things to know:
- Large provider network in NJ with over 90% of doctors and hospitals in-network. Access to BlueCard network outside of NJ.
- Wide range of plan options and pricing tiers. Plans sold directly to individuals and small businesses.
- Strong focus on coordinating care and transitioning to value-based care payment models.
- Member perks like Blue365 discount program and Horizon CareOnline telemedicine.
- HQ and focus in on NJ market. Part of larger Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
Overview Of UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is the largest private health insurer in the US covering tens of millions of Americans.
Key facts about UnitedHealthcare:
- National presence and large provider networks in most states.
- Broad plan options from HMO to PPO and HDHPs. Medicare, Medicaid and employer-based plans.
- Digital tools like app and Virtual Visits telehealth to increase convenience.
- Wide range of wellness incentives and health & wellness programs.
- Large public company that offers many ancillary services beyond health insurance.
- Headquarters in Minnesota but national reach.
Also Read: Comparison Between Cigna And Premera.
Comparing Plan Options
When it comes to plan options, both Horizon and UnitedHealthcare have extensive choices depending on your budget, health needs and preferences.
Horizon offers HMO, EPO, PPO and POS plans. HMO plans tend to have lower premiums but less flexibility in providers. PPO plans are more expensive but allow you to see out-of-network doctors. POS plans offer some PPO-like flexibility while keeping costs lower.
Similarly, UnitedHealthcare has HMO, PPO and POS plans. They also offer HDHPs compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) that have lower premiums but higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
For families, Horizon and UnitedHealthcare both have family plans covering spouses and dependents. UnitedHealthcare also offers child-only plans.
Both insurers also offer Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans for seniors as well as coverage for employers of all sizes. Overall, both have extensive plan options for all needs.
Provider Networks
When comparing provider networks, Horizon clearly has an edge in New Jersey. With over 90% of doctors and all hospitals in-state participating, you’ll have extensive choice in providers.
Outside of New Jersey, UnitedHealthcare has the larger national network. So if you travel frequently or have college students out-of-state, United may be preferable.
But for NJ residents accessing care in-state, Horizon’s network will be hard to beat. UnitedHealthcare does have a presence in NJ but their network will be more limited.
Costs And Premiums
On premium costs, both insurers run the gamut from budget to premium plans. Horizon Premium plans like OMNIA have the highest premiums but lowest out-of-pocket costs. Economy plans have lower premiums but you pay more when getting care.
Similarly, UnitedHealthcare plans like HMO Advantage will have higher premiums than Basic HMO plans with the same lower out-of-pocket costs when using network providers.
For families and businesses, both Horizon and UnitedHealthcare offer extensive choices to fit different budgets. Overall costs will depend heavily on the specific plan you choose.
Member Perks
Horizon and UnitedHealthcare both offer nice perks to members beyond just coverage. Horizon offers:
- Blue365: Exclusive deals on fitness, wellness, travel and more.
- Horizon CareOnline: 24/7 telemedicine access to doctors by phone or video chat.
- Baby Blueprints: Extra support for expecting mothers from registered nurses.
- Healthy You! Wellness Portal: Tools and trackers to support health goals.
Key perks from UnitedHealthcare include:
- UnitedHealthcare Motion: Rewards and discounts for hitting step goals tracked on a wearable device.
- Virtual Visits: 24/7 phone and video access to providers.
- Rally: Personalized health programs and rewards for completing health actions.
- Nurseline: 24/7 phone access to registered nurses for health questions.
Overall, the perks are quite similar – both aim to improve access, provide discounts and incentivize healthy behaviors. Horizon may have an edge for NJ-specific deals.
Customer Satisfaction
Both health insurance giants get decent but not spectacular reviews from members when it comes to customer satisfaction.
UnitedHealthcare tends to get mixed reviews from customers. While some appreciate the broad network and convenience of tools like the mobile app, others complain about high costs, confusing plans and poor customer service experiences. They have an average 2 out of 5 star rating on review sites.
Horizon BCBS NJ gets slightly better feedback, averaging around 3 out of 5 stars. Many customers highlight the strong New Jersey network alongside complaints about expensive premiums and disputes over claims being denied.
For both providers, experiences can vary greatly depending on the particular plan and whether one encounters any issues requiring customer service help. Overall customer sentiment seems slightly better with Horizon but neither is a standout.
Also Read: Is CareFirst Better Than UnitedHealthcare?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no one “best” health insurance company. The right provider for you depends on where you live, your budget, health status and what plan features are most important to you.
Top insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Horizon offer good coverage but should be evaluated based on your specific needs.
Pros: Large national provider network, virtual care options, broad plan selection including HMOs, PPOs, and HSAs, popular wellness programs like UnitedHealthcare Motion.
Cons: Can have higher premiums, poor customer service reputation and difficulties with claims, mixed feedback from members.
Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare are both leading insurers across the country. Blue Shield tends to excel with larger regional networks and customer satisfaction.
UnitedHealthcare’s strengths are their national presence, innovative tools like Virtual Visits, and wellness platforms. For most members, the two are quite comparable in quality and it comes down to your specific plan needs and location.
UnitedHealth Group is the parent company. UnitedHealthcare is the health insurance branch under the UnitedHealth Group umbrella. Other parts of UnitedHealth Group provide services like OptumRX pharmacy benefits and Optum healthcare IT solutions.
So UnitedHealthcare offers the health plans while UnitedHealth Group also has other healthcare businesses.
Also Read: Choose Between Highmark And Cigna.
The Bottom Line
When choosing between Horizon and UnitedHealthcare, there are good reasons to consider either option. Horizon tends to excel in New Jersey given their extensive in-state provider networks. But UnitedHealthcare can be a good option for nationwide coverage and those who travel often.
Ultimately, look closely at premiums, deductibles, provider networks and plan features that matter most to you. And see if any offerings like telemedicine or wellness programs appeal. There’s no one-size-fits all but understanding these key differences between Horizon and UnitedHealthcare will help you find coverage that best fits your needs and budget.
