Surest health insurance, offered by UnitedHealthcare, is a modern, employer-sponsored plan designed for simplicity and transparency. It eliminates deductibles and provides upfront pricing to help users make informed healthcare choices.
This article explains Surest health insurance in clear terms, covering its features, benefits, costs, and enrollment. You’ll learn how to navigate this innovative plan to meet your healthcare needs.
What Is Surest Health Insurance?
Surest health insurance is an ACA-compliant plan for employers with two or more employees. Unlike traditional plans, it has no deductibles or coinsurance, using only copays.
Launched as Bind in 2016 and rebranded under UnitedHealthcare, Surest focuses on cost transparency. Members use an app to see prices before booking care.
The plan is available on fully insured, self-funded, or level-funded bases. It uses UnitedHealthcare’s nationwide provider network. Surest aims to reduce costs for employers and employees while simplifying the insurance experience.
Key Features of Surest Health Insurance
Surest health insurance stands out for its unique approach to healthcare coverage. It prioritizes user control and clarity. Here are its main features.
- No Deductibles or Coinsurance: Members pay fixed copays, eliminating surprise bills.
- Upfront Pricing: The Surest app shows exact costs for services before appointments.
- Broad Network Access: Uses UnitedHealthcare’s extensive provider network nationwide.
- Digital Experience: The app simplifies searching for care, viewing claims, and managing benefits.
Types of Surest Health Insurance Plans
Surest health insurance is primarily an employer-sponsored group plan. It offers flexibility for businesses and employees. Here’s an overview of its structure.
Standard Surest Plan
The standard Surest plan is a copay-only model with no deductibles or coinsurance. It covers essential health benefits, including preventive care, hospital stays, and prescriptions. Members see exact copays for services via the Surest app. This plan suits employees seeking predictable costs.
Available to employers with two or more employees, it’s offered on fully insured, self-funded, or level-funded bases. It’s designed for simplicity and affordability.
Surest Flex Plan
The Surest Flex plan includes flexible coverage for certain plannable procedures. Members must activate coverage at least three days before specific treatments, or they may not be covered. This feature applies to a small set of services, like elective surgeries.
The Flex plan uses the same copay-only model and UnitedHealthcare network. It encourages proactive planning to ensure coverage.
Benefits of Surest Health Insurance
Surest health insurance offers several advantages for members and employers. These benefits enhance affordability and ease of use. Here’s what makes it stand out.
Cost Transparency
Surest’s app provides real-time pricing for doctor visits, procedures, and prescriptions. Lower copays are often assigned to high-value providers based on quality and efficiency. This helps members choose cost-effective care without guesswork. Studies show Surest members pay 54% less out-of-pocket than traditional plans.
Simplified Experience
The copay-only model eliminates complex calculations for deductibles or coinsurance. Members know their costs upfront, reducing financial stress. The Surest app streamlines tasks like finding providers and checking claims.
Comprehensive Coverage
Surest covers preventive care, maternity, mental health, and chronic condition management. It includes telehealth, emergency services, and support programs at low or no cost. The plan meets ACA standards for essential health benefits.
Employer Savings
Employers benefit from lower claim costs, with studies showing up to 15% savings. Surest’s design reduces unnecessary ER visits and outpatient surgeries. This helps businesses manage healthcare expenses effectively.
How to Choose a Surest Health Insurance Plan
Choosing Surest health insurance involves understanding your healthcare needs and budget. Since it’s employer-sponsored, your options depend on your workplace. Here’s how to make an informed choice.
Evaluate Your Health Needs
Consider how often you need medical care or medications. If you require frequent visits or manage chronic conditions, Surest’s low copays and support programs are beneficial. Healthy individuals may appreciate the plan’s low premiums and transparency.
List your healthcare priorities, like specialist access or mental health services. This ensures the plan meets your needs.
Compare Copay Costs
Surest’s copays vary by provider, with lower prices for high-value options. Use the Surest app to compare costs for services you use often. For example, a specialist visit might cost $15 with one provider but $50 with another.
Check copays for your preferred providers. This helps you budget accurately.
Check Provider Networks
Surest uses UnitedHealthcare’s nationwide network, covering providers in all 50 states. Verify that your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network using the Surest app. In-network care costs less than out-of-network services.
If you travel, confirm emergency coverage, which includes international care with reimbursement.
Explore Support Programs
Surest offers programs for maternity, diabetes, cancer, and mental health. These provide guidance and low-cost care options. Check the app for programs that align with your health needs.
For example, maternity coverage includes prenatal and delivery for a flat copay. These programs add value to your plan.
Understanding Surest Health Insurance Costs
Surest health insurance simplifies costs with a copay-only model. Understanding these costs helps you plan effectively. Here’s a breakdown.
Premiums
Premiums are monthly payments deducted from your paycheck. They vary based on your employer’s plan and your coverage level (individual or family). Surest’s premiums are often lower than traditional plans due to its cost-saving design.
Check your company’s benefits site for exact premium amounts. These keep your coverage active.
Copays
Copays are fixed fees for services, like $20 for a doctor visit or $500 for maternity care. Prices vary by provider, with lower copays for high-value options. The Surest app shows exact copays before you book care.
Copays are your main out-of-pocket expense. They replace deductibles and coinsurance.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
The out-of-pocket maximum limits your annual spending on covered services. Once reached, Surest covers 100% of eligible costs. This protects you from high medical bills.
Check your plan’s maximum to understand your financial limit. It varies by employer and plan.
| Cost Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | Monthly fee deducted from your paycheck. | $150/month for individual |
| Copay | Fixed fee for services, varies by provider. | $15 for specialist visit |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Annual limit on your total costs for covered services. | $5,000/year |
How to Enroll in Surest Health Insurance
Surest health insurance is employer-sponsored, so enrollment happens through your workplace. The process is straightforward. Here’s how it works.
Open Enrollment Period
Most employers offer Surest during their annual Open Enrollment, typically in the fall. You can choose or change plans during this period. Check with your HR department for specific dates and options.
Missing Open Enrollment may require a qualifying event, like marriage, for a Special Enrollment Period.
Enrollment Process
Your employer provides enrollment details through their benefits portal or HR team. You’ll need to select Surest from the offered plans and provide personal information. Some employers offer Surest alongside traditional plans.
Complete enrollment forms promptly. Contact HR or Surest at (866) 683-6440 for assistance.
Setting Up the Surest App
After enrolling, download the Surest app and create an account. The app provides access to pricing, claims, and your digital ID card. Log in to search for care and manage your benefits.
Keep your account updated for easy access. The app is central to using Surest effectively.
Tips for Using Surest Health Insurance
Maximize your Surest health insurance with these practical tips. They help you save money and simplify your healthcare experience.
Use the Surest App
The Surest app is your tool for finding providers, checking copays, and managing claims. Search by symptoms or services to compare costs and locations. For example, enter “sinus infection” to see treatment options and prices.
Log in regularly to stay informed. The app reduces surprises and saves time.
Choose High-Value Providers
Select providers with lower copays, as they’re rated for quality and efficiency. The app highlights these options with data-driven recommendations. This can save you money on routine care.
Compare providers before booking. This maximizes savings and care quality.
Utilize Preventive Care
Surest covers preventive services like checkups and vaccines at no cost. Schedule annual visits to stay healthy and catch issues early. These services are included in your plan’s benefits.
Check the app for covered preventive care. Book appointments early in the year.
Access Support Programs
Surest offers programs for chronic conditions, maternity, and mental health. The Clinical Advocacy team provides guidance on providers and treatments. Contact them at (866) 683-6440 for support.
Use these programs for low-cost, tailored care. They enhance your plan’s value.
Common Misconceptions About Surest Health Insurance
Some myths about Surest health insurance can cause confusion. Here’s the truth behind a few common ones.
It’s Too Good to Be True
Surest’s no-deductible model and low copays seem suspicious, but it’s ACA-compliant. Studies show 54% lower out-of-pocket costs and 11% employer savings. The plan’s transparency drives these results.
Compare Surest to traditional plans. Its design is proven effective.
It Limits Provider Choice
Surest uses UnitedHealthcare’s broad network, covering providers nationwide. You’re not restricted to a small group of doctors. The app helps you find in-network providers easily.
Check provider networks in the app. You have plenty of options.
It’s Hard to Use
The Surest app simplifies tasks like finding care and checking costs. Customer support and navigators assist with enrollment and claims. The plan is designed for ease, with 82% of members reporting better understanding than traditional plans.
Use the app and support resources. They make Surest user-friendly.
Summary
Surest health insurance, a UnitedHealthcare product, offers a transparent, copay-only plan with no deductibles. Designed for employers with two or more employees, it provides upfront pricing through an intuitive app.
Benefits include lower out-of-pocket costs, access to a nationwide network, and support for preventive care and chronic conditions.
By using the app, choosing high-value providers, and leveraging support programs, members can maximize their coverage. Surest simplifies healthcare while saving money for both employees and employers.
FAQ
What is Surest health insurance?
Surest is an employer-sponsored plan by UnitedHealthcare with no deductibles or coinsurance. It uses copays and offers upfront pricing via an app. It’s available for businesses with two or more employees.
How do I find providers with Surest?
Use the Surest app to search for in-network providers by symptom or service. It shows copays and provider ratings. In-network care costs less than out-of-network.
What are the costs of Surest health insurance?
Costs include monthly premiums and copays, which vary by provider. There’s no deductible or coinsurance. Check your employer’s benefits site for premium details.
When can I enroll in Surest?
Enrollment occurs during your employer’s Open Enrollment, typically in the fall. Special Enrollment Periods apply for life events like marriage. Contact HR for specific dates.
Does Surest cover preventive care?
Yes, Surest covers preventive services like checkups and vaccines at no cost. These help maintain health and detect issues early. Check the app for covered services.