Health Insurance Product Reviews (BETA)
Major Carriers and High Deductible Health Plans

Vimo Editorial: Health Plan Profile

Aiming for young and healthy people looking for quality health insurance at an affordable price, Anthem of Colorado and Blue Cross of California introduced their Tonik line of health plans. The Thrill Seeker plan was developed after surveying hundreds of young adults to determine what they wanted – and didn't– in a health plan.

The Thrill Seeker gives members unlimited physicians’ office visits with a small co-payment.  Additional payments are required if any treatment is needed. The plan has a very high annual deductible (see box below). What young person shouldn't sign up for the Thrill Seeker? Young women may want to take a pass because the plan doesn't include maternity coverage. An unexpected pregnancy could result in a huge hospital bill.

Anthem is known for excellent customer service, paying its claims on time and a provider network that's one of the largest in Colorado. For health consumers looking for an affordable high-deductible plan, the Thrill Seeker is one of the best on the market. Two similar Blue Cross plans have lower deductibles (but higher premiums): The Calculated Risk Taker ($1,500) and the Part Time Daredevil ($3,000).

While they're popular and offer broad coverage that even includes vision, the plans won't appeal to long-term savers who see HDHPs as a way to sock money away for future healthcare expenditures. These plans do not work with tax-advantaged Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

BEST FOR: Young people between 19-29, who are healthy, in shape and travel.

PROS: The low price for a simple trip to a doctor. Great coverage for most lab-work, x-rays and even certain specialized procedures. With vision coverage and drug benefits, the plan covers everything that many young health consumers will want covered. Another major plus for Colorado residents is the Anthem network.

CONS: The only big downside is the lack of maternity coverage.