| The Utah Department of Health just recently | | | | Average for less money. |
| completed their report of the findings they came up | | | | The survey and report found that in terms of price |
| with from a survey of the residents of Utah. The | | | | and care, Utah is ranked high nationally for the high |
| overall findings have shown that overall, an | | | | quality of care that we receive but also found that in |
| overwhelming majority of Utah residents are satisfied | | | | terms of average premiums that we pay, we are also |
| with the health coverage they are receiving. The | | | | very well priced. |
| report, titled "The 2009 Health Plan Consumer | | | | - Federal reform may actually make our premiums |
| Satisfaction Report" was just released last week. | | | | more expensive |
| There is much to be discussed from the findings. | | | | According to Kelly Atkinson at the Utah Health |
| - Utahns ranked HMO satisfaction higher than the | | | | Insurance Association, he feels that the current reform |
| National Average. | | | | being discussed will actually raise the premiums of |
| We (the residents of Utah) ranked the HMO's offered | | | | Utah residents. He feels that because the reform bill |
| here higher than across the country because of many | | | | only opens up access, but does not address costs, |
| reasons. We rated the doctors that are offered in the | | | | that we will be seeing an increase due to that. He says |
| HMO networks higher and how well they | | | | "And until you address the cost, you can't really drive |
| communicated with us. We ranked how fast we | | | | down the double-digit inflation that exists." |
| received care higher. And most importantly, we ranked | | | | - What can you do to save money on your health |
| their customer service very high. The health insurance | | | | insurance and still get the great quality of care they |
| companies in Utah that offer HMO type plans are | | | | talked about in the survey and report? |
| SelectHealth (also known as Intermountain Healthcare | | | | Well, you're off to a good start. You are here arming |
| (IHC) and Altius. Because the largest health insurance | | | | yourself with information. But one very important way |
| provider in Utah, SelectHealth, also happens to be an | | | | is to work with an independent health insurance agent |
| HMO provider, it makes that HMO's ranked high. | | | | or broker. Because they are not only representing one |
| SelectHealth offers a couple different plans. They | | | | company, they can give you an unbiased information |
| offer the SelectValue plan and the SelectMed HMO. | | | | on which carrier is right for you. They specialize in |
| Because they have the largest doctor and facility | | | | finding you the right health plan for the right price. And |
| network in Utah, they are always a very good option | | | | the great thing is they don't cost you one penny extra |
| for coverage. | | | | to use them. So don't hesitate to contact a local |
| - Utahns receive higher quality care than the National | | | | independent agent and ask them what is right for you. |