UniCare's Sound Plans provide outstanding health insurance value and are available to Illinois residents up to age 64 1/2, though the Sound Plan benefit design and UniCare's edgy marketing of the product are directed at young single adults who might otherwise be uninsured.
Considering some of the outstanding benefits, Sound plan rates are surprisingly low. For persons under age 30, standard monthly rates for the $1500 deductible "Cruiser" plan are $88 to $114 -- depending on where you live in Illinois. This is particularly impressive when you consider the dental plan included in the package.
Each Sound plan includes dental insurance for diagnostic and preventive services (100% with deductible waived) and for fillings (80% after $25 deductible). There is a $500 annual maximum benefit. This is limited dental plan, but the price is right.
The vision coverage provides a $50 maximum annual benefit (deductible waived) for vision exams and supplies.
UniCare has developed a streamlined online application
and simplified underwriting procedures specific to the Sound product. UniCare is taking innovative
approaches to shorten the time it takes to purchase permanent health insurance.
For example, in underwriting Sound applications, UniCare departs from normal practice and does not require medical condition-specific waivers with any Sound Health Plan policies. This means better benefits for some applicants and speeds up the process of obtaining health insurance.
Only one person can be included on each Sound health insurance application, as this product is not designed for families. However, multiple members of a family can apply for Sound coverage, though a separate application needs to be completed for each family member.
Most health insurers charge lower rates for new customers and higher rates for their longer-term customers. This is known as durational rating, and UniCare doesn't do it.
In determining rate adjustments, UniCare makes no distinctions based on how long a policy has been in effect. This translates into superior long-term relative cost stability for UniCare clients.
In Illinois, UniCare customers can utilize providers in the UniCare Classic Network or in the HealthLink network (mostly downstate providers), both of which are owned by UniCare.
UniCare is part of Wellpoint, Inc., which is the nation's leading health benefits company serving the needs of approximately 34 million medical members nationwide.
WellPoint is a Blue Cross or Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee in 14 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Wellpoint also operates under the UniCare name in 10 states, including some of the states where they are also the Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee.
