Medica
Medica health insurance company has the distinction of being the first insurer to provide open access to its members in the state of Minnesota. Prior to Medica's inception in 1975, health insurance plans did not give their members the opportunity to decide where they would go to the doctor. The company has come a long way in its short history and today offers health insurance quotes and other services to people all across Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
The Medica name is very well known across the mid-west, although it did not have that moniker until 1991. In the first 16 years of its existence, Medica was known as Physician's Health Plan. The name Medica came about when PHP and the now defunct health plan Share merged. It is now accepted by 95 percent of providers in the mid-west.
Medica health insurance is available to individuals and families who purchase health insurance on their own or obtain it as part of a group through employers. People who are interested in receiving health insurance quotes should go to the company's website and go to the tab labeled Plans. From there, people needing health insurance quotes should choose their state of residence from Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, or South Dakota to view details from several different plans that are offered. There is an option to either get a quote or choose a broker right from that page.
In addition to providing health coverage through employer and individual plans, Medica contracts with the state of Minnesota to provide health insurance to people enrolled in state health coverage programs. In these types of insurance arrangements, individuals and families who meet certain income and health requirements are enrolled in Medica and pay a premium to the state based on their income. The government of the state of Minnesota pays the rest of the premium. State sponsored programs that are currently offered by Medica include Minnesota Care, Medical Assistance, Minnesota Senior Health Options, and Special Needs Basic Care Plan.
As one of the state's most recognized health plans, Medica does more than provide insurance to people after an illness or injury has already occurred. The company is also involved in a number of initiatives to aid people in choosing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Some examples of these programs are smoking cessation and weight management. Health care consumers who are enrolled in these programs will receive one-on-one guidance with a Medica nurse through phone calls and follow-up appointments. Additionally, they will receive workbooks to study their conditions and complete assignments. Participants in Medica's wellness programs are fully expected to be partners in their own health.
