Summa

The Summa health insurance company is a unique organization in that it is one of the only health insurers in Ohio that is owned by healthcare providers. The company began its operations approximately 20 years ago by serving large employers in the Akron area that are completely self-funded. Since that time, it has grown in both size and scope to the point of being able to handle all sized companies and insurance products. Whether an employer wants to file a health insurance claim or get more information about a particular plan, they can find the help they need at Summa.

Today, the Summa health insurance company retains its original ownership structure of being provider owned and operated. Because of this, Summa encourages the relationship between a patient and his or her doctor to be a strong one. The company knows that open communication between health care provider and consumer is key to a successful relationship, and ultimately to a higher quality of health. To back up its claim, Summa has a network of over 7,000 healthcare providers and 50 hospitals in the region surrounding Akron, Ohio.

For members who need to know how to submit a health insurance claim, Summa has provided a member resource section on its website with information about this and other account maintenance tasks. Members should go to the Resources and Self Services tab from the front page of the website. Additional tasks that can be completed there include change of address forms, making a request for a new identification card, changing a primary care physician and more.

The Summa website also has separate tabs to make information available to health care providers, brokers and employers. Each of these tabs contains several sections with detailed information pertaining to the type of customer Summa is serving. For example, the provider tab has information on how to become a network provider with Summa, the brokers tab gives step by step instructions for how to join the Summa company as a broker and the employer tab lets companies know how to request a quote, among other things.

For people who do not have health insurance available through an employer and are searching for coverage for themselves or their families, this information can be obtained right from the front page of Summa's website. Individual plan options include several different PPO's with different levels of deductibles. There is also a separate insurance plan available to senior citizens who may wish to supplement the coverage received from Medicare.

The Summa health insurance company practices an integrated delivery system and a business healthcare model that encourages cooperation among all people involved in healthcare, including patients, providers and insurance carriers.