Who Provides The Best Health Insurance? 
This is a totally subjective question because `` best '' can be defined in different ways by different people . Some define it by monthly premium cost , some by the level of benefits , others by the provider network offered and most people define it by some combination of all of these factors . In Tennessee , from a service perspective I would argue there really is no best insurance carrier . I have individual clients and small group clients with all the carriers in this state and from the aspects of paying claims , producing ID cards , having service issues , etc. , no insurance carrier really stands out from the crowd . As far as these aspects of the consumer experience go the insurance carriers have in many ways become a commodity . In the individual health insurance marketplace in Tennessee in 2014 , Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee will generally enjoy the price advantage in most product categories and age bands . However , especially if a consumer is trying to purchase through the government marketplace -LRB- which as of the April 2nd date I 'm writing this is closed except for people having a change of life status event -RRB- there is definitely a `` buyer beware '' warning I must give . The lowest cost plans you will see will largely be BC/BS plans in the Bronze category and the product designation will often be followed by an `` E '' . The Bronze plans are all high deductible plans , generally $ 4000 to $ 6350 and few , if any have office visit or prescription drug copayment features . This means that in addition to your monthly premium you are paying for virtually all of your health care expenses out-of-pocket until you have met your plan 's deductible . If you 're the lucky type or have a next egg of a few thousand dollars you can always tap into then these plans may be a good fit for your needs . Also , the lowest cost plans with the `` E '' designation use a narrow PPO network which means you have a reduced choice in the doctors and hospitals that are in-network . This arrangement can be especially problematic for persons who live in more rural areas and may find themselves some distance from an in-network hospital for instance . Purchasing health insurance in 2014 and beyond has become more complicated not less . A smart consumer should seek the guidance of an experienced and qualified health insurance agent to guide them to the health insurance plan that best meets their individual needs . Marlin McKelvy Consumer Directed Benefit Solutions www.cdbsagency.com 