Anthem vs United Healthcare 10 Points You Must Know
Both United Healthcare and Anthem are America’s two largest non-profit health insurance providers that cater to the insurance needs of individuals, families, and businesses. They provide a wide variety of coverage options.
Anthem and United Healthcare are the two largest non-profit health insurance providers, with United Healthcare established in 1977, making it the largest health insurance provider in the United States, serving 50 million customers in all 50 states. Also, United Healthcare has a history of servicing more than 50 million customers.Consequently, Anthem, established in 2004, is the second largest health insurer and Blue Cross Blue Shield’s largest for-profit company that operates in 14 states and serves 40 million people.
Both offer the same types of plans. They both offer HMOs, PPOs, and even Medicare options. Nonetheless, differences exist in geographic coverage, network sizes, and specific plan offerings. Jab’s Anthem network has 1.7 million providers nationwide, which is greater than United Healthcare’s provider network of 1.5 million providers globally.
Anthem and United Healthcare, being two insurance giants, are compared based on variety of plan availability, network coverage, customer service, and pricing which all immensely impact the decision made regarding best health insurance coverage for individuals and businesses.
Options and types of coverage
Anthem dominates the landscape with the most flexible and competitive PPO plans, while HMOs provide inexpensive premiums with a lower range of managed care.
United Healthcare (UHC) Has a large PPO network system which is useful for people who travel often or work remotely They accept HMO, PPO, POS, and EPO plans.With UHC, you will receive exceptional outpatient provider access across the country.
the individual plans. Employer Sponsored Plans:
Anthem: Has strong offerings in both individual ACA marketplace plans and employer-sponsored group coverage. Anthem individual plans are particularly strong in some states (such as California and New York).
United Healthcare: Provides extensive and diverse individual marketplace options in several states and is the largest provider of employer-sponsored health coverage.
Medicare Advantage vs. The Medication Supplements:
Anthem: Provides extensive vision, dental, and hearing coverage along with lower premiums and broad network regions with their medicare advantage and gap plans.
United Healthcare: Strongly noted for their medicare advantage plans marketed under AARP, which offers supplemental benefits, large provider networks, and high consumer ratings.
Medicaid and the ACA Marketplace.
Anthem: Offers low-income families affordable tailored coverage in multiple states along with gapMedicaid plans, and ACA marketplace plans.
United Healthcare: Focuses on low-income and broad Medicaid access, as well as extensive ACA marketplace options, with a national plan for Medicaid and marketplace options, diverse plans and a focus on low cost.
Pricing and Affordability
Comparison of Monthly Premiums
Anthem: Offers competitive premiums that are often better in the case of HMO and EPO plans in some regions.
United Healthcare: Premiums are somewhat higher because of the broader network and availability of PPO plans.
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Deductibles and copayments:
Anthem: Flexible copayment and deductible options. HMOs have lower deductibles and PPOs have more flexible cost-sharing options.
United Healthcare: Generally provides clear and straightforward cost-sharing. Larger networks of providers come with higher PPO deductibles.
Out of pocket maximums:
Anthem: Offers moderate to low out of pocket maximums that are better in managed care settings to HMO and EPO plans.
United Healthcare: PPOs tend to have higher out of pocket maximums than other plans which is a result of the more flexible network provided.
The clarity of costs:
Anthem: Cost estimation and price comparison is available and is more detailed than other insurers.
United Healthcare: Supplying comparable aids and extensive information aids makes cost and plan comparison easy which aids in plan and cost comparison.
Provider network size and availability.
Coverage area of network providers:
Anthem: Competitive with other issuers in maintaining strong regional and national provider networks especially in the Anthem BCBS states.
United Healthcare: The best provider network at the national level which is an advantage for domestic and global use.
Accessing a Specialist and Referrals:
Anthem: With their HMO plans, you need a referral for specialists. PPO plans allow direct access.
Top 20 FAQs: Anthem vs United Healthcare (2025 Edition)
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Which is better: Anthem or United Healthcare in 2025?
It depends on your location, coverage needs, and budget. United Healthcare generally offers broader national coverage, while Anthem might have better options in specific states. -
What are the main differences between Anthem and United Healthcare?
Anthem often focuses on Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, while United Healthcare offers a wider range of Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and employer-sponsored plans. -
Is United Healthcare more expensive than Anthem?
Prices vary based on your state, age, and plan type. However, United Healthcare tends to have slightly higher premiums due to broader networks and added services. -
Does Anthem have better customer service than United Healthcare?
Customer service reviews are mixed for both. Some states rank Anthem higher, while others prefer United Healthcare. It often depends on regional service quality. -
Which provider has a larger doctor network: Anthem or United Healthcare?
United Healthcare usually has a larger nationwide provider network, but Anthem may have stronger networks in specific regions. -
Are Anthem and United Healthcare accepted by the same doctors?
Not always. While many doctors accept both, it’s important to check each provider’s directory before choosing a plan. -
Which one is better for Medicare Advantage plans: Anthem or United Healthcare?
United Healthcare is generally considered a leader in Medicare Advantage with more plan options and extras, but Anthem may be more affordable in certain areas. -
Does Anthem offer more affordable individual health insurance than United Healthcare?
Anthem often provides lower-cost Bronze and Silver ACA plans in some states, making it more affordable for individuals and families. -
Are prescription drug benefits better with Anthem or United Healthcare?
United Healthcare tends to offer more comprehensive drug coverage and tiered pricing. Anthem’s drug benefits vary by plan and location. -
Which provider is better for mental health coverage?
United Healthcare is known for strong behavioral health support. Anthem covers mental health as well but may require referrals or offer fewer specialists. -
Can I switch from Anthem to United Healthcare easily?
Yes, during open enrollment or a qualifying life event, you can switch between providers if both operate in your area. -
Do both Anthem and United Healthcare offer dental and vision coverage?
Yes, both offer dental and vision either as add-ons or bundled in certain plans, especially Medicare Advantage. -
How do Anthem and United Healthcare compare in terms of member satisfaction?
According to J.D. Power surveys, United Healthcare often scores slightly higher in customer satisfaction, though it depends on the region. -
Is Anthem part of Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Yes, Anthem is one of the largest Blue Cross Blue Shield licensees, operating under that name in multiple states. -
Does United Healthcare offer more wellness programs than Anthem?
United Healthcare usually offers more robust wellness tools and rewards through its Renew Active and other digital health initiatives. -
Which company is more reliable for claims processing?
United Healthcare generally has faster claims processing. Anthem’s speed can vary by state and plan. -
Do Anthem and United Healthcare offer HSA-compatible plans?
Yes, both insurers offer high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) compatible with Health Savings Accounts. -
Are Anthem or United Healthcare better for families with children?
Anthem may offer better pediatric coverage in some ACA plans, but United Healthcare often has more extensive family wellness benefits. -
What mobile app features do Anthem and United Healthcare offer?
Both have strong mobile apps. UHC’s app offers real-time claims tracking, provider search, and telehealth access. Anthem’s app offers similar features with slight differences in design and usability. -
Which company has better telehealth services: Anthem or United Healthcare?
United Healthcare partners with Teladoc and offers 24/7 access to virtual care. Anthem also offers telehealth, but availability and access may vary by state.