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Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance

Kaiser Permanente is a health insurer that provides two major options to individuals, families and groups in eight regions across the U.S. The signature plan is administered through a health maintenance organization (HMO), which Kaiser helped develop as a model for health care delivery. Kaiser's Added Choice is a point-of-service plan offering three tiers of benefits, including an HMO and choice of preferred provider organization (PPO).

  1. About Kaiser Permanente

    • Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente is a nonprofit health care organization that, as of 2011, serves more than eight million members in eight regional markets. The plan originated in California, and the northern and southern regions of that state still represent Kaiser's largest population of both members and service providers. Besides California, Kaiser Permanente health insurance is available in Colorado, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Ohio and Virginia.

    Types of Health Plans

    • Kaiser Permanente health insurance offers several different types of individual and group health plans. The signature Kaiser plan is the health maintenance organization (HMO), which Kaiser helped develop as a model. Those insured with Kaiser must receive care from Kaiser Permanente medical staff at a Kaiser-affiliated medical office or hospital. Kaiser's Added Choice is a point-of-service plan offering three tiers of benefits, including an HMO and choice of preferred provider organization (PPO). With this plan, you select the tier each time you access services; each tier offers different coverage and payment levels. Kaiser also offers an out-of-area PPO and plans for Medicare members.

    How to Apply

    • If you live in an area where Kaiser offers individual and family coverage, you can obtain a quote and apply for a health plan directly on Kaiser's website. You can apply by telephone, or through an agent licensed to sell Kaiser Permanente plans. Employers seeking group coverage can visit Kaiser's Business Net website.

    Kaiser's Delivery Model

    • Most Kaiser Permanente health plans require selection of a primary-care physician who coordinates and directs most of your care. These physicians work out of more than 450 Kaiser medical centers or medical offices: a group practice in one location with many providers. Many PCP and specialist physicians practice together in these medical centers. Kaiser also contracts with hospitals and networks to provide health care services. More than 15,000 physicians nationwide work with Kaiser medical offices, hospitals or affiliated networks.

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