There's a new option for residents of Cook County. Harken Health is being marketed as a new kind of healthcare company. The company is an independently operated subsidiary of UnitedHealthcare, and started with an idea and a conversation about how to make healthcare simpler and a better experience for consumers.
The company claims they offer three points of differentiation: 1) Culture - offering a culture of empathy and caring, 2) integrated care model - their centers offer unlimited/no cost primary care to members with access to a Dr. 24/7 via, health coaches and behavioral specialists, and 3) Administrative simplicity - easy to understand insurance plans with no coinsurance; just a deductible, the 100% coverage.
From the look of the clinic down to the Welcome packet with 'membership cards' for everyone (mom, dad and kids), this doesn't look like your average health insurance. There are no co-pays for Dr.'s visits at the center, and you can walk in or schedule an appointment. Also there is access to a Dr. in person, by phone, or by video chat. They offer fitness classes at no charge, and a personal health coach. Outside of the centers, members can access UnitedHealthcare's very large network that includes Northwestern and Lurie Children's hospital here and offers a nationwide network as well.
Currently the company is opening health centers in Atlanta and Chicago, focusing on areas with the highest percentage of subsidized plans. As membership grows, they may build more health centers, but right now you need to live in a cook county zip code to buy the plan in IL. CB Health Insurance is licensed to sell the plans and will be happy to quote anyone who lives in this area. Just call us! 630-279-1739 Remember, open enrollment does not begin until November 1st, 2015. Individuals have until Jan 31, 2016 to find a plan they will keep for the 2016 calendar year.