Meet Surest: A modern health plan that eliminates deductibles

If you think the health care system is too complicated and due for an overhaul, you may be pleasantly surprised by Surest™ — a health plan designed to help simplify care with upfront pricing.

“This is a common-sense approach created by listening to what people want and then giving it to them,” said Surest CEO Alison Richards. “When people hear the details, they often ask, ‘So, what’s the catch?’ I’m happy to say there isn’t one.”

For starters, your benefits work for you immediately. There’s no deductible to chip away at and no coinsurance to worry about paying weeks after receiving care.

“With most traditional plans, these charges can be financial barriers to care for some members, and they’re often just confusing,” Alison said. “We removed them from the plan to simplify things.”

Eliminating deductible and coinsurance charges has helped clarify coverage for people who use the Surest plan, offered by UnitedHealthcare. For one large employer, 82% of members reported a better understanding of their Surest plan compared to their previous health plan.¹

The Surest plan lists a single, all-in price for hundreds of services. Members can review and consider their options before deciding on care. This upfront pricing also helps avoid billing surprises that, with a traditional health plan, might show up weeks or months after a service or procedure.

Based on data-driven recommendations displayed in the Surest app, members may be able to pay less and receive more effective treatments from quality care providers, as determined by national standardized measures.

“The Surest health plan addresses many of the obstacles that consumers face, including by eliminating complicated math with clear, upfront costs,” Alison said. “The plan enables choice and flexibility that can fit personal needs and lifestyles.”

Members cite ease of use, price clarity and cost savings as some of the top advantages. One analysis of a large employer showed out-of-pocket expenses for Surest plan members were 46% less than a matched comparison group, while the cost for the company declined by up to 15%.² Those savings were driven, in part, by Surest members more frequently selecting high-value treatments, including opting for virtual care appointments and avoiding costlier settings, such as emergency departments.³

“Through the Surest plan, we’ve shown you can simplify things, retain the quality care within it and still lower costs,” said Brandon Cuevas, chief growth officer at UnitedHealthcare. “The Surest plan makes health benefits more transparent and easier to use, helping people to make more informed health care choices — with the aim of lowering the total cost of care.”

With self-funded health plans nationwide, as well as to employers in 19 states with fully insured plans that include 51 or more employees.

For more information, visit Surest.com.