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UnitedHealthcare's Golden Rule Introduces New Lower Cost Health, Dental And Vision Care Plans for Individuals and Families in Louisiana

Budget-conscious choices for consumers without coverage through work

Indianapolis, IN (June 30, 2009) -  Individuals and families in Louisiana who don't have health insurance through their work will find new choices in lower cost health plans, dental plans and vision plans available to them this week offered by UnitedHealthcare's Golden Rule Insurance Company.

Golden Rule has been a leading provider of health insurance for individuals and families for more than 60 years and became a UnitedHealthcare company in 2003. UnitedHealthcare's personal health plans are offered in 40 states and the District of Columbia and marketed under the UnitedHealthOne brand.

"We believe that consumers in Louisiana, particularly those struggling in today's economy, will be pleased with the choice of budget-conscious, quality health plans, dental and vision coverage we offer as well as our commitment to outstanding customer service and prompt payment of claims," Golden Rule CEO Richard A. Collins said.

Wide range of plan choices including temporary health insurance

The new product portfolio for individuals and families includes co-pay plans, lower-cost high deductible plans and health savings account plans which can help consumers save on both their premiums and their taxes."Saver" options on many of the health plans can provide protection from the more costly medical expenses that can be the tipping point in family budgets, such as in-patient hospital stays, outpatient surgeries and CAT scans. Premium costs are lowered by limiting the amount of coverage for more routine expenses, like doctor visits.

Short Term Medical^SM is also available from Golden Rule as a more affordable option for workers between jobs who find COBRA too costly or who aren't eligible for COBRA, new graduates or students dropping off their parents' plans, retirees awaiting Medicare eligibility and others whose lives are in time of transition. Consumers can apply for one to six months of coverage and reapply for another one to six months with the flexibility to drop the plan at any time without penalty. Deductibles range from $250 to $2,500.

Network discounts on health care can translate into additional savings for Golden Rule customers who will have access to UnitedHealthcare's extensive network of approximately 590,000 physicians and care professionals and more than 4,900 hospitals nationwide.

Dental and vision coverage an important part of overall health

In addition to health insurance, Golden Rule introduced dental plans that include optional vision coverage. The dental plans are available to consumers of all ages - including Medicare recipients and children - and do not require applicants to have any other insurance plans through UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule or its affiliates. Dental and vision coverage can also be purchased as optional benefits to Golden Rule's renewable health plans.

Golden Rule's dental coverage features 100 percent coverage for preventive care with no deductible and no waiting period, as well as savings through UnitedHealthcare's extensive network of 73,000 dentists. Benefits of the new vision coverage include comprehensive eye examinations, prescription glasses and contacts. To help consumers keep their costs lower, discounts are offered through UnitedHealthcare's vision network of more than 24,000 private practice and retail chain providers.

For more information about Golden Rule's new health insurance, dental or vision plans in Louisiana, consumers can call 1-800-974-4472, visit www.goldenrule.com or contact a local independent insurance broker who offers Golden Rule plans