Vimo Launches Interactive Atlas to Track the Availability of

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Vimo.com, the Internet's leading comparison-shopping site for healthcare, unveiled an online, interactive atlas that details the availability of affordable health insurance in all 50 states. The Atlas focuses exclusively on the market for high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that qualify holders for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

Using data compiled from 71 insurance companies that, on a combined basis, offer 3,987 individual affordable health insurance plans, the nationwide Atlas allows viewers to interactively navigate around the country to see currently available prices, premiums and HDHP product features. For the purposes of consistency, prices for the plans were compared using a hypothetical, 36-year-old, male applicant.

The Atlas reveals that state regulation may be a significant determinant in premium prices from state to state. There are noticeably higher premiums in states that are regulated by "guaranteed issue," requiring health insurance companies to accept applicants regardless of their health status. Vimo calculates that for states without guaranteed issue, the average annual health insurance premium in 2006 was $2,558. In contrast, for states with guaranteed issue mandates, the average annual premium was $3,404.

"Our intent with the Atlas is to provide individuals and industry participants with a window onto the world of HSA-compatible high deductible health plans," said Tom Cochrane, Vice President of Partner Relations at Vimo. "Health insurance is a complex, highly regulated business. Our hope is that the Atlas, which will be updated on a regular basis, will serve as an educational resource that simplifies health insurance purchase decisions."

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