Health Net is a private insurance company offering Medicare Advantage plans in California, Oregon, and Washington that include extra services not available through Original Medicare. With over 40 years of experience, Health Net serves over 3 million members.
Health Net sells Medicare Advantage plans that serve as an alternative to original Medicare. In 2021, Health Net joined the Wellcare company, and Health Net Medicare Advantage plans are now offered in some counties in California, Oregon, and Washington as Wellcare by Health Net.
Medicare Advantage plans are often region-specific, and those from Health Net are no exception. The company offers plans in three states.
By choosing these plans (some of which are premium-free), you may be able to get services that original Medicare doesn’t offer, such as vision, hearing, and dental coverage.
Read on to find out more about the available Medicare Advantage plans sold through Health Net.
Medicare Advantage plans can either be Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) or Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO). In addition, some companies also offer special Needs Plans (SNPs).
Currently, Health Net offers Medicare Advantage plans in these states:
- California (specifically the counties containing Los Angeles and San Diego)
- Oregon
- Washington
Health Net offers the following Medicare Advantage plans in California:
- Wellcare Premium Ultra (HMO) H0562-009 (ME0)
- Wellcare Simple Focus (HMO) H0562-012 (ME1)
- Wellcare Premium Ultra (HMO) H0562-039 (ME2)
- Wellcare Simple Ruby (HMO) H0562-079 (ME3)
- Wellcare Simple Focus (HMO) H0562-097 (ME5)
- Wellcare Simple Focus (HMO) H0562-125 (ME6)
- Wellcare Simple Focus (HMO) H0562-126 (ME7)
- Wellcare Low Premium (HMO) H0562-133 (MEF)
- Wellcare Low Premium (HMO) H0562-136 (MEG)
- Wellcare Low Premium (HMO) H0562-137 (MEH)
- Wellcare Specialty Simple (HMO C-SNP) H0562-092 (ME4)
- Wellcare Dual Liberty (HMO D-SNP) H3561-001 (ME8)
- Wellcare CalViva Health Dual Align (HMO D-SNP) H3561-007 (ME9)
- Wellcare Dual Align (HMO D-SNP) H3561-008 (MEB)
- Wellcare Dual Liberty (HMO D-SNP) H3561-009 (MEC)
The following plans are available in Oregon and Washington:
- Wellcare Simple Value (HMO-POS) H6815-038
- Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS) H6815-039
- Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS) H6815-039
- Wellcare Patriot Giveback Open (PPO) H5439-010
- Wellcare Premium Ultra Open (PPO) H5439-011
- Wellcare Giveback Open (PPO) H5439-015
- Wellcare Simple Open (PPO) H5439-017
- Wellcare Low Premium Open (PPO) H5439-019
Some plans may only be available in certain zip codes. Information about each plan’s specific benefits is available online for California, as well as for Oregon and Washington. You can also search by ZIP code on Medicare.gov to find out if Health Net offers these plans where you live.
Generally, Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same coverage as Original Medicare. This means the plans have to cover hospitalization and medical care.
That said, some plans may offer additional benefits. Examples of these services may include:
- fitness memberships to participating fitness facilities
- hearing aids
- in-home fitness programs
- preventive and comprehensive dental services
- routine eye exams and eyewear
These benefits may vary based on the plan you select.
Learn more: What Do Medicare Advantage plans cover?
The following are some examples of Medicare Advantage plans available through Health Net.
| City | Plans | Monthly premium | Annual deductible | In-network out-of-pocket max | Primary care visit copay | Specialist visit copay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | Wellcare Simple Focus (HMO) | $0 (with drug coverage) | $420 drug deductible | $1,000 In-network | $0 | $0 |
| San Diego, CA | Wellcare Low Premium (HMO) | $20 (with drug coverage) | $220 drug deductible | $4,150 In-network | $0 | $0 |
| Salem, OR | Wellcare Simple Open (PPO) | $0 (with drug coverage) | $420 drug deductible | $3,450 In and Out-of-network $3,450 In-network | $0 | $30 |
| Vancouver, WA | Wellcare Low Premium Open (PPO) | $38 (with drug coverage) | $225 annual deductible $420.00 drug deductible | $10,000 In and Out-of-network $6,800 In-network | $0 | $30 |
Is Health Net the same as UnitedHealthcare?
No. In 2021, it joined WellCare Company. That said, in 2009, United Healthcare acquired Health Net’s Northeast licensed subsidiaries.
What are the pitfalls of a Medicare Advantage plan?
While Medicare Advantage plans have many benefits, they also have some drawbacks compared to Original Medicare. These can include limited provider options, prior authorization requirements, frequent denials of service, complex plan offerings, additional coverage costs, and state-specific availability.
Who is the largest Medicare Advantage provider?
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), in 2023, UnitedHealth Group had the largest market share of the Medicare Advantage market with
Health Net is an insurance company that offers Medicare Advantage plans in certain counties in California as well as regions in Washington and Oregon. Plans offered include:
- PPOs
- HMOs
- SNPs
For more information and to see available Health Net plans in your area, visit the find a Medicare plan tool.