Consumers Can Now Shop Online for Individual Health Insurance Coverage With Mercy Health Plans

ST. LOUIS, June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopping and purchasing health insurance online just got easier. Mercy Health Plans (MHP) is proud to announce the launch of MercyOne Connect(TM), a newly released online quoting and ecommerce application that is designed to connect consumers and brokers with individual health insurance plans. This solution is offered through MHP's website at www.mercyhealthplans.com.

In today's rapidly changing technological world, Mercy Health Plans understands the need to utilize technology to enhance the customer's experience. With that in mind, Mercy Health Plans' online solution provides both a broker solution to assist with insurance business tools as well as a consumer site for those who will be seeking insurance coverage on their own.

The complex nature of health insurance combined with the vast number of insurance benefit options can make it challenging for consumers and small business owners searching for insurance coverage, to find the best plans at the most affordable price. MercyOne Connect(TM) minimizes insurance complexities by clearly presenting health insurance information with the ability to shop, compare and apply for insurance plans online.

With MercyOne Connect(TM), insurance seekers can easily compare multiple insurance plans, benefit designs, monthly premiums and other plan options such as deductibles, maternity and prescription coverage. After a plan is selected, consumers can quickly and securely submit an online application.

"Many consumers purchase health insurance each year. Some of them are entrepreneurs, early retirees or even individuals or family members who are not covered through their jobs," says Kimberly Mernovage, Director of Marketing, Mercy Health Plans. "The consumer experience is very important to us and we will continue to incorporate innovative solutions that add to the service experience with Mercy Health Plans."

MercyOne Connect(TM) includes features such as electronic online applications, side-by-side comparison and search features that enable users to find what they need with detailed product information - all of which are designed to assist prospective members in identifying and selecting the health insurance product that best suits their needs.

About MercyOne(TM), Mercy Health Plans and the Sisters of Mercy Health System

MercyOne(TM), an individual health insurance product from Mercy Health Plans, is designed for families, recent graduates, early retirees, and individuals not covered by employer-provided health benefits.

Mercy Health Plans (MHP), a subsidiary of the Sisters of Mercy Health System, offers customized health benefit solutions, administrative services and insurance coverage to employer groups, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals and families. Headquartered in Chesterfield, MO, MHP also provides a full spectrum of healthcare management services including health and wellness programs and services as well as disease management services to regions in Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.mercyhealthplans.com.

The Sisters of Mercy Health System (Mercy) operates hospitals, physician practices, outpatient clinics, health plans and related health and human services in a seven-state area including Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. Its members include 19 acute care hospitals providing more than 4,000 licensed beds, two heart hospitals, a managed care subsidiary (Mercy Health Plans), physician practices, outpatient care facilities, home health programs, skilled nursing services and long-term care facilities. Services are provided by approximately 31,000 co-workers and 4,600 physicians who are employed or practice at Mercy facilities. Mercy is the ninth largest Catholic healthcare system in the U.S. based on net patient service revenue. It is sponsored by Mercy Health Ministry, an entity established by the Catholic Church to oversee the healing ministry and Catholic identity of Mercy. For more information, visit www.mercy.net.

SOURCE Mercy Health Plans