The consequences of dealing with a financially strapped HMO or health insurance company often go far beyond the potential loss of premium dollars: reduced coverage, less access to specialists, and poor customer service can result.

Likewise, physician groups and hospitals can expect to experience delinquent payments from a troubled HMO or health insurer, sometimes giving way to an outright default on their payments. Every employee who becomes dissatisfied with the quality of his or her health care magnifies the headaches for employers, especially employee benefits managers.

That's why it is critically important to periodically monitor the financial condition of each HMO and health insurer with whom you have a relationship. To that end, the TheStreet.com Ratings product line is designed to help you in your evaluation.

TheStreet.com Ratings tracks the financial safety of over 1,700 U.S. health insurance companies, including over 700 HMOs and all Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. We issue the TheStreet.com Ratings based on our analysts' review of publicly available information supplemented by data we collect directly from the companies themselves.

TheStreet.com Ratings have been proven to be the most accurate available from any of the major rating agencies. In fact, the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) validated TheStreet.com Ratings' (formerly Weiss Ratings') superior accuracy in its Insurance Ratings study. So, whether you are an HMO member, an employer, or a health care professional, the TheStreet.com Ratings can help you. For more peace of mind, be sure to consult our free list of the strongest and weakest insurance companies in the nation.

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How financially sound is your HMO or insurance company? Find out today.