What is one primary purpose of the underwriting process in health insurance?

The primary purpose of the underwriting process in health insurance is to determine the level of risk associated with an individual. Underwriting involves evaluating applicants based on various factors, including their health history, lifestyle choices, and other relevant information. This assessment helps insurers decide whether to accept the application and, if so, to establish the premium rates that reflect the risk involved. By carefully analyzing the risk, insurers aim to maintain the balance between providing coverage and ensuring that the premiums collected are sufficient to cover potential claims, thus ensuring the sustainability of the insurance product.

The other options focus on different aspects of health insurance. Providing immediate care to patients is the role of healthcare providers, not underwriters. Organizing claims payments is part of the claims administration process and not directly linked to underwriting. Promoting wellness programs relates more to preventive care and health management rather than the risk assessment involved in underwriting. Each of these functions is important in the broader health insurance framework, but they do not define the underwriting process itself.