Affordable California Health Insurance For Individuals and Families
It can be tough to find affordable California health insurance today.
The number of uninsured California residents is large, over 6 million, and it is growing because of recent economic problems.
Many employers have been downsizing, and former employees have lost coverage.
In addition, other employers are scaling back or eliminating health benefits in order to save money.
California Medical Plans for Individuals Some former employees may qualify for COBRA extensions.
But not all of them qualify, and many of those who do qualify cannot afford the premiums.
Understand that COBRA is not health insurance, but is a federal law that forces some companies to extend group benefits to terminated employees for several months.
This coverage is not free, and it is not even cheap though.
In fact, many ex-employees are shocked at the bill.
Most companies contribute quite a large percentage of the premium, but now the ex-employer must pay the whole amount.
This can be an incredible burden for people who have just lost a job.
An online health insurance quote form can be an easy way to do this.
You can get online information, and usually be directed to active and qualified health insurance agents in your area.
A good agent should be able to advise clients about local options even if those clients cannot qualify for or afford private coverage.
Most agents thrive because clients refer them to other clients.
Even if they cannot "sell" you a policy, they are usually willing to provide information so they can get positive reviews when you have the opportunity to refer a friend.
The number of uninsured California residents is large, over 6 million, and it is growing because of recent economic problems.
Many employers have been downsizing, and former employees have lost coverage.
In addition, other employers are scaling back or eliminating health benefits in order to save money.
California Medical Plans for Individuals Some former employees may qualify for COBRA extensions.
But not all of them qualify, and many of those who do qualify cannot afford the premiums.
Understand that COBRA is not health insurance, but is a federal law that forces some companies to extend group benefits to terminated employees for several months.
This coverage is not free, and it is not even cheap though.
In fact, many ex-employees are shocked at the bill.
Most companies contribute quite a large percentage of the premium, but now the ex-employer must pay the whole amount.
This can be an incredible burden for people who have just lost a job.
- Private Insurance Companies - California has a large and active private major medical market.
Applicants can choose to purchase an individual or family policy.
However, California companies are allowed to underwrite every individual applicant.
This means that people can be declined or rated up.
In some cases, an insurer may extend coverage, but exclude certain pre-existing conditions for several months.
Prior coverage may, by law, mitigate this.
Private health insurance is actually quite popular in California, and 8% of residents own their own insurance policies.
For a fairly health family, a private plan may be the lowest cost option. - MediCal and Health Families - These are California public options for low income people and families in California.
The income limits for adults are quite severe.
The Children's health insurance program, which also covers pregnant women, has higher income limits and can be a good option for lower to middle income families.
Many private insurers refuse to cover pregnant women, so this can be a good way to cover maternity. - California High Risk Health Pool - Every US state has some program for uninsurables.
Some states mandate guaranteed acceptance plans, but California uses a risk pool.
California's rules are quite strict, but premiums are mandated to be no more than 125% of standard rates. - California Primary Care Association - This group runs sliding scale primary care clinics that are open to the community.
You can contact them to find care in your area.
An online health insurance quote form can be an easy way to do this.
You can get online information, and usually be directed to active and qualified health insurance agents in your area.
A good agent should be able to advise clients about local options even if those clients cannot qualify for or afford private coverage.
Most agents thrive because clients refer them to other clients.
Even if they cannot "sell" you a policy, they are usually willing to provide information so they can get positive reviews when you have the opportunity to refer a friend.
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