Top FAQs on Health Insurance

How Do I Pick a Health Plan?:

The best way to pick a health insurance plan that is best for you is by asking questions. First ask yourself some important questions, and then ask questions to the providers you are interested in. Questions to ask yourself include:

• What kind of monthly premium can I comfortably afford?
• What kind of deductible can I reasonably come up with in a short period of time if necessary?
• Am I reasonably healthy, or can I expect to need the regular care of a physician?
• How important are other possible needs like short-term disability, vision, or dental insurance to my needs?

Once you know the answers to questions like these, you can find and compare the plans that seem to best suit your needs. From there, you will want to ask your broker or insurance provider other qualifying questions such as the ones that make up the rest of this list.

If I Lose my Job, Can I Keep my Health Insurance?

If your plan is an individual or personal one you certainly can, as long as you are able to keep up the premium payments while unemployed. If you are under a group plan for your insurance, under most cases your employer is required by law to send you information on COBRA - (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) - a plan that allows you to continue your current medical coverage as long as you keep up your premium payments as well as any payments that your employer had been making on your behalf.

How Can I Lower my Health Insurance Costs?

Insurance companies set the price of their policies usually on a state-by-state basis and cannot vary based on your health status, age, gender or other factors unless you are purchasing specific plans that allow for that. There are some plans available, however that can help save you money such as plans that only cover catastrophic needs, or you can reduce your premium by increasing your deductible, if you feel financially capable of paying more out of pocket before your insurance steps in to help with costs.

Will my Insurance Cover Me Outside of California?

Under most circumstances, yes it will. Be sure to check with your insurance provider for specifics and limitations, as they may only offer coverage in the case of emergency care, or if doctor visits are covered, you may be required to conform to certain network specifications.

Can my Credit Score Affect my Health Insurance Rate?

No, it cannot.

What is HIPPA and What Does It Do?

HIPPA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and it establishes standards across the nation for the portability of insurance and security standards for maintaining health care information. HIPPA sets standards for what private health information of yours can be released and under what circumstances, sets limits on how much can be charged for pre-existing condition plans, and helps add conformity to eligibility rules.

What is the 'Birthday Rule?'

The 'Birthday Rule' is a way of establishing between two insurance providers who will provide coverage in case of dual responsibility, usually in the case of a child being covered by two separate plans from their parents. For example, if Dad works and Mom works and both have their child included on the plan and their child visits the doctor, which insurance plan pays? Under most circumstances, the Birthday Rule kicks in here and says that the parent whose birthday comes first in a calendar year (not actual year...age doesn't matter) will have their insurance designated as the primary insurance and the other parent as the secondary.

Can I get Chiropractic Insurance?

You certainly can! You may have to look a little harder to find an insurance provider that covers chiropractic needs but they are certainly available.

Does My Employer Have to Offer Medical Insurance to My Partner if I am Gay?

California state law requires that employers who offer medical benefits to the spouses of heterosexual couples must also offer those benefits to the partners of gay and lesbian employees as well. Certain restrictions may apply, check with your company's plan for specifics.

If you are in California and are looking for health insurance, California Health Insurance is your answer.