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California Health Insurance

California is a rather large state with a large number of uninsured residents. More than 6 million people don’t have affordable health insurance in California. Many people forego health insurance in California due to the cost or because they have not considered the financial risk of going uncovered. Others go uninsured because they have existing health conditions that can make finding coverage difficult and more costly. Whatever your individual situation, there’s a good chance you can find California health insurance providers that will meet your needs at a price you can afford. Here is some additional information on health coverage in California.

California Individual Health Insurance

If you’re seeking coverage only for yourself, your best option will likely be to try and join group health plan, such as the one often offered through an employee benefits package, or through membership in an organization such as a church or a professional organization. You may be able to buy individual coverage directly from a California-licensed health carrier. Individual policies can be expensive, and carriers will evaluate an applicant’s health risk factors before making a decision to issue coverage. That means that if you have a serious medical condition, or are predisposed toward a certain condition, a carrier may decline to issue coverage.

California Group Health Insurance

California group health insurance is sold to businesses and organizations in the state for them to provide coverage to their employees and members. Finding a health plan in California that meets the needs of both employees and company owners can be challenging. However, it is beneficial because group and business health insurance plans are inexpensive compared to individual or family coverage. Also, if you have to take leave from your job due to illness, the birth or adoption of a child, or to care for a seriously ill family member, you may be able to keep your group health coverage for a limited time.

California Family Health Insurance

Affordable family health insurance usually costs less than having a separate health insurance policy for each person. Also, a family health insurance plan usually has a higher coverage cap or lower combined deductible than an individual one. It is very important that you balance the cost of coverage with the medical care your family needs. You may want to take less risk with your family health insurance than you would with your own. A comprehensive family health insurance plan that covers prescriptions and regular doctor visits may end up being more affordable in the long run, especially if you have a large family.

California Short Term Health Insurance

Temporary circumstances don’t need to leave you or your family uninsured. With California short term health insurance, you will be protected if a medical emergency strikes. Cheap short term health insurance is similar to standard health insurance, except that temporary health insurance can last anywhere from thirty days to one year. A short term health insurance plan may be for you if there is a short gap in your insurance. For example, if you lost your job and have begun searching for new employment with health insurance benefits, affordable temporary health insurance can help bridge the gap.

California Student Health Insurance

Many college students risk going without health coverage because they believe they’re young, in good health, and relatively safe from illness. But having access to health care when you need it is important at any age, and some colleges may require you to have health coverage as a condition of enrollment.

The following steps can help you shop for coverage and meet your health care needs:

  • Most health plans will allow dependent children to continue coverage until they reach age 25, and sometimes longer. Dependent coverage is typically more affordable than participating in a plan as a primary member. However, if you are a college student away from home, it is important to be aware of any special rules or limitations that may apply, especially if your coverage is through a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans typically also require you to receive routine health services from doctors and providers within a plan’s network, unless you’re willing to pay extra. The providers within a PPO network may also only be located within a specific area. This means you may be required to travel home to receive services at the plan’s in-network rate.
  • If you’re employed, your first step should be to determine whether your employer offers an employee group health plan, and if so, find out the details. Group health coverage through an employer is typically the easiest to qualify for and is often the most affordable option. In addition, many employers contribute toward some, or even all, of plan premiums.
  • Many colleges and university offer low-cost student health plans. Some schools require that you carry some type of comprehensive health care coverage as a condition of enrollment, or may require it as a condition of any study abroad program.VitalOne understands that students need guidance and support during their school tenure. We will assist in selecting the most affordable and reliable coverage available to students in California.