Information On Individual Health Insurance Plans in California
In today's economic environment the continually rising cost of basic medical care and the subsequent pressure on health insurance premiums makes health insurance a high priority if you're looking to have your health expenses covered at a reasonable cost. The health insurance system today is quite complex and consistantly changing. The information we have compiled for you on this site, based on our 160 years of combined experience, should help!
What are my individual health insurance plan choices if I live in California?
There are basically only two types of health insurance plans: indemnity plans (commonly known as fee-for services) or managed care plans (commonly known as HMO's). The major differences revolve around provider choices, how much you spend out of your pocket on services and how your medical bills are actually paid. There is no one "best" plan for every situation. The best plan for you will depend on your and your family's health care needs. Fill out our quotes form for your free quotes today!
Here is a brief description of the types of available health insurance plans: Indemnity Plans; Managed Care Options; and Government-sponsored Health Insurance.
Indemnity Individual Health Insurance Plans in California
Individual Indemnity Health Insurance Plans allow you to choose your own health care providers. You can seek services from any doctor, hospital or other health care provider for a set monthly premium. The indemnity health care plan reimburses you, or your health care provider directly, on the basis of the services that the health care provider rendered. Usually you are required to meet a deductible and pay a percentage of each bill. Most often there is an annual limit on out-of-pocket expenses, so once an individual or family reaches the out-of-pocket limit, the insurance covers the remaining eligible medical expenses in full. Usually indemnity plans will impose some type of restrictions on certain covered services and require pre-authorization for hospital care or other expensive services, so be sure to check your policy thoroughly for any contractual exclusions.
"Basic and Essential" Individual Health Plans provide limited health insurance benefits at a considerably lower cost. When considering a basic and essential plan, be sure to read the entire policy description very carefully because these plans will not cover treatments such as chemotherapy, certain prescriptions and most maternity care. Also rates vary considerably because, unlike indemnity plans or a managed care options, premiums are community rated and based on age, gender, health status, occupation and geographic location. Please ask us about your area in California to see if these plans might be right for you and your family.
Health Savings Accounts (also known as HSA's) are a relatively recent alternative to traditional health insurance plans. HSA's are basically a savings account that are specifically designed to offer individuals a different way to pay for their health care. HSA's make it possible for you to pay for your current health expenses, and to save for future qualified medical and most retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis. As opposed to paying a higher premium, instead you establish a tax-free savings account that is desgined to cover your out-of-pocket medical expenses. This way you own and control the money in your Health Savings Account. You get to make every decision about how to spend your money without having to rely on a third party or a health insurer. You may also have the option to decide what types of investments to make with the money in the account in order to make it grow. However, if you sign up for an HSA, you are required to buy a High Deductible Health Plan as well, which means that your actual insurance plan does not start paying benefits until your deductible has been met.
Here is a list for preferred banks for your HSA account:
This list will provide you with options for your HSA banking. There are other institutions that offer HSA banking which would provide additional choices. We do not recommend these banks but we utilize them with our current clients.
High-Deductible Health Plans (also known as HDHP's) are also referred to as catastrophic health insurance coverage. An HDHP is a very inexpensive health insurance plan that kicks in only after a high deductible is met for 2009 of at least $1,150 for an individual or $2,300 for a family.
Individual health insurance plans in California assistance
Let a professional organization guide you through the complexity of choosing the right individual health insurance plan for your needs. Remember, prices for individual health insurance plans in California are fixed by law, so the only difference you get between any insurance company is the service they provide you. Let us show you why our clients are so satisfied! Our service is second to none in Northern California and we would love to show you how shopping for individual health insurance plans in California does not need to be a hassle or a headache. Just fill out our simple form here to get started.
Preferred Provider Organization Individual Health Insurance Plans in California
Preferred Provider Organizations (also known as PPO's) charge on a fee-for-service basis. The participating physicians, hospitals and other health care providers are paid by the insurer on a negotiated fee schedule. Your out of pocket costs are lower if you use paticipating healthcare services, but you always have the option of seeking services from an out-of-network healthcare provider if you so choose. If you choose an out-of-network provider, you will be required to pay the difference between what the provider charges and what the plan pays (per the negotiated fee schedule).
Managed Care Options for Individual Health Insurance in California
Health Maintenance Organizations (also known as HMO's) offer an extensive network of participating doctors, hospitals and health care professionals. You must choose a primary care physician (PCP) from a list provided by the HMO and this doctor will be responsible to coordinate your health care. You must always have your primary care doctor refer you to a specialist if necessary. Most often with an HMO you will pay less out-of-pocket expense, but you are charged a co-payment for services such as doctor visits or prescriptions.
Point-of-Service (also known as POS) plans are an indemnity-type option in which the primary care physicians usually make referrals to other providers within the plan. If your primary care physician makes a referral to an out-of-plan doctor, then the plan will pay all or most of the bill. However, if you self refer to an out-of-plan doctor, while the service itself may be covered by the plan, you will have to pay co-insurance.
Agents help you to choose the right individual health insurance plans in California
Don't think that you have to go it alone. Agents are here to help you decide on the best individual health insurance plans in California for you and your family. With all the different plans that are available let Bohannon Insurance Group be your guide through what the different plans offer and how you can get the most out of them for you and your family's benefit. We know that getting an individual health insurance plans in California is important to you and we want you to know that we will do everything we can to ensure that you are comfortable with your choice.
Choosing the right agent for individual health insurance plans in California
We know it's a considered decision. You want to make sure you're choosing the right agent to administer your individual health insurance plans in California and all of us at Bohannon Insurance Group are here to help you with that decision. Since all agents for individual health insurance plans in California are required by law to charge the same really the only thing you're shopping for is convenience and service. You ask yourself "Are these guys going to be around when I need them?" Well we can tell you that after over 40 years in business we're going to be here for you. We're your local agent that cares about you and wants to make sure you're getting the best possible plan for you and your family. When it comes to choosing the right individual health insurance plans in California you can count on Bohannon Insurance Group!
Individual Health Insurance Plans In California All Cost The Same
Did you know that regardless of where you buy your individual health insurance plans in California the premium will be the same? That is because in California individual health insurance premiums are fixed by law. So when it comes down to your choice for an agent to service your individual health insurance plans in California really the only thing that will differentiate one company from another is their ability to service you appropriately. Bohannon Insurance Agency has been in business for over 40 years because we know how important customer service is! Let us show you the difference that we bring to the table! We have all the selection of other carriers of individual health insurance plans in California, but no one can beat our service!
Things you should know about individual health insurance plans in California
There are dozens of different carriers you can use for individual health insurance plans in California but as we told you above, what it really comes down to is who you feel comfortable with, as all individual health insurance plans in California cost the same by California law. No agent should be telling you that they can get you a better price for individual health insurance plans in California because the truth is, they can't. So what's the difference you ask? Well the only real difference is how comfortable you feel with your carrier and how you feel that your agent treats you. If you're getting good service and like the plan that you have, then you're good to go. If your agent doesn't treat you well, or you're dissatisfied with your individual health insurance plans in California, then feel comfortable switching, because you won't be paying any extra!
The right choice for individual health insurance plans in California
The Bohannon Insurance Group has been helping people in California with their individual insurance needs for the past 40 years. We have the experience and dedication to ensure that you get the best service and get the best plan for your needs. We know that there are many individual health insurance plans in California and it's our business to make sure that you get the right one for your situation and your family. The last thing we want to do is have you walk away with the wrong protection. Let us help you choose the right individual health insurance plans in California so that you can have peace of mind that you are protected from a catastrphic loss due to a medical crisis. Let the Bohannon Insurance Group show you the difference that exellent service makes when shopping for individual insurance plans in California.
Free quotes for individual health insurance plans in California
As a free service to you we will get you free quotes for individual health insurance plans in California and the process only takes about 10 minutes. Go to our quotes page and fill out the brief form and in just a few minutes you'll get an email with a list of quotes from all the major carriers. We'll include quotes for PPO and HMO plans so that you can compare them side by side and really understand what your choices are and how they'll affect your budget. We know in today's tough economic times it's more important than ever to be able to view a variety of choices so that you can make an informed decision. Especially now when things are so tight you need to be sure that a catastropic accident or illness doesn't end up dramatically effecting you and your family. Protect yourself and protect your familys future by getting a free quote for individual health insurance in California today.
What are my best choices for individual health insurance plans in California?
As always, health insurance must be a carefully thought out decision. After all, there really is nothing more important than your health is there? In order to answer this question you have to look at a few things and then decide which your best option may be. Are you more cost sensitive right now? Which is more important to you right now? Catastrophic coverage or routine coverage? You need to look at all your options and then decide which option suits you the best at this point of time. Remember, purchasing an insurance policy is not like purchasing a house, you don't necessarily have to live with your decision for a particular length of time, although often you do get used to having a particular type of coverage and then switching your coverage type becomes a little more onerous. Here at Bohannon Insurance Agency we're here to help you make the best decision for your individual health insurance plans in California. Call us today and talk to us about your wants, needs and dreams and let's work together to get you the best insurance coverage possible.
Weighing your options for individual health insurance plans in California
So know that you know a little bit about the different options for individual health insurance plans in California it's time to weigh your options and see what type of plan best suits you and your family. There are a couple of ways to look at this that might help. If you are really price sensitive, then you may want to look at an HMO. Traditionally they are less expensive when it comes to out of pocket expenese, but you are also restricted to care that is managed by your PCP (Primary Care Physician). There are many people on HMO's that love their plan due to their good relationship with their PCP's, so don't discard this option too quickly no matter what. If, however, the most important thing to you is being able to have control of your healthcare, then a PPO is definitely for you. This way you don't need a referral to see a doctor and can go to any participating physician and have the same level of coverage. Both plans may require pre-authorization for certain services however, so be sure to read your benefits booklet thoroughly.
Are there any specialty individual health insurance policies for people living in California?
Yes, there are certain types of policies that can be issued to meet unique situations. Talk to your insurance agent before purchasing any of these products to ensure they meet your needs and to ensure the costs are within your budget as some of these options are rather expensive. Here are some of these options.
California COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)
A COBRA plan allows you and your dependents to continue in your employer's group health plan after you retire, quit, are fired or laid off, or if you are working reduced hours. You may choose to continue in your employer's group health plan for a limited time and pay the full premium, which includes the share your employer paid on your behalf (if any). Coverage is available for up to 18 months, or 36 months for dependents in certain circumstances. If you opt for COBRA benefits, you must also fill out the appropriate forms, provided by your former employer's benefits department, within 60 days of leaving your job or you may be denied coverage.
Since you are responsible to pay the full premium, COBRA coverage can be expensive, but it may be worth it especially if you have a pre-existing condition that would make it difficult to get individual health care coverage.
Critical Illness Individual Insurance Policies in California
A CIIIP plan either pays out a lump sum or provides income in the event you are diagnosed with certain specified conditions such as cancer, a heart attack, renal failure or Alzheimer's disease. Once known as "cancer insurance", this is an indemnity type policy that pays out a predetermined sum even if you subsequently make a full recovery. Most often this type of policy comes with some significant restrictions, some of which can be:
- a waiting period after diagnosis to receive payment
- specific criteria to meet to receive payment
- riders that must be purchased
- limitations on pre-existing conditions
Your Choices For Individual Health Insurance Plans in California
There are many plan options for people looking for individual health insurance plans in California. As stated above you can choose to go with one of 3 types. A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) which gives you greater control of your medical choices, but may cost a little more in premiums. An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) which is a lower cost option, but in which you must choose a PCP (Primary Care Physician) who you must get referrals through. Or an HSA (Health Savings Account) which offers a lower premium, but a high deductible with which you pay out of a savings account that you put pre-tax dollars into. There are benefits to each and depending on your circumstances one may be the best fit for you. If you need some help in choosing the right individual health insurance plan in California give us a call and we'll be glad to help!
The best individual health insurance plans in California
If you're looking for the best individual health insurance plans in CA you've found the right site to find them on. Bohannon Insurance Group has all the best plans available and the best service around! There are many agencies offering individual health insurance plans in California but did you know that prices are fixed by law? So the only difference you can expect from one agency to the other is service and this is where Bohannon Insurance Agency excels! We have consistently been told that when it comes to individual health insurance plans in CA we have the very best service around. Give us a call at 877-529-4530 and see the difference for youself! We look forward to serving your needs for individual health insurance plans in CA.
