Shopping for Health Insurance in California
Deciding which health insurance plan to purchase is not a universal decision,
but rather a highly personal one involving considerations such as benefits and
budgetary constraints.
Shopping for health insurance is a challenging process for any consumer. Since
California is made up of so many diverse individuals with many different ways
of life, it is important for all Californians to know what factors to consider
when shopping for the health insurance that is right for their situation.
Whether you are a young person with a new job who has not been working long
enough to qualify for benefits, a family man with several children whose employer
does not offer insurance, a college student who is no longer eligible for coverage
under their parents’ plan or a senior whose Medicare benefits are inadequate,
or a self-employed individual, making sure you get the right coverage at the
right price is very important. However, there is so much to consider it can
be intimidating.
Before you begin looking for insurance, have a plan in place. Decide what type
of coverage you need by asking yourself questions like:
• How often do both myself and my dependents need health services?
• Do I or a family member have a pre-diagnosed condition that might preclude
qualifying for some insurance plans?
• Am I or a family member planning on becoming pregnant during the time
this plan will be in affect? (Many individual plans do not cover prenatal or
preventive care.)
• How much can I afford to pay out-of-pocket for deductibles or services
that are not covered?
Once you have thoroughly considered these issues, move on to your budget and
decide how much you can realistically afford to pay for coverage. Remember,
individual health insurance can be expensive; however, with the proper research
and preparation, consumers can find the plan that is right for them.
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