California health insurance  -  Understanding California health coverage  -  the Calhealth.net Advantage

CalHealth Advantages when Choosing a California Health Plan

 

 

Will I find better rates for a given health policy if I shop around? 

 

No.

 

Making sure to compare apples and apples (age, area, health status, etc), you will get the best health rate for a given plan right here when you run your health insurance quote.

The carriers do not offer discounts to certain agents or going direct to them so you can feel confident that the best rates are here at one site across multiple carriers and plans.

 

Do you charge any fee for your service?

 

No. 

 

Independent agents like us receive a commission from the carrier similar to travel agents. This commission is the same for all agents so there's no reason to go somewhere else.

This commission allows us to provide cutting edge quoting and membership capabilities but at absolutely no cost to you.

 

Why should I go through Calhealth.net versus a local agent or another online quoting service?

If the rates are all all the same, why not take advantage of our quoting engine which combs the major life carriers and plans and narrows it down to the best priced and most affordable California health insurance plans that meet your requirements.

 

Take a look at our Common Covered California Questions Page.

 

Read through some of the articles and you'll quickly realize that not only do we bring a wealth of experience and guidance to empower you, but our information is clearly about giving you the edge when choosing your health plan.

 

Take a spin and you'll realize we're trying to help you...not ourselves.

 

Will you help me after I'm accepted and enrolled on a health plan?

 

Of course. 

 

We're with you through the life of the policy. Not only can we help with choosing a plan and enrollment, but we're also here for membership issues that arise later on.

 

Probably the biggest one is re-evaluating your chosen plan and California life insurance needs to make sure you're well taken care of at the best possible health rate.

 

Are you impartial in helping with the health process?

 

This is probably the most important benefit we bring.

 

You'll feel it throughout the site and our extensive list of health articles. So often, the biggest key to any purchase is the ability to know the company is acting in your best interests...as if you were them.

 

We are independent agents...not captured agents.

 

If we just wanted to increase commissions, we would be recommending the richest plans. You'll see that's definitely not our take because we don't feel it makes sense. You are in the driver seat. We just gave you a brand new race car and we're happy with whatever plan and rate that car takes you to.

Choosing a health plan

 

How do I compare the plans?

 

This really is the trickiest part.

 

The majority of plans chosen in today's market are PPO for the individual and family market. HMO's have just priced themselves out of the market. They are still viable on the group side.

 

First, take a look at our premier article explaining how the health plans break down.

 

This is a good start.

 

You can always contact us at 800-320-6269 with your situation and we can narrow the options to better fit your budget and needs. Let's face it...everyone is different and it sometimes takes a professional agent to help navigate the world of health insurance.

 

What's important when comparing carriers?

 

There are three main issues that arise when selecting a carrier. First is rate stability. How secure are we that they will be stable (relatively speaking since all carriers are going up) over the long haul. Secondly, how easy are they to deal with...all the way from the application process to paying claims once you're on board. Finally, do they offer a range of plans and options to better fit your exact needs.  We give your our take on the carriers here.

 

Can health affect my rates?

 

No.

 

Since the ACA law, health does not affect rates or the ability to get coverage.

 

What impact will smoking have on qualification and rates?

 

In California, there is no impact on rates from smoking.

 

What if I'm in poor health?

 

Health is no longer a qualifier to get California health insurance through Covered Ca or off Exchange.

 

Should I replace my existing health insurance plan?

 

There are many variables to evaluate with this question.

Obviously cost is a crucial issue as the carriers roll out new, usually less-expensive plans but this is really where a licensed health insurance agent like us becomes crucial. Let us know what you currently have (carrier, plan, rate, ages, zip code) and we'll see if there are better options on the market to compare.

 

That's our job!

Enrolling in a health plan

 

Once I submit my application, then what happens?

 

The fastest way to apply is online here.  It takes about 5-10 minutes including Covered California. 

 

Call 800-320-6269 to enroll today.  There's no cost for our services.

 

Do I submit money with my health application?

 

Most people opt for the credit card or auto-deduction option. In this case, the carrier usually takes the first draw while in underwriting, after approval, or at the start of the next month. You have a free look period to request a full refund within 10 days of receiving the policy. With a written request, we can easily do this for you.

 

Is there a discount for certain payment options

 

No.

 

Health insurance is different from other types of coverage such as life in that there is no difference in paying monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. These are the standard options.

 

There may be a fee (for example $2 with Anthem) for receiving a traditional billing. The other carriers will likely follow in this. On the group side, it's usually a monthly billing option.

 

How long does the application process take?

 

Most people get a confirmation by email in 24 hours.  A mailed confirmation then arrives about 1 week after.  The invoice from the carrier will usually arrive 1 week after the written confirmation.

 

Membership Issues

 

Will Calhealth.net help me after the enrollment?

 

Of course.  We're not just here to choose and enroll in an affordable health insurance plan...but we're with you for the life of the policy.

 

Feel free to contact us about changes to policy information such as addresses, etc.

 

More importantly, we're here to review your health rates and amounts to make sure you have the best deal on the market. Things changes (especially in this market) and the trend has been newer plans being offered so you can always come to us for an impartial evaluation of your health insurance mix.

 

What are the different payment options?

 

Most carriers offer standard billings, auto-deductions from a checking account, and of payment by credit cards.

 

You can usually choose a bi-monthly, quarterly, or monthly payment.

 

We recommend the auto-deduction only because it has the lowest lapse ratio compared to a standard mailed billing. Addresses change and Auto-deduction avoids the issue of lapsed coverage do to non-payment.

 

Can my health insurance policy be cancelled due to health issues?

 

Health insurance plans quoted on the site are Guaranteed Renewable.

 

This means it can only cancel due to non-payment of premium. There is a 2 year Contestability Clause which comes into play the first two years of the policy if there was fraud of misrepresentation during the application/enrollment process.

 

This is key reason to honestly and thoroughly provide your information during the application process.

Important Pages:

 

Simple Tips on Comparing Covered California Plans

 

You can run your California Health Plan Quote here to view rates and plans side by side from the major carriers...Free.

Again, there is absolutely no cost to you for our services.  Call 800-320-6269 Today!