California health insurance  -  Apply online for health coverage  -  Health insurance between States

How Individual Family Insurance Works Between States

 

People in the United States move around quite a bit.

 

This poses quite an issue in terms of Individual health insurance as the carriers are separate companies from State to State and for the most part, health insurance does not transfer across State lines.

 

For people moving to another State outside of open enrollment, what can they do?

 

The other issue is for people that live next to a border where medical providers might only be 5 minutes away but in a whole different State.

 

You can quote the California health insurance options available here:

 

 

 

Let's look at how California health plans address coverage in other States.

 

Moving to another State and Individual health insurance

 

We typically get calls from people moving to (or from) California who just want to transfer their health plan over.

 

Unfortunately, it's not that easy.

 

Each State's health insurance is separate and even if a carrier (say Anthem) operates in both States, the plans, regulations, and options are different.

 

Some big carriers like Anthem may have transfer options but the best rates and options require re-applying in the new State.

 

Since the ACA law passed, moving to another State is a qualifying trigger for Special Enrollment which allows you to enroll outside of Open Enrollment.

 

A few key points.  

 

You must enroll within 60 days of moving to the new State. 

 

Otherwise, you will probably need to wait till Open Enrollment but call us at 800-320-6269 or email us at help@calhealth.net as there are some avenues to enroll.

 

Your effective date depends on when in the month you enroll. 

 

If you enroll from the 1st to the 15th of a month, you can get the next 1st of the month.  If you apply after the 15th, your effective date may move to the next 1st of the month (unless you're also losing coverage). 

 

Medical services out of State and your California individual health insurance

 

Generally speaking, the carriers may only provide true emergency coverage (check with carrier for their definition of emergency but be conservative) out of State for HMO plans.

 

UPDATE: The Blue Shield Individual Family PPO plans has not had access to the Blue Card network since 2019

 

Always check with Carrier regarding their rules for out of State.  Some carrier have very limited if no networks outside of the State. 

 

 

Providers across State line

 

There are locations along the California border where health care providers may be just across State line.

 

The same general guidelines above for out of State are a good rule of thumb but some of the major California carriers address this issue by extending networks in such areas.

 

 

UPDATE: The Blue Shield Individual Family PPO plans has not had access to Blue Card since 2019

 

Currently, Anthem Blue Cross EPO still has the Blue Card access if available in your area.  Verify with us at help@calhealth.net

 

Other important concepts to help you understand your California health insurance quote are:

 

The Blue Card program
Special Enrollment triggers under Covered California

 

You can run your 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!