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Understand Your California Health Insurance Quote

 

Health insurance is tricky and the trend going forward looks like more of the same. The new health reform application is 20+ pages and we've switched out health history question for financial health questions with the same effect.

 

Most people get stuck just trying to analyze the various health plans and rates while running their California health quote. This really is the most critical step of the process so let's see if we can simplify it.

 

Ultimately, our goal is to find the least expensive plan for the best coverage. Daunting, yes but understanding the quote is the way to get there.

 

The California health insurance quote grid

 

We described in our Video Series how to start the quote which you can find here. Once you're in the system, you'll see a quote grid. This is all the available plans and rates are shown with their various benefits. You'll see the plans listed by carriers alphabetically and then by monthly premium (on the far side). At the top, you'll find the major benefit headings and this is where people usually get tripped up. We'll start there since 90% of the decision is a combination of these benefits and the monthly premium.

 

Plan Type

 

The three basic plan types are PPO, HMO, and HSA.

We have extensive articles on all of these but we can quickly narrow the options. On the individual/family market, HMO"s have priced themselves out of the market. HSA plans use the PPO network for almost all plans so really, we're looking at PPO plan types. The HSA refers to a tax benefit available to those plan members.

 

Deductible

 

This is the big one.

 

The plan deductible is single biggest driver of plan expense. Essentially, the deductible is an amount you'll pay before getting help from the carrier. You'll still get negotiated PPO rates but you're paying this first.

 

Doctor Visit

 

This is the amount you'll pay in-network doctors for the consultation only.

 

It's usually in the form of a copay (say $35). Keep in mind that some plans will only allow a few copays before the deductible kicks in. HSA plans make office visits subject to the main deductible.

 

Preventative benefits will be covered at 100% in-network for covered benefits.

 

OOP or Out of Pocket Max

 

This is the important item behind deductible.

 

It shows what you can expect to pay out of pocket for catastrophic health issues (think $50K+). Some carriers have it it addition to the deductible while others include the deductible.

 

Out of pocket maximums are usually per person up to two people in a family during a calendar year (Jan 1st-Dec 31st). This is true regardless of when the policy starts.

 

Inpatient Hospital or Co-insurance

 

This generally shows the portion you will pay after the deductible is met.

 

It's usually a percentage which is called Co-insurance. For example, if you have $1K deductible, 40% coinsurance, and $3K max, if you get a $10K bill, you can expect to pay the first $1K (deductible), and then pay 40% of the remaining $9K until you hit another $3K.

 

Your true max out of pocket would be $4K (deductible plus Out of Pocket Max in this case). The co-insurance means less these days since people are usually way under the deductible or way over the max.

 

Premium

 

Of course, this the most important piece.

 

It's the monthly amount you will pay each month to keep the insurance force.

 

Let us help you find the best health coverage for the lowest premium. That's the whole goal of understanding your health quote after all.

 

You can run your California Health Quote Online 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!