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Health
Insurance Overview
Just like other forms of insurance, for your
car and your home, health insurance helps relieve
the burden of unexpected events: you put away
a little in case you need a lot later. You and
your family's health should be of the highest
priority.
Every year, the cost of healthcare increases
dramatically. Simple same-day surgeries, required
tests and emergency attention can add up to
thousands of dollars or more.
The overall benefits of health insurance are
obvious. You won't be avoiding the doctor because
it costs too much. The hospital bills won't
be piling upon your desk waiting for attention.
Your health insurance will provide the help
and care you demand. Also, if you drive a car,
health insurance will work cooperatively with
your auto insurance in case of an accident.
There are many health insurance companies available,
offering various types of plans. We are capable
to get you the best plan and coverage to suit
your needs.
Using this comprehensive tutorial, you can
find out about different types of health insurance,
choosing a policy, and much more. |
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Health Insurance - Understanding The Basics |
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What is health insurance?
Simply put, health insurance is protection against
medical costs. A health insurance policy is a
contract between an insurer and an individual
or group, in which the insurer agrees to provide
specified health insurance at an agreed-upon price
(the premium). Depending on your policy, your
premium may be payable either in a lump sum or
in installments. Health insurance usually provides
either direct payment or reimbursement for expenses
associated with illnesses and injuries. If your
employer does not offer a health insurance plan,
you may wish to purchase health insurance on your
own.
Why do you need it?
Let's face it-- health insurance is a necessity
in today's world. The costs of medical care
and treatment have soared to new heights in
recent years and are expected to rise even further
in the years to come. Think for a moment about
the enormous medical costs you would incur if
you suffered a major injury tomorrow or were
suddenly stricken with a life-threatening illness.
Uninsured people live with such risk every day
of their lives; health insurance can shield
you from that risk. Even if you're healthy today
and have never had any major problems in the
past, you simply can't predict the future.
In addition to medical emergencies, routine
conditions requiring visits to a physician happen
all the time. This is especially true if you
have children. Ear infections, rashes, and high
fevers are commonplace with infants and children;
numerous trips to the doctor can be pretty expensive
without health insurance.
What do you need to know?
You should know where to get health insurance,
and understand the various types of private
health insurance that are available. There are
some important differences between indemnity
plans, HMOs, PPOs, and POS plans worthy of understanding.
You should also make every effort to understand
your own health insurance policy, and become
familiar with common health insurance provisions,
including limitations, exclusions, and riders.
It's important to know what your policy covers,
and what you'll have to pay for in out-of-pocket
expenses.
When comparing health insurance policies, you
should strive to balance coverage against cost.
While price is an important consideration, there
are also other factors that may influence your
decision when it come to choosing a health insurance
plan.
Understanding the taxation of health insurance
benefits and premiums is also an important issue,
especially if you're self-employed.
Being aware of your COBRA rights, in the event
that you lose your health insurance coverage
due to a change in employment or other factors
is also worth investigating.
When to get it?
If you don't have health insurance right now,
you should seriously consider purchasing it
as soon as possible. No one can predict the
future--you don't know when you might suffer
an accident or become seriously ill. Health
insurance can help to protect you against financial
ruin.
Please Note: The information contained in this
Web site is provided solely as a source of general
information and resource. It is a not a statement
of contract and coverage may not apply in all
areas or circumstances. For a complete description
of coverages, always read the insurance policy,
including all endorsements
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Blue Cross of California has been serving the
health care needs of Californians since 1937.
Blue Cross of California, together with its branded
affiliates, provides health care services to more
than 6.8 million members. Offering a full continuum
of product and coverage options, Blue Cross provides
customers with unparalleled choice and flexibility
in meeting their health plan needs. These options
are continually fine-tuned to enhance access to
affordable, quality health care. The Company,
with its strong track record for innovation, focuses
on progressive products and services designed
to improve the health status of all Californians.
Unique product offerings available in the individual,
small group, large group, senior and Medi-Cal
markets include a full range of integrated medical
and specialty products.
Blue Shield of California Life & Health
Insurance Company Life has grown by offering
competitive insurance products including Group
Term Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment,
Blue Shield of California Life & Health
Insurance Company Life Vision Plan, Stop Loss
and Exec-U-Med medical reimbursement plans in
tandem with Blue Shield of California health
plans or on a stand-alone basis . In the early
1980s, introduced their Short-Term Health products.
The Option One and Option Twelve plans remain
one of the leading products of their kind in
California
PacifiCare Signature FreedomSM
With the PacifiCare SignatureFreedomSM (SDHP)
plan, you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility
of a traditional PPO plan with the added feature
of Self Directed Account (SDA).
The SDA is fully insured by PacifiCare Life
and Health Insurance Company and provides a
yearly credit of $1,000 for certain routine
and preventive services.
Any unused funds carry over year after year,
for as long as you are enrolled on the plan.
Once you deplete your SDA, or if you require
services not covered by the SDA, the plan defaults
to a PPO plan.
You must meet annual deductibles. Eligible medical
services paid from the SDA will count toward
satisfying the PPO deductible.
PacifiCare SignatureValueSM
These coordinated plans provide the most comprehensive
coverage of our plan offerings. Your medical
care is coordinated by the primary care physician
(PCP) you select. You visit your PCP for general
medical care, and when you need to see a specialist,
your PCP provides a referral. In general:
You choose a PCP from our network.
You are charged only a co-payment for a doctor's
visit. After your co-payment, many health care
expenses are covered at 100%.
Preventive health care, including check-ups,
is covered.
You do not have to meet an annual deductible
Assurant Health is the brand name used for products
underwritten and issued by Time Insurance Company,
John Alden Life Insurance Company and Union
Security Insurance Company. California license
numbers: 08109 ( Time Insurance Company), 08107
(Union Security Insurance Company) and 3894
(John Alden Life Insurance Company). Assurant
Health only accepts agent business from agents
licensed and appointed in accordance with state
laws.
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Health Plan of California
Aetna PPO 500
Aetna PPO 1500
Aetna PPO 2500
Aetna PPO 5000
Aetna PPO HSA 1
Aetna PPO HSA 2
Aetna PPO Value 1500
Aetna PPO Value 2500
Aetna PPO Value 5000
Blue Cross Tonik 1500
Blue Cross Tonik 5000
Blue Cross Tonik 3000
Blue Cross Basic PPO 2500
Blue Cross Basic PPO 1000
Blue Cross PPO 3500
Blue Cross PPO 3500 HSA
Blue Cross PPO Share 5000
Blue Cross PPO Saver
Blue Cross PPO Share 2500
Blue Cross PPO Share 1500
Blue Cross PPO Share 1000
Blue Cross PPO Share 500
Blue Cross EPO (HSA Compatible)
Blue Cross HMO Saver
Blue Cross HMO 100
BC Select HMO BC Select HMO
BC Right Plan Right Plan - No Rx
BC Right Plan Right Plan - Generic Rx
BC Right Plan Right Plan - Full Rx
BC Tonik Tonic 1500
BC Tonik Tonic 3000
BC Tonik Tonic 5000
Blue Shield Shield Spectrum PPO 500
Blue Shield Shield Spectrum PPO 750
Blue Shield Shield Spectrum PPO 1500
Blue Shield Shield Spectrum PPO 2000
Blue Shield Shield Spectrum PPO 5000
Blue Shield Spectrum PPO Savings 2400
Blue Shield Spectrum PPO Savings 4000
Blue Shield Access+ HMO
Blue Shield Access+ Value HMO
BS Subscriber Only Active Start 35
BS Subscriber Only Active Start 25
BS Subscriber Only Essential 3000
BS Subscriber Only Essential 3000
Health Net HMO 15
Health Net HMO 40
Health Net SmartChoice HSA 2500
Health Net SimpleChoice HSA 4000
Health Net FirstChoice PPO
Health Net SimpleChoice 50
Health Net SimpleChoice 40
Health Net SimpleChoice 35
Health Net SimpleChoice 25
Health Net SimpleChoice 15
Health Net VB Value Choice 1500
Health Net VB SimpleValue 50
Health Net VB SimpleValue 50 Rx
Health Net VB SimpleValue 40
Health Net VB SimpleValue 40 Rx
Health Net VB SimpleValue 30
Health Net VB SimpleValue 30 Rx
Nationwide PPO 25 $750 Ded
Nationwide PPO 25 $1500 Ded
Nationwide PPO 25 $2500 Ded
Nationwide Lifestyle 1750 Gen Rx
Nationwide Lifestyle 1750
Nationwide Lifestyle 2500 Gen Rx
Nationwide Lifestyle 2500
Nationwide Lifestyle 3500 Gen Rx
Nationwide Lifestyle 3500
Nationwide Lifestyle 4500 Gen Rx
Nationwide Lifestyle 4500
Pacificare HMO 10-35/250
Pacificare HMO 20-35/80
Pacificare HMO 35/70
Pacificare HMO 35/50
Pacificare PPO 70/50/500
Pacificare PPO 70/50/1000
Pacificare PPO 70/50/2000
Pacificare PPO 60/50/2500
Pacificare PPO 70/50/3000
Pacificare PPO 70/50/5000
Pacificare PPO HSA 2700
Pacificare PPO HSA 5000
Pacificare PPO 70/50/3000 SD
Pacificare PPO 70/50/5000 SD
Pacificare PPO 70/50/1000 Maternity
Pacificare PPO 70/50/1500 MaternityAetna
HMO Plan 10-30
Aetna HMO Plan 20-40
Aetna HMO Plan 30-40
Aetna EPO 90
Aetna EPO 80
Aetna Basic PPO
Aetna MC Zero 90/60 PPO
Aetna MC $250 90/70 PPO
Aetna MC $500 90/70 PPO
Aetna MC $250 80/60 PPO
Aetna MC $500 80/60 PPO
Aetna mc $500 80/50 PPO
Aetna MC $1000 80/50 PPO
Aetna MC $2000 80/50 PPO
Aetna HSA 2100
Aetna HSA 3000
Aetna Value HMO Value HMO 25-40
Aetna Value HMO Value HMO 15-30
Aetna Value HMO Value HMO 10-20
Blue Cross Saver HMO
Blue Cross Classic HMO
Blue Cross HMO 100
Blue Cross Basic PPO
Blue Cross Hospital BeneFits
Blue Cross Hospital BeneFits Plus
Blue Cross Hospital BeneFits Pref
Blue Cross High Deductible EPO
Blue Cross Saver PPO
Blue Cross PPO 40
Blue Cross PPO 30
Blue Cross PPO 35 GenRx
Blue Cross Power Fund 750
Blue Cross Power Fund 500
Blue Cross Advantage 25 PPO
Blue Cross Premier 20 PPO
Blue Cross Premier 10 PPO
Blue Cross PPO 2400
Blue Cross PPO 3500
Blue Cross PS HMO Power Select HMO Plan
Blue Shield Access+ HMO 5
Blue Shield Access+ HMO 10
Blue Shield Access+ HMO 15
Blue Shield Access+ HMO 20
Blue Shield Access+ H00025
Blue Shield Access+ HMO 40
Blue Shield Added Advantage POS 300
Blue Shield Pref Sav $1250 Ded
Blue Shield Pref Sav $2250 Ded
Blue Shield Pref Sav $2600 Ded
Blue Shield Spectrum PPO Zero Deductible
Blue Shield Spectrum PPO 250 Premier
Blue Shield Spectrum PPO 250 Standard
Blue Shield Spectrum PPO 500 Value
Blue Shield Spectrum PPO 500 Standard
Blue Shield Spectrum PPO 500 Premier
Blue Shield Spectrum PPO 1000
Blue Shield Spectrum PPO 3000
Blue Shield Active Choice 500
Blue Shield Active Choice 750
Health Net HMO 10
Health Net HMO 15
Health Net HMO 20
Health Net HMO 30
Health Net HMO 35
Health Net HMO 40
Health Net HMO Xtra Value 20
Health Net HMO Xtra Value 40
Health Net Variable Hosp Copay HMO 25
Health Net Variable Hosp Copay HMO 35
Health Net Elect Open Acces 30
Health Net Elect Open Access 25
Health Net Elect Open Access 20
Health Net Elect Open Access 10
Health Net Select 30 POS
Health Net Select 20 POS
Health Net Sel Prem 10 POS
Health Net Saver PPO
Health Net PPO 40
Health Net PPO 35
Health Net PPO 30
Health Net PPO 25
Health Net PPO 20
Health Net PPO 15
Health Net PPO 10
Health Net HSA 2000
Health Net HSA 3000
Health Net Silver HMO 20 Silver
Health Net Silver HMO 40 Silver
Health Net Silver HMO Xtra Value 20 Silver
Health Net Silver HMO Xtra Value 40 Silver
Health Net Salud Salud HMO
Health Net Salud Salud PPO
Kaiser HMO Ded 30/1000
Kaiser HMO Ded 30/1500
Kaiser HMO Plan 5
Kaiser HMO Plan 15
Kaiser HMO Plan 20
Kaiser HMO Plan 30
Kaiser HMO Plan 50
Kaiser Point of Service Plan
Nationwide Plan 1
Nationwide Plan 2
Nationwide Plan 3
Nationwide Plan 4
Nationwide Plan 5
Nationwide Plan 6
PacifiCare HMO 10
PacifiCare HMO 15
PacifiCare HMO 10/500d
PacifiCare HMO 20
PacifiCare HMO 35/600d
PacifiCare POS 15/80-60
PacifiCare PPO 80/60-250
PacifiCare PPO 70/50-250
PacifiCare PPO 80/60-500
PacifiCare PPO 70/50-1000
PacifiCare PPO 35-50/50-1000
PacifiCare PPO 70/50-2000
PacifiCare PPO 70/50-3500
PacifiCare PPO 80/50-2000/freedom
PacifiCare PPO 70/50-2000/freedom
PacifiCare PPO 50/50-3000/freedom
PacifiCare PPO HSA 2700
PacifiCare PPO HSA 3500
PacifiCare PPO HSA 5000
Pacificare Adv HMO HMO 10/500d
Pacificare Adv HMO HMO 35/600d
Sharp Health Plan HMO Plan A
Sharp Health Plan HMO Plan AB
Sharp Health Plan HMO Plan C
Sharp Health Plan HMO Plan AD
Sharp Health Plan HMO Plan AE
Western Health Adv HMO Premier 5
Western Health Adv HMO Premier 10
Western Health Adv HMO Premier 15
Western Health Adv HMO Premier 20
Western Health Adv HMO Advantage 15-30
Western Health Adv HMO Advantage 420
Western Health Adv HMO Advantage 70
Western Health Adv HMO Advantage 30-40
Western Health Adv HMO Advantage 40
Western Health Adv HMO Deductible 1000 |
Health Insurance
Companies by State
Alaska
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
Alabama
Celtic Ins. Co.
Time Insurance Company
Golden Rule
Arkansas
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Arizona
Health Net of Arizona
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
PacifiCare of Arizona
Time Insurance Company
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Humana
Aetna
CIGNA
LifeWise Health Plan of Arizona
California
Blue Shield of California
Blue Cross of California
PacifiCare
Health Net
Kaiser Permanente of CA
Time Insurance Company
Aetna
Colorado
Kaiser Permanente
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
PacifiCare
Humana
Connecticut
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of CT
Aetna
Dist. of Columbia
Celtic Ins. Co.
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Aetna
Time Insurance Company
Kaiser Mid-Atlantic
Delaware
Golden Rule
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Celtic Ins. Co.
Aetna
Florida
Golden Rule
Celtic Ins. Co.
Time Insurance Company
Vista Healthplan of South Florida
Humana
Aetna
Georgia
Kaiser Permanente
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
Humana
Time Insurance Company
Aetna
Hawaii
Kaiser Permanente of HI
Iowa
Celtic Ins. Co.
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Golden Rule
Idaho
Blue Cross of Idaho
Time Insurance Company
Regence BlueShield
Illinois
Celtic Ins. Co.
UNICARE
Golden Rule
BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Humana
Time Insurance Company
Aetna
Indiana
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
UNICARE
Golden Rule
Celtic Ins. Co.
Kansas
BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas City
Celtic Ins. Co.
Humana
Kentucky
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Humana
Golden Rule
Louisiana
Celtic Ins. Co.
Time Insurance Company
Humana
BlueCross BlueShield of Louisiana
Maryland
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Golden Rule
Aetna
Kaiser Mid-Atlantic
Michigan
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
Time Insurance Company
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Humana
UNICARE
Minnesota
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
HealthPartners
Medica of Minnesota
Missouri
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Golden Rule
Celtic Ins. Co.
BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas City
Humana
Mississippi
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
Montana
Celtic Ins. Co.
Time Insurance Company
BlueCross BlueShield of Montana
North Carolina
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Celtic Ins. Co.
Time Insurance Company
North Dakota
Time Insurance Company
Nebraska
BlueCross BlueShield of Nebraska
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
New Hampshire
Celtic Ins. Co.
New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New
Jersey
Oxford Health Plans, Inc.
New Mexico
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Celtic Ins. Co.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico
Nevada
Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
Health Plan of Nevada
Celtic Ins. Co.
PacifiCare of Nevada
New York
Group Health Incorporated
Ohio
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Kaiser Permanente of Ohio
Medical Mutual
Humana
Time Insurance Company
Aetna
HealthAmerica
Oklahoma
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Oregon
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Health Net of Oregon
LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon
Kaiser Permanente
PacifiCare of Oregon
Pennsylvania
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Time Insurance Company
Aetna
HealthAmerica
South Carolina
Celtic Ins. Co.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina
Golden Rule
South Dakota
Celtic Ins. Co.
Medica
Tennessee
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Golden Rule
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Celtic Ins. Co.
Humana
Texas
Celtic Insurance Company
UNICARE Life & Health Insurance Company
Golden Rule Insurance Company
Time Insurance Company
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, A
Division OF Health Care Service Corporation
Humana Insurance Company
Aetna Life Insurance Company
Utah
Intermountain Health Care
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Virginia
Golden Rule
UNICARE
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Aetna
Kaiser Mid-Atlantic
Washington
LifeWise Health Plan of Washington
Group Health Cooperative
Regence BlueShield
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Wisconsin
American Medical Security Life Insurance
Company
Celtic Ins. Co.
Golden Rule
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin
Humana
Wyoming
Celtic Ins. Co.
Time Insurance Company
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