Affordable Health Insurance in California
Getting health insurance has never been easier, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Before Congress passed healthcare reform, it was very tough for many people to purchase low-cost insurance for themselves and their families.
Health insurance can be expensive, but before you decide to go without it, take a careful look at the risks. For example, according to WebMD, there’s a 1 in 5 chance you will land in the ER at some point between the ages of 25 and 44, a trip that could cost you as much as $1,450 a pop. If you need surgery on a broken arm, you could be on the hook for more than $16,000 if you’re without insurance. In fact, 1 in 4 uninsured people will lose all their savings to medical bills, which remain the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S.
Health insurance companies were generally not required to cover specific areas of care. If you had a pre-existing condition, the health plan might have charged you a very high premium to get the care you wanted, or may not have been willing to sell you a policy at all. Companies used to have the right to exclude specific illnesses based on your health history.
How things have changed?
Where can I find insurance?
Under the Affordable Care Act, the state set up Covered California, an online marketplace where insurance companies offer plans. The marketplace exists to help you get low-cost and affordable medical insurance plans and rates in California.
For 2016, 12 companies are offering plans on the Covered California marketplace, including statewide companies Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Kaiser, and Health Net, as well as eight plans that offer coverage in certain regions: Chinese Community Health Plan, L.A. Care, Molina Healthcare, Oscar, Sharp Health Care, United Healthcare, Valley Health Care and Western Health Advantage.
General Classifications of Affordable Health Insurance Plans
The health plans listed below are examples of cheap health plans offered by some insurance companies in California. Most California insurance providers have different levels of health plans which constitute varying levels of coverage. Normally plans range from Bronze to Platinum – with Bronze being the cheapest and Platinum being the most expense. Some plans will cover a stint in drug rehab, where others cover just the bare basics. We can help you find a plan that will suit your needs.
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Bronze Plan
With this health plan, you will make small monthly payments while still receiving coverage for a few checkups and preventative care. However, you will have to pay a little more if you need to see a specialist. This plan is particularly ideal for young people with no dependents, then this might be the right plan for you.
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Silver Plan
With this plan, you will make average monthly payments while getting affordable health insurance coverage in California that covers all the basics and more. However, you’ll spend a little more if you need outpatient surgery or visit the hospital. This plan is perfect if you are a person who works hard to ensure your health is always in check and want to avoid taking a loan for medical expenses.
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Gold Plan
With this health plan, you will make modest monthly payments and have low out-of-pocket costs in case you see a specialist or visit a hospital. The best thing is that you’ll have a lower deductible to meet, saving you a lot in the long run.
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Platinum Plan
This is an excellent comprehensive health plan, you will make higher monthly payments, and receive regular physician visits, emergencies, and preventative care, without having to meet a deductible. It’s a great plan for individuals and families looking to save on out-of-pocket costs.
Is there an easy way to research my options and apply for insurance?
California Insurance Finder lets you select the coverage you need and compare prices at the click of a button. You simply tell us what you need:
- Individual and Family insurance
- Covered California insurance
- Medicare Health Plans or
- Group Health Plans
Then enter your zip code and click to get a free quote. That’s it.
California Insurance Finder
California Insurance Finder is your trusted Orange County source for affordable health care insurance. Our goal is to guide our clients to make an informed selection of insurance plans with the best combination of benefits and price. We start by evaluating your health needs and recommend the best plan, whether it’s a Covered California health plan or one outside the CA insurance exchange.