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California Health
Insurance
As a resident of the state of California, you are
entitled to certain state and federal protection when it comes to
health insurance. Briefly, we'll touch on some of these protections
available to you.
Health insurance California options depend on the current status of
your health. If you're currently experiencing a medical condition,
your options might be somewhat limited. However, if you are
currently sick, you can still be protected.
Health insurance California coverage can't be limited or denied
under your group health plan, if applicable. As well, you cannot be
charged a higher premium because of the status of your health. This
is known as "nondiscrimination."
Health insurance California plans have a limit when it comes to
pre-existing conditions. Guidelines stipulate what a pre-existing
condition is, as well as the time period you have to wait before
your new health insurance plan covers that pre-existing ailment. In
general, there is a pre-existing condition exclusion period that
your old plan should cover. This is if you join a new health
insurance plan.
If you are currently healthy but later become sick, it is against
the law for your health insurance California plan to be canceled.
Should you leave your current employer for a new one, you are
entitled to keep your existing health insurance California coverage
for a limited period of time. Known as COBRA, or Cal-COBRA, you can
retain health coverage between jobs, while waiting for new coverage
to take effect, or take early retirement before your Medicare
eligibility takes effect. Health insurance rules limit what you are
allowed to be charged for COBRA.
If you've had a minimum of 3 consecutive months of health insurance
California coverage and lose it, you could be eligible to purchase
an individual health coverage policy from your group coverage
provider. Called a "conversion policy," legislation governs the
limits on your premium as well as what coverage must be included
with the policy. As well, with a conversion policy, you will not be
subject to pre-existing condition limitations.
If your health condition prevents you from affording health
insurance California coverage, you could qualify for the Major Risk
Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP). This coverage is available for up
to 3 years, and there are limits to the premium amount you're
charged. Once the 36 months are over, you are guaranteed a health
insurance California policy in the individual market. You'll also
have a premium limitation protection available.
If your income falls below a certain level, you could qualify for a
health insurance California policy for free or on a subsidized
basis. Called the California Medi-Cal program, people such as
pregnant women, elderly individuals, disabled individuals, and
families with children can be covered. As well, some women who've
been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer might qualify for care
via Medicaid.
This is an overview of the rights available to you under health
insurance California legislation. Check with your local department
of social services for more information.
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