Individual health insurance In California
Health Insurance is complicated. We make it easy for you.
Selecting the right health insurance in southern California is one the most important purchases you’ll make. Let’s face it, medical treatments aren’t cheap. Without health insurance coverage you could end up paying off medical bills for the rest of your life.
We know and understand that your health and the health of your family are a priority. With the variety of options available to you and the complexities of the health care system, it is difficult to know exactly what the right health insurance for you and your family is. Add to that Dental insurance, deductibles, enrollment periods, and it becomes almost impossible to make the best selection.
At Geldin Insurance, we have expert and experienced agents that can help guide you through the application and enrollment process, explaining the different plans available for you and your family and helping you choose the health, dental and vision plans that best suit you.
The services offered by Geldin Insurance come in different shapes and sizes. Deciding what you want is the first step.
Major Types of Health Coverage
There are basically four major types of health insurance policies for California residents to choose from: EPO, HMO, POS, and PPO.
These health insurance plans help cover your medical, surgical, and hospital expenses. They may even cover dental expenses, mental health services, and prescription drugs, depending on the coverage you choose.
- Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): A managed care plan where services are covered only if you use doctors, specialists, or hospitals in the plan’s network (except in an emergency).
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): A type of health insurance plan that usually limits coverage to care from doctors who work for or contract with the HMO. It generally won’t cover out-of-network care except in an emergency. An HMO may require you to live or work in its service area to be eligible for coverage. HMOs often provide integrated care and focus on prevention and wellness.
- Point of Service (POS): A type of plan where you pay less if you use doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers that belong to the plan’s network. POS plans require you to get a referral from your primary care doctor in order to see a specialist.
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): A type of health plan where you pay less if you use providers in the plan’s network. You can use doctors, hospitals, and providers outside of the network without a referral for an additional cost.
We Are One Call Away
If you are looking for a quick, easy process, or have a few questions you need answers for, you may find Health Insurance brokers in California who are accessible by phone or email perfect for you.
At Geldin Insurance, we serve clients all over California primarily by phone or email. We specialize in making it an easy process to enroll on a health plan through California’s State Exchange: Covered California. You can start the process online by getting a California health insurance quote or calling us at 1-877-789-5831.
We Are Local
We are not a big box insurance company from out of state, we are a local agency right here in southern California (we’re local)!
Go with a local insurance broker if the face-to-face interaction is what makes the difference for you. This route will insure you have someone who knows the area and the best health insurance networks in town. You may need to make an appointment before meeting. Covered California offers an online search to find a broker in your area.
Individual Health Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
The Obamacare mandate requires that most people obtain medical insurance coverage. If you are not already enrolled in a health plan that meets the Affordable Care Act minimum essential benefits requirements, you may need to switch plans.
The mandate requires that most Americans and legal residents obtain health insurance that meets the standards set by the Covered California Exchange. Those who do not get covered for health insurance may face a penalty.
You may also need to get Individual Health Insurance in California if:
- You are self-employed.
- Your employer does not offer group plans.
- You are enrolled in a group plan, but it does not cover your spouse or dependents.
- You are enrolled in a health plan, but the premiums are too high.
You are enrolled in a health plan, but your benefit needs have changed.
California residents can expect to pay an average of $487 per person* for a major medical individual health insurance plan. Prices will vary and premiums can be lower if you are in good health.
* This is the average price of a plan available from eHealth in California, but actual prices available depend on zip code, age, gender, and other factors. Get a personalized quote to see what may be available for you.
A health insurance deductible is a set amount of money that an insured person must pay out of pocket every year for eligible healthcare services before the insurance plan begins to pay any benefits.
The amount of the deductible varies depending on the health insurance plan you choose. As a general rule, the higher the monthly premium you pay, the lower the deductible. Your monthly premium is the amount you pay to a health insurance company to provide you with coverage.
A health insurance premium is an upfront payment made on behalf of an individual or family to keep their health insurance policy active. Premiums are typically paid monthly when purchased on the individual market, although individuals who receive insurance through their employer usually pay their portion of the premium through payroll deductions. In addition to the premium, consumers may have to pay out-of-pocket costs—deductibles, copays, and coinsurance—when they seek medical care.
According to the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), the penalty for not having health insurance is the greater of either 2.5 % of the household annual income or a flat dollar amount of $750 per adult and $375 per child (these numbers will rise every year with inflation) in the household.
