How to Choose Affordable California Health Insurance Coverage?

If you are seeking affordable health insurance in California, research is important to finding a suitable plan. The California Department of Insurance offers resources, such as consumer guides, links to helpful websites and representatives available by phone to assist you in your search. You may prefer to work with an agent licensed to sell health insurance in California or complete the research yourself directly on carriers' websites.

Instructions

• 1

  Educate yourself about the different health insurance options in California. Visit the California Department of Insurance's website and read the "Consumer Guide to Health Insurance." This guide will help you understand the types of health insurance, marketing health Insurance in California and information about California-sponsored insurance plans. You'll be able to narrow down your search by plan type based on what you may need.

• 2

  Start a document you can use to record information about affordable health insurance options. Create a grid with one column listing the name of the health insurance plan. Title the other columns rates, co-insurance, deductibles and notes. List information about each health plan you research in each new row. This will help you compare plans and make a choice.

• 3

  Ask a health insurance agent to help you find affordable health insurance. An agent will obtain quotes on your behalf, answer questions and assist you in choosing the best plan that meets your needs. If you don't know an agent, go to the California Association of Health Underwriters website to use the search feature to find an agent in your area.

• 4

  Visit websites that provide quotes for several different plans. Answer several questions and input your zip code, date of birth and other information and click submit. These sites display comparisons of health plans available in your California neighborhood and the associated costs. Also, visit the websites of you regional Blue Cross plan and other national carriers to obtain quotes, compare plans and see if your doctors are in their provider networks.

• 5

  Note the monthly premiums, co-insurances, deductibles and services offered by each of the health plans you've researched. Write each of these down on your grid so you can complete a side-by-side comparison to help you make a selection. If you have pre-existing conditions, review if each plan covers pre-existing conditions. Apply online for the plans that appear to meet your needs.