Health insurance is one of the most complicated things to deal with at the best of times. It is even more confusing for Brits who have been lucky enough to grow up with the NHS. We are currently in open enrollment season, which is our brief window to sign up or change our health insurance policies. With the current pandemic looming over all of us, it is now even more important than ever to have decent coverage.
We contacted our friend and fellow Brit, Adam Beach and asked him and his team to put together a comprehensive guide explaining how it all works. Beach Financial Group are insurance brokers and it doesn’t cost you a penny if you decide to use them to help you pick a plan. But it certainly saves you a massive headache!
They can also help to see if you qualify for Covered California. Covered California is a platform that assists Californians and connects them with health insurance carriers. Depending on your income, zip code, and household size, you are able to verify if you qualify for subsidies (financial assistance for your health insurance monthly payment.) this can result in big savings if you are on a low income.
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing your insurance policy is to ask if it covers you outside of California. Most insurance carriers will cover ER and Urgent care out of state. If you are traveling outside of the country some will even assist with the cost of any emergency medical bills when you file a claim and submit the invoices. But not all, so if this is important to you make sure to ask before you sign on the dotted line.
Last, but not least if you have a favourite doctor you should find out beforehand if they accept your insurance. My GP is actually not covered but my current plan, but I like and trust him so much that I chose to stick with him and pay out of pocket. However, if he runs any lab tests they do go through my insurance. If it hadn’t been for Adam and his team explaining this scenario was possible I might have stopped visiting my preferred doctor. I honestly can’t recommend them enough!
If you have questions about this or any other subject feel free to drop me a line at eileen@britsin.la
Now over to BFG who are going to try and help you understand a little bit more about how to navigate the health insurance market during open enrollment:
What is open enrollment?
Open enrollment is a period during the year where you are able to purchase health insurance or make health insurance plan changes. In the state of California, open enrollment begins on November 1st and ends on January 31st. For a January 1st, 2021 effective date, changes or enrollments need to be made by December 15th. Any changes after December 15th will become effective on February 1st. Changes made between December 16th – January 15th will give you a February 1st effective date.
What changes to expect from open enrollment?
During open enrollment you can expect a slight premium increase and potential benefit changes. Health insurance premiums in the State of California are based on age and zip code. As we age, our health insurance premiums will increase.
What is HMO, PPO, and EPO?
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – Plans that tend to be more affordable but have smaller networks. You also need to request referral from your primary doctor to see any specialist.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) – Generally more expensive as it provides access to a larger network. You are also able to visit a specialist without a referral. This type of plan also covers out of network provider/facility costs.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) – This is the hybrid of the HMO and PPO. This type of plan is more affordable than a PPO, similar network to an HMO, but just like the PPO, you can make your own appointments to visit a specialist without a referral.
Insurance Carriers to consider in the State of California:
Blue Shield of California
OSCAR Health
Kaiser
Health Net
Anthem Blue Cross
Benefits of working with Beach Financial Group:
We will listen to your needs, provide plan options that will benefit you, save you money and time. At Beach Financial Group we are contracted with all health insurance carriers and we will create a proposal that will demonstrate all your options. Once we figure out which health insurance plan will be the right one for you and your needs, we will assist with processing the application and payment, making the enrollment process smooth and simple. Whether you go through our agency or directly with the insurance carrier the cost of premium will be entirely the same. Once your health insurance is up and rolling we will always be available to you should you ever have any questions regarding visiting facilities, providers, benefits, prescriptions costs, and any other questions that come a long throughout the year.
Allow us to manage your insurance at no additional cost. You will have a local contact available to assist you day to day, answer any questions, and guide you forward.
Should you have any questions or are interested in a health insurance proposal, please email christine@beachfinancialgroup.com
