California Health Insurance - Independent Health Life Representatives and In-House Insurance Company Representatives

After filling out an online form to request a free health insurance quote, I was immediately inundated with calls from insurance agents. They aren't really telemarketers, so don't get overwhelmed or annoyed by these "pesky salespeople". Most of them are well-trained, state-licensed professionals who can really help you make the right decisions about the best and affordable health insurance plan for your individual or group insurance needs.

There may be a misconception that buying health insurance directly from an insurance company and eliminating the "middleman" saves you money. In fact, insurance companies rely on their agents for most of their business, so they pay commissions to them to attract customers. It doesn't cost a consumer a penny to get coverage using a California-licensed health insurance agency.

There are many differences between California health insurance and other states, including how to apply.

For example, in other states the Blue Cross and Blue Shield are one legal entity, but here in California they are separate companies, known individually as Anthem, California Blue Cross of California and Blue Shield of California.

California Health Insurance Act AB 1672 improves on the state's HIPAA law covering all states by providing the following for California group insurance:

1. Those with pre-existing medical conditions can switch to the new group health insurance indefinitely.

2. Small businesses and professional organizations are allowed access to health insurance as long as they have between 2 and her 50 full-time employees.

3. Prevent premium rate increases after insurance claims are made.

4. Employees with medical conditions can change jobs or health insurance plans without being upgraded due to existing medical conditions.

However, the best health insurance agency for your personal and business needs is an "independent agent." why? Because he represents not just one insurance company, but several insurance companies. Independent representatives select the most appropriate and cost-effective plans available from major airlines, as well as offer non-yours company health insurance plans that meet special needs Many people are too satisfied with the status quo and are content with what their current insurer offers. With our excellent independent agents, we can sort through the many plans available from multiple insurers to find and offer you the best range of options. Another misconception is that insurance agents set premium rates for health insurance plans they sell. If you do some research, you may be able to get the same plan at a lower price. Premium rates are based on your age, zip code or county you live in and are fully controlled by your insurance company. Each agent uses the exact same rate policy set by the insurance company. Your medical condition may affect your premium, and your premium may be upgraded after your insurance company's underwriting department reviews your medical record. Again, the insurance company, not the agent, determines this outcome.

Let's talk about the benefits of hiring an insurance agent. Most consumers are unaware or unaware of the health insurance benefits offered and require the expertise of an agent to fully explain the benefits. For example, do you know the difference between "deductible" and "annual deductible"?

The deductible is the maximum amount a person must pay for the deductible and co-insurance for covered benefits in a given year before the policy covers most of his expenses 100% by the end of the year.

The annual deductible is typically the amount you pay each year before your health plan begins paying for covered services. Generally, the higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Certain services, such as prescription drugs, have separate deductibles. Plans vary, and benefits may begin before the deductible is met.

Let our knowledgeable health insurance agents guide you through the maze to help you choose the right plan that fits your needs and budget while maximizing cost-effectiveness. An agent will also make clear how the benefits for a generic prescription may differ from the benefits for a brand prescription on a particular plan.

After you have a health plan in place, a good, caring agent will remind you to pay your premium on time so the insurance company doesn't cancel you. Your agent can also be an enormous resource for assistance if you run into a problem with a health insurance claim. Instead of waiting on hold at the insurance company's 800 number for thirty to forty- five minutes, call your agent and explain your problem and if you have chosen the right agent, you will get help and may save yourself lots of time and frustration, maybe even some money by having an expert in your corner where your best interests come first.

So next time you or someone you know, fills out one of those on-line forms for a health insurance quote and you get several phone calls from health insurance agents wanting your business, be grateful that a professional wants to help you for free to choose the right plan and you'll have an important friend for life. My name is Diane Le Montre, license number 0D18343, and I am a California Health Insurance Specialist with over 25 years of experience. I am an authorized independent representative of major California health insurance companies including Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Health Net, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Kaiser.

Let me guide you through the maze of buying the right health insurance for you, your family, or your business with individual or group plans based on your specific needs. Analyze plans to find the best coverage for your insurance budget.

Having worked for insurance companies as a health claims examiner and as an independent health insurance agent, I know both sides of the health insurance business, from coverage to claims.