Replace part of your wages lost because you
can not work because of a disabling sickness or injury. Income
replacement policies pay weekly or monthly amount when you
are unable to perform the duties of your job. The contract
defines how much you will be paid, how soon after you are
disabled payments begin and when they will cease. There are
many different kinds of contracts. Shop carefully through
a licensed health insurance agent who is knowledgeable about
this type of coverage. Supplemental
Insurance Policies are designed to pay
In addition to your regular medical expenses or income replacement
policies and should not be used as a substitute for more than
comprehensive coverage. They pay limited benefits such as
a daily dollar amount if you are hospitalized (Hospital Income
Polices) or expenses incurred to treat a specified "dread
disease" such as cancer or a stroke. This coverage may
duplicate some of what you are paying for in your comprehensive
medical expense plan. Make certain you understand the
limitations and exclusions before you buy. Cancer, hospital
indemnity, accident, and medigap contracts are just some examples
of supplemental insurance policies. Pre-Paid Contracts (Department
of Managed Health Care Jurisdiction).
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) Plans
were formed with the idea of controlling cost and providing
preventative health care before members get sick. HMOs are
comprised of hospitals, doctors and other medical personnel
who have joined to provide health care to members in return
for a pre-paid monthly charge. You can go to the provider
as often a as you need for the same monthly cost and an additional
small fee per office visit or prescription. Most other medical
services are fully covered. You do not have the option of
going to a medical provider who is NOT part of the HMO. Enrollment
is usually limited to employer groups, but a few HMOs will
take individual members.
Self-Insured
Single Employer Plans (Department of Labor Jurisdiction) Some
large employers and many labor unions provide group health
coverage for their employees or members without buying an
insurance policy or HMO plan. (Some plans hire insurance companies
to do the paperwork). You are self-insured under the Employment
Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) or if it is "insured
by" an insurance company. If the plan is self-insured
and the employer or the union does not pay a claim, you may
have little recourse because these plans are not regulated
by the State. Federal labor law governs these plans, but the
federal government does not handle claim complaints.
Government Sponsored Medical Expense Programs Managed Risk
Medical Insurance Board (MRMIB) - The California sponsored
health care plans for uninsurable individuals. The benefits
are limited and there are residency and waiting.
Health Insurance California 1
Health Insurance California 2
Health Insurance California 3
Health Insurance California 4
Health Insurance California 5
Health Insurance California 6
Health Insurance California 7
