Tamarin Martin

Uninsurable? Four Ways To Get Health Insurance in California

California's High Risk Health Insurance Pool is no longer accepting new applications (there is a waiting list).  So what are your options?

It's a sad fact that many Californians are without health insurance.  For some it's a matter of choice, others simply can't afford it.  There is a third group however, who can afford it and desperately want it, but are unable to qualify for it because of their current or past health conditions.  These are what insurance companies refer to as the "uninsurables".   

The presidential candidates this year all put forward ideas for fixing the broken health care system in this country.  Hopefully, there will be sweeping changes made that will allow everyone access to affordable healthcare.  In the meantime, if you are sick and uninsured, you can't wait for the politicians to fix the system.  You need help today.

Here are a few ways you can get yourself insured now:

1. Get a job.

If you're healthy enough to work, getting a job with a company that offers health insurance benefits may be your ticket to healthcare.  As a new employee, you are guaranteed to get coverage.  You will have to wait 6 months after enrolling in the company's insurance plan before any pre-existing conditions are covered, but after that you will have full coverage.

If it has been less than 63 days since your last insurance policy lapsed, you may have what is referred to as "creditable coverage" which means that the pre-existing clause will be waived and you can get full coverage right away.

2. Start your own business.

In the state of California, you can get guaranteed-issue group coverage with as few as two employees.  One of these employees can even be your spouse.  Things to keep in mind: 

•         It must be a legitimate business, but it doesn't have to show income for the first two years;
•         The business must be the major source of income for all employees.  You can't include an "employee" who earns the majority of his/her income from another source.
•         There will still be a waiting period for pre-existing conditions (unless you've had creditable coverage within the last 63 days) but once the waiting period is satisfied, you're good to go.

Talk to your local health insurance agent to see if you can qualify for a group health plan.

3. Get married.

No, I'm not suggesting you grab some stranger off the street and arrange a marriage of convenience.  However, if you already have a life partner, or are in a serious relationship that is heading toward marriage, you might want to consider taking it to the next level.  There are many legal benefits to marriage.  One of them is access to your spouse's health insurance.

If your spouse-to-be is already insured through their place of work, you can be added to their policy without any underwriting requirements (usually).  Again, there may be a waiting period where pre-existing conditions are excluded, but once you've satisfied the waiting period, you're 100% covered.

Have your spouse-to-be check with his/her human resources department to get the full scoop.

4. Consider a mini-med product

Some states have what is referred to as "mini-med" products.  They are NOT major medical plans and don't pretend to be.  However, they are guaranteed issue (you can't be declined because of poor health) and they do pay a limited benefit.  Something is better than nothing.

Although California does not currently offer such a product, it will very soon.  We're told it is coming "any day now."

Check with your local health insurance agent to find out more.

Article Tags: Health Insurance, Pre-existing Conditions

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