Best Health Insurance Agencies in Costa Mesa

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  If you're looking for health insurance for yourself or your family, an agent can help you save time, understand your options, and manage your costs. Insurance agents must be licensed in the state where they operate. They can provide information about on- and off-exchange plans to help you weigh all of your options, and they can see if you qualify for tax credits that can lower your monthly premiums. There's no cost to work with an agent, and they can help you save quite a bit by recommending the best plan for your needs. Here's what you should know before you get started.
  

• Can you enroll in a health insurance plan anytime in Costa Mesa?

  Most of the time, you can only enroll in a new health insurance plan during the allowed period, which is between November 1 and January 31. There is an exception to this rule, in which you can enroll if you have a qualifying life event. These events include getting married, relocating to or within the state, and having a child. In Costa Mesa, you can sign up for Medi-Cal at any time of year.

• What are the cost components of a health plan in Costa Mesa?

  A Costa Mesa health plan's typical cost components are premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Premiums are monthly payments, whereas deductibles are out-of-pocket expenses that must be paid before full coverage is activated. Copayments, on the other hand, are predetermined amounts that must be paid for each medical service used. Plans with higher premiums typically have lower deductibles and copayments, and vice versa.

• What are your options if you lose your Costa Mesa workplace health benefits?

  If you lose your employment health benefits in Costa Mesa, you can obtain an individual health plan through Covered California, potentially qualifying for subsidized plans. Alternatively, if eligible, enroll in public programs like Medi-Cal. Your employer should provide details on continuation coverage options like Conversion, Cal-COBRA, or COBRA, maintaining usual benefits but requiring premium payments. For further information, reach out to the CA Department of Insurance's Consumer Hotline at (800) 927-4357.

• Can you be penalized in Costa Mesa for not having health insurance?

  If you do not have health insurance and do not have the financial means to obtain one, you will pay more in taxes in Costa Mesa. Penalties in annual state tax returns can amount to up to $2,550 per family, depending on income bracket. If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to afford coverage, you may apply for an exemption.

• How do you know if you qualify for Medi-Cal in Costa Mesa?

  Medi-Cal is available to Costa Mesa residents who have a low income or are disabled, are under the age of 21, and are pregnant. Those enrolled in programs like Refugee Assistance, CalWorks (AFDC), and CalFresh are also eligible. For more information, call the Orange County Social Services Agency at (855) 541-5411.

• How can you find affordable health insurance? 

  Affordable insurance is available through employers, Medicare, Medicaid, and the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, which offers subsidies in the form of tax credits. You can also purchase coverage through private insurance companies and independent agents. Nearly half of all Americans have employer-sponsored health insurance, and about 10% of the population is uninsured.