Best Health Insurance Agencies in Lancaster

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.
  

• How can a medical group in a health insurance plan help the insured in Lancaster?

  A medical group comprising doctors, specialists, and nurses is dedicated to improving the health of the insured in Lancaster. Its function depends on the health plan. For example, in a PPO plan, a medical group provides care during the appointment. However, in this plan, the insured is mainly responsible for coordinating care among different medical professionals. On the other hand, in an HMO plan, the medical group can proactively work to provide overall healthcare for the insured. This includes immediate and preventive care.

• Can Medi-Cal benefits be terminated if a beneficiary in Lancaster goes to prison?

  No, Medi-Cal benefits are only suspended upon incarceration and will be restored once the inmate is released. A recently released beneficiary in Lancaster can contact the LA County DPSS Customer Service Center at 1-866-613-3777 for further guidance. The benefits will be reinstated on the day of the release without the need for a new application.

• How can someone in Lancaster apply for In-Home Supportive Services from LA County?

  To get In-Home Supportive Services benefits, one must be a California resident, apply for Medi-Cal, and complete the Health Care Certification form. There are three ways to apply: through mail, phone, or fax. Once the application is processed, some required documents will be requested. For individuals in Lancaster, these documents must be faxed to their respective DHSS District Office in Lancaster at 661-940-8709.

• Does buying health insurance on your own in Lancaster cost more than getting it from your employer?

  Generally, buying health insurance on your own can be costlier than getting an employment group benefit. This is because employers pay a portion of your monthly premiums in Lancaster. If these benefits meet federal standards, you can no longer apply for financial assistance to lower the cost of a health plan when you buy through Covered California, the state's office online insurance marketplace.

• Are mental health services covered in a health plan obtained in Lancaster?

  Yes, all insurance policies sold in Lancaster and throughout California must provide coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorder under the 2020 Health Parity Act. Some of these conditions include schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, autism, bulimia, and anorexia. According to this law, insurers must cover the medically necessary treatment, not limit benefits on acute treatment, and coordinate out-of-network services for necessary treatments if in-network services are not available.

• 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.