California Health Care

Everyone has to have health insurance now that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is in place, but that doesn’t mean health care has gotten any less confusing. We tend to go with what we know or what we’ve always had when it comes to insurance coverage, but the reality is that you have options.

In California, health insurance plan options primarily include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). Other options include Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) and Point-of-Service (POS) insurance plans, which are growing in popularity in California.

While all of these plans can provide the coverage you need, it’s essential to understand each option and compare them. Failing to grasp the differences between HMO, PPO, EPO and POS plans could lead to significant unexpected costs and disappointment in switching doctors due to a change in insurance coverage. These plans provide coverage, but there are substantial differences in how the...

Health insurance makes medical bills easier to manage, but what about individuals and families in California with less financial stability? If you need medical care but don’t have the necessary funds, you might leverage a government subsidy for health insurance.

What is a subsidized health insurance plan, and how can you get one? This guide explores how these subsidies work, critical eligibility requirements and steps to get a health insurance subsidy.

A subsidized health insurance plan is a government-funded program that pays for part or all of your health coverage. There are two types available:

These subsidies are provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as Obamacare.

Your yearly income will typically determine if you qualify for a subsidy. You’ll need to estimate this income and compare it with those in the government’s Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. The amount you receive depends on your estimated income, modified adjusted gross income reported...

Generally, health insurance for self-employed individuals is tax deductible. The deduction applies to self-employed workers, their spouses, dependents and non-dependents under the age of 27. However, the type of health insurance coverage also determines whether the tax deduction is allowed.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the various types of health insurance policies available to self-employed workers and how to know which one is tax deductible. You’ll also learn about the eligibility requirements and what disqualifies a person. Finally, we’ll cover how you file health insurance deductions and answer some common questions.

There are different types of health insurance for self-employed individuals, depending on the nature of the business. Are you working a temporary side gig or transitioning between jobs? Do you freelance or own a business? These factors can influence the type of coverage you should get, but here are some general examples:

Remember, the Internal Revenue Service...

When signing up for a health insurance plan, you need to consider various out-of-pocket costs. Your deductible will typically be the most expensive cost, so it’s important to understand the difference between a low deductible health plan (LDHP) and a high deductible health plan (HDHP). The deductible that’s right for you will primarily depend on your health and financial situation.

Your health insurance deductible is the money you must pay for medical services before your insurance provider steps in. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible, you will pay the first $1,000 of your medical bills out of pocket. After you pay the deductible, you will only have to pay a copayment fee on covered services while the insurance company covers the remaining amount.

Before choosing a health insurance plan, you must know all the potential costs involved. Discover what common health insurance terms mean below so you can make a more informed decision:

High deductible plans require yo...

Vision insurance is a plan that covers specialized eye care, such as routine eye exams and prescriptions for correcting vision errors, subject to exceptions. It’s separate from your medical or health insurance, covering eye care expenses instead of general eye complications considered as medical issues. The specific coverage under vision insurance varies depending on the insurance provider and the terms of the insurance contract or policy. However, there are some standard inclusions. It’s important to review your plan to determine what it covers and the level of coverage it provides.

This guide discusses the standard vision insurance inclusion and exclusions. It also addresses the coverage you need if your vision insurance does not cover a condition or treatment.

Vision insurance coverage depends on the insurer and the plan you purchase. However, standard coverage includes:

You may get contact coverage on your medical or health insurance plan as an extra package. If your plan exclud...

Caring for an older loved one involves demanding tasks like daily custodial care and household chores. These responsibilities can require a lot of mental and physical energy, necessitating occasional breaks to focus on self-care, relieve stress and ensure you are fully present when you return.

When you step away, the person who relies on you needs uninterrupted support from knowledgeable and caring people. If your loved one is a Medicare recipient, respite care coverage can fill the gap. Let’s explore the terms and benefits of respite care and the associated payments.

Respite care is a period that allows a primary caregiver a hiatus from looking after a patient or older loved one. Depending on your health care provider, this interval may last one afternoon or several weeks. Various people can provide respite services, including relatives, friends, professional caregivers, nurses and community volunteers.

The patient will typically spend this time in a hospital or similar facility that...

Most medical plans cover preventive services that come at no cost to the patient. But what is preventive care? What are the specific preventive care services for women, men and children?

To answer your questions, we’ve compiled some preventive care guidelines so you can know what plans may be available to you, the services you may want to include in your care plan and what costs you may face.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), seven out of every 10 deaths among Americans every year are due to chronic diseases, of which many are preventable. By using preventive care, Americans can stop these illnesses before they become major health problems.

Preventive care refers to services intended to prevent illnesses before you feel sick or become aware of any symptoms. The purpose of preventive care is to shift the focus from treating illnesses to maintaining good health and wellness.

Preventive care can help you stay healthy for longer by preventing or delaying the onset of...

Innovations in technology have changed the health care landscape, and telehealth services are an increasingly popular option for patient convenience and comfort. In California, nearly 47% of adults reported using telehealth services to seek care in 2022.

California law has recognized telehealth as a legitimate form of health care delivery since 1996. Let’s explore the state laws and standards surrounding telemedicine.

In short, yes — California allows telemedicine. State law recognizes telehealth as a mode for delivering health care services via technology to facilitate the consultation, diagnosis, treatment and management of a patient’s health and wellness.

The two most common modes of telehealth services within California are:

California physicians and health care providers are permitted to use telehealth technologies to provide care to patients located in the state. In most instances, they must be licensed by the Medical Board of California.

Beyond that requirement, California’...

Not every health issue requires a trip to your doctor’s office. Instead, many health concerns can now be addressed from the comfort of your own home.

Telehealth use has risen dramatically in recent years. Remote services do have limitations, so it’s important to know when to use telehealth appointments and when to see your primary care physician in person.

Telehealth appointments use technology to connect patients with health care professionals remotely. Using your computer or smartphone, you can see your primary care physician for medical advice, diagnoses and even treatment without having to venture out.

Your doctor should give you tips on preparing for your telehealth appointment. A few common types of telehealth appointments include:

Telehealth can also take the form of secure messaging through an online patient portal.

For many people, telemedicine is a safer and more convenient alternative to in-person medical visits. However, the appropriateness of telehealth depends on the pat...

Vision insurance can help you save on eye exams, glasses and contact lenses — if you use your plan wisely. Learn how to maximize your plan’s benefits, whether you have VSP, EyeMed or another type of vision coverage.

The first step to using your benefits is understanding what your plan covers. That way, you can determine how eye care fits your budget and how often you can use your insurance. For example, you can use your VSP benefits once a year if you want coverage for an exam.

It’s best to check your member benefits to see what your specific plan will cover in a year.

What is your reason for needing an eye appointment? If you’re ready to use VSP benefits to order contacts or get new glasses, your vision insurance will come in handy. Vision insurance typically offers allowances to help cover the cost of these helpful products.

However, if you’re concerned about a medical issue with your eyes, you may need to visit your primary care doctor. This doctor can diagnose problems like...