California Health Care

In the United States in 2023, most adults with mental illness had insurance coverage, but only about half received treatment. For some, a significant barrier was their insurance provider’s coverage of mental health services. Even if your plan covers mental health services — and most of them do — health insurance can be confusing. You might not know which services your plan covers, how much you’ll pay out of pocket or which providers you can visit.

Questions like these will significantly affect your or your loved one’s ability to get treatment, so we’ve put together a guide to mental health insurance coverage.

As with many questions related to health insurance, the answer is that it depends. Coverage for mental health services is optional for some plans and required for others, but many of today’s providers offer it.

While every plan is a little different, here’s what the law says about the requirements for various insurance plans to cover mental health services.

All thes...

Imagine this — it’s that time again for your annual eye exam, but you don’t have vision insurance. After the eye exam, you receive your bill and are surprised at the total amount. It’s easy to forget that the average cost of an eye exam is around $100 — an expense that could easily have been paid for by your insurer.

We’re all well aware of the benefits of health insurance, but what about vision insurance? How does it work, how much does it typically cost and when should you get it? Whether you’re currently uninsured and searching for coverage or already have insurance but want to explore better options, this blog is just for you. We’ll explore the ins and outs of vision insurance so you can decide whether it’s worth investing in.

Vision insurance is a specialized type of insurance that focuses on eye care and related expenses. It helps individuals manage the costs of routine eye exams, prescription eyewear like glasses and contact lenses and sometimes even speciali...

Many individuals who reach the age of retirement wonder if they can choose private health insurance over federally funded Medicare. Explore how private health insurance works and whether you can have Medicare and other forms of coverage simultaneously. If you still want to work after age 65, consider whether you can enroll late in Medicare and the penalties for late enrollment.

Private health insurance is often provided to individuals through their employer or federally approved providers from the Marketplace. Some private companies are Medicare-approved, meaning you can find coverage through a private institution with many of the benefits that Medicare provides.

A Medicare-approved private insurance company offers assistance with Medicare costs, including coinsurance, copayments and deductibles. It covers parts of prescription drugs and benefits like dental, vision and hearing care.

Medicare offers health insurance to eligible individuals over the age of 65. Those who sign up often rec...

Understanding common health insurance terms and definitions can prepare you when signing up for a new plan or re-applying to your current insurance. Learn what medical insurance terms and abbreviations you should know in our guide to health insurance terminology 101.

This is one of the most common terms used in insurance. A health insurance premium is the amount you pay monthly, quarterly or annually to the insurance company. In return, you are given the benefits of a health insurance plan. In some cases, you might be able to claim a tax credit for plans through the ACA or ask your employer to share in the costs.

A deductible is an annual amount you pay before the insurance starts to pay for coverage. The insurance company will not pay for bills until this set amount has been met. Doctor’s visits are often covered by insurance despite deductible requirements.

A copayment, or copay, is the amount you owe when receiving specific care or medication. For example, some plans charge a set a...

Having a primary care physician (PCP) doesn’t just make managing your health easier — it can actually help improve it. People with a primary doctor typically have better access to health care, receive higher-quality care and have better health care experiences. However, you also need to see your doctor regularly if you want those benefits.

Finding a good doctor makes it easier to keep up with regular appointments. You can get a head start with these tips for how to get a primary care doctor that meets your needs.

Whatever your reason for needing a new doctor, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this guide to choosing a PCP to help you navigate the process!

It’s crucial to start out knowing what you need from a doctor. Some needs will be health-based, while others will focus on ensuring you’re comfortable with your provider. Sit down and brainstorm a list of your needs in different areas, such as:

You have several options for your primary...

Insurance is critical for making health care accessible and affordable for women. From mammograms to maternal care, women’s health care helps millions of American women maintain a better quality of life. Fortunately for California residents, the state has committed to providing women with benefits they need in multiple areas, from disease prevention to reproductive health.

Wherever you are in your health journey, receiving health care is simple with women’s health benefits in California. Learn more about the benefits you can receive with Health for California.

Preventive care is vital for helping people catch and treat health issues before they become severe. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 expanded the preventive services that health insurance plans must provide women without charging coinsurance or a copayment.

You must review a plan’s preventive care services before signing up. Here are a few of the most common preventive services women in California can receive.

The covered...

Your health insurance plan includes many different terms and conditions. Each component helps to make health care costs more accessible. By learning more about these terms, you can understand your insurance plan more closely.

Many plans feature cost-sharing options. These features split costs between you and your insurance plan, making expenses more manageable. For instance, coinsurance is the percentage an insured patient pays after satisfying their deductible. You pay a fixed percentage, then your insurance plan covers the remaining costs.

Read on to learn more about coinsurance and how it impacts your insurance expenses.

Coinsurance is the percentage of medical costs an insured person must pay after meeting their deductible. These expenses could be for hospital stays, office visits, prescriptions, office visits or other health care services. Coinsurance splits the costs between you and your insurer — the percentage is divided between you. A common coinsurance arrangement is that th...

Managing health care costs can feel overwhelming. From everyday care items to extensive medical procedures, these expenses add up throughout the year. Luckily, you have a variety of options to reduce overall medical costs.

One option is a flexible spending account (FSA). These employer-sponsored accounts let you save money from your paycheck for medical expenses. All funds are exempt from taxes, allowing you to save money annually. Committing to an FSA can bring many benefits for you and your family. Read on to learn more about flexible spending accounts and how Health for California can help.

A flexible saving account allows employees to set aside money to cover qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses. You deduct money from your paychecks for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and some prescription drugs. FSAs are limited to specific annual amounts — as of 2023, you can add up to $3,050 to your account.

FSAs work similarly to savings accounts. You don’t pay taxes on the funds, s...

When you experience illness or injury, you want immediate relief. You deserve quick and comprehensive care, whether you break a bone or experience flu-like symptoms.

You usually have three primary options for health care treatment — your doctor’s office, a nearby urgent care center or a hospital emergency room. All three offer vital services, but vary by the specific conditions they treat. Learning more about the differences between urgent care, the emergency room or your doctor’s office can help you make the best decision for your situation.

You might head to your nearest urgent care or emergency room if you experience severe pain or a medical emergency. These locations provide immediate care without prior appointments.

However, the two facility types have a few notable differences.

Understanding the urgent care vs. emergency room differences can help you make the best choice. You could also visit your primary care physician for assistance. Your doctor’s office probably has more...

If . you or a loved one needs health coverage for struggles with mental health or mental illness, you are not alone. According to the California Health Care Foundation, almost 1 in 7 California adults experiences a mental illness. However, only 36.8% of adults with any mental illness reported receiving mental health services. Health coverage for mental illnesses is important, and specific federal and state laws have helped make mental health coverage more accessible for thousands of Californians who need it.

Under federal and California laws, if you have mental health insurance, you can be confident in your right to receive the coverage you need. Learn more about the mental health laws in California and at the federal level protecting your right to coverage so you can access treatment.

The federal government plays several roles in partnership with individual states to address mental health. In addition to funding mental health services and supporting research, the federal government...