How to buy health insurance, SF Bay Area

[Nico+Lori 0]

Hi everybody!

I'm writing from the East Bay; we got married a few days ago. Yay!

Turns out there is still a ton to figure out though. Since my fiancée is still on her parents' insurance and I don't have a job yet and probably won't for a while. I'm thinking about buying insurance. I looked online and read a little bit about it, and I was wondering if you guys could help me out.

I am 21, in good health. I have no illness history and I do not smoke.
Have you ever been in that situation? Would you know what are the better insurance companies and which ones are definitely to avoid. Would you advise me to consult an independent agent?

I am looking for a not too expensive option; preferably under 500 dollars a month.

Thank you so much in advance for your help!!

Nicolas

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I would just google "private health insurance CA" because some of these plans will be governed by your state. Then get quotes from a bunch of them. Then read the fine print on all of them, which will be things like deductable (which is how much you pay before they start to pay in the event of a major medical event).

Then make your pick.

I just did that and saw versions from BlueCross/Blue Shield, Cigna. All fine companies (though really all insurance companies are evil).

I also saw there will be a CA public health care exchange beginning 2014. More about that here: http://www.coveredca.com/

Also this: http://www.healthinsurance.org/california/

Lots more too.

Edited September 18, 2013 by Harpa Timsah

[cahrie99 12]

I agree about looking up your local insurance options because insurance needs not only vary from state to state but can be different depending on the needs of the person. You might even do well to talk to friends/family in the area and find out what others have and who is better to go with.

Also, just wanted to say congrats on your wedding!!! Wishing you both all the best!

[rjm_cmyk 75]

Second vote for http://www.coveredca.com/ which in theory kicks in on January 1st assuming the US Government doesn't do a meltdown on Tuesday (the day of my visa interview.....)

There are a number of plans there and so I hear other plans will be offered by other healthcare insurers too. I hope to be over before the end of the year and won't be rushing to take out any annual plans under the current system.

P.S government meltdown won't be because of my visa interview :-)

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Your wife may no longer be covered by her parents insurance. Have them check if married children are excluded.

[Umka36 781]

If a plan covers children, they can be added or kept on the health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old.

Children can join or remain on a plan even if they are:

married

not living with their parents

attending school

not financially dependent on their parents

eligible to enroll in their employers plan

https://www.healthcare.gov/can-i-keep-my-child-on-my-insurance-until-age-26/