If you’re looking for a HMO California medical insurance plan a good company to consider is Kaiser Permanente. Kaiser was created in the 1930s as a pre-paid group practice health care plan designed to care for workers building the aqueducts and dams in the Mojave Desert and later the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State. After World War II ended in 1945, the Plan developed into a community program. Kaiser Permanente only offers HMO plan and you are required to use the network for all treatment. Then only time you are able to receive medical treatment outside of the network is when seeking emergency treatment. With a total of 14 different HMO plans in their extensive network Kaiser offers more HMO plans than any other health insurance company in California.
With 14 different plans Kaiser has a plan for just about every budget whether large or small. Like other companies with inexpensive plans the less the premium the few first dollar benefits you receive and the more out-of-pocket expenses you will be responsible for. Most of Kaiser Plans have set co-pays for all medical services such as office visits, lab test, hospital stays and surgeries.
Since Kaiser is an HMO network you are required to get referrals from you primary care physician prior to receiving any medical treatment or to see a specialist. Since you have to get a referral it can take longer to be able to get appointment to a specialist or to receive medical treatment. For many people it having to wait on a referral for medical treatment is a big burden. For those who want more control over their medical treatment a different type of California medical insurance plan should be considered.
Overall Kaiser has a love hate relationship with consumers. Either consumers love their service or the hate it, there really isn’t anyone in between. For those that love Kaiser their feelings stem from having medical services performed in one building, co-pays for office visits, lab and x-rays, hospitals stay and surgeries. Overall Kaiser Consumers enjoy lower out of pocket cost which is very attractive to families and individuals. But for those that dislike Kaiser their feelings stem from slower referral processes and the lack of control over their medical treatment.
Depending on your preference and the location you live in Kaiser may be a good fit for you. If you’re a little unsure if they are right for you contact an independent California insurance agent who specializes in California Medical Insurance and ask them for assistance in choosing the right type of health insurance coverage.
