Health Insurance Basics

No one plans to get really sick or hurt. But when it happens to you or your family, it can cost a lot of money to get care. Health insurance can protect you from these high costs. If you buy health insurance, it can easily cost you less money than going to the hospital without it. Health insurance also helps you get regular health care. That way, you can get healthy and stay healthy.

But health insurance still costs money and choosing the right policy for you can be hard. What if you already have insurance? The information below can help you understand the policy you already have and help you when you are shopping for new coverage.

Overview: Healthcare Coverage in California

Find out more how healthcare coverage works in California

Types of Health Coverage

Explore the different types of health coverage like PPOs, EPOs, and HMOs and the differences between them.

Health Insurance Benefits

Learn about the kinds of benefits to expect when you have health insurance.

Health Insurance Costs

Learn more about the cost of health insurance including things like co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles, and premiums.

The Affordable Care Act

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed in 2010 by President Obama. Visit this page to learn more about what these changes mean for you.

Medicare and Medicare Supplement for Seniors

Learn more about Medicare and Medicare Supplement coverage options for seniors and who to turn to when you have questions or need help.

Common Health Insurance Terms

Health insurance can be confusing and complicated, with lots of new terms and definitions so we put this page together to help you!

Health Insurance Regulation

Learn more about what governmental agency regulates which type of insurance policies so you know where to go when you need help.

Other Health Resources

Find a variety of health resources

Getting Help

Visit our help page to learn who to contact for help with your health insurance policy.