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FHCE Cites 10 Common Misconceptions About Health Coverage Availability

Posted on: Thursday, 7 April 2005, 12:00 CDT

Many uninsured Californians go without necessary health coverage for themselves and their children simply because of misconceptions they have about health insurance availability. They assume they won't qualify for free health care, can't afford health insurance premiums, and won't have insurance options at all because of a serious health condition.

These assumptions are not so, according to the Foundation for Health Coverage Education (FHCE). Longtime health insurance access advocate and founder, Philip Lebherz, points out that nearly 80% of the estimated 6 million uninsured Californians have access to government funded or low cost insurance but don't know it.

The FHCE has launched its "Coverage For All" campaign this month in California and has identified the 10 most common misconceptions. -0- *T 10 Common Misconceptions About Health Coverage Availability 1. I can't afford health coverage for my children. For between $4-18 per month, your child can receive comprehensive health care benefits through programs like Healthy Families, Kaiser Care for Kids and certain county programs, even if you're not low-income. 2. I won't be accepted for coverage if I'm seriously ill. All Californians have access to health coverage regardless of pre-existing health conditions. The easiest way to find out about programs like the Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP), HIPAA and others is to call the California Uninsured Help Line at 1-800-234-1317, where trained information specialists will provide one-on-one help describing your health care options. 3. I'm pregnant but I can't afford pre-natal care. If you are a pregnant woman with insurance deductibles or co-payments over $500 or are uninsured, you may qualify for Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM). If you are uninsured you may also qualify for Medi-Cal. 4. I was denied health insurance once so I'll never be approved. If you were denied private health insurance or offered a higher monthly premium than MRMIP, it is available for you and is available through many major insurance companies. 5. I can't afford my COBRA premiums so I might have to cancel my coverage. If you have high medical costs and can't afford your monthly COBRA premium, there is a state program called Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP). 6. Only private programs allow you to choose plans or doctors. You may not be aware that many public programs let members choose from major insurance companies and pick their own doctors just like private insurance does. 7. My business is too small to qualify for group coverage. If you have a small business, even with just one other employee, you can qualify for a group health plan and your employees and dependents are guaranteed coverage. The California Uninsured Help Line 1-800-234-1317 can provide more information. 8. My COBRA option has run out and I can't afford other coverage. Once your COBRA/group plan ends, you and your family are guaranteed to be accepted by a private insurance plan according to the federally mandated Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). 9. I have to be a US citizen to get coverage. If you are an immigrant in California who is awaiting legal status, you qualify for Restricted Medi-Cal, which covers care for emergencies and certain serious illnesses. Children may qualify for other programs offering comprehensive care. 10. I can't afford health coverage but I don't qualify for Medi-Cal. You should know that every county has a program for adults who can't afford health insurance and are ineligible for Medi-Cal, usually called Basic Care or County Medical Services Program (CMSP). *T

"I've been helping people find health insurance since 1977," said Lebherz. "As I researched the issues concerning the uninsured and their options, I decided to list all these health care programs together in one matrix, in order to help people understand their options."

The Foundation for Health Coverage Education (FHCE) is a non-profit organization with a mission to help simplify public and private health insurance eligibility information. In addition to the upcoming launch of their California Uninsured Help Line, FHCE offers free consumer guides such as the California Health Care Options Matrix(TM) and the Finding Coverage in California (TM) booklet, available in English and Spanish, plus educational seminars for health, business and social service related professionals.

For more information on FHCE, visit their website at www.coverageforall.org. For help finding your health coverage options, please contact the California Uninsured Help Line at 1-800-234-1317.

Source: Business Wire

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