Patricia Said:

I need to health insurance but i got laid off work...?

We Answered:

None of the major companies will write a permanent policy on someone unemployed. The reason is they know you are probably searching for employment and will likely find a new job with benefits. It can take an insurance company 5 or 6 months to recoup the cost of issuing a policy.

You can, however, get a short term medical policy. These policies don't have all the bells and whistles but will cover you for catastrophic occurrences and they are low cost. Visit an agent that works with all the major companies in your area for assistance finding the best plan for you. There is no extra charge using an agent.

Sara Said:

Wife is pregnant and we have no insurance?

We Answered:

OK, I'm in CA, so I can help you with this! (Trust me, I've got the scoop on all the programs in this state!)


The first thing your wife needs to do is walk into a Planned Parenthood clinc (or other women's health clinic) and tell them she thinks she's pregnant. When the test comes back positive, they'll sign her up for presumtive eligibility Medi-Cal on the spot, and get her the stuff she needs to enrole in full Medi-Cal. They may even have someone there to get her into the program (rather than having to go to the county Welfare office). Again, a clinic will help you with this. A doctor's office may not. But just because you get signed up at a clinic, doesn't mean you can't go to a doc (as long as they take Medi-Cal. Call and ask) for your pre-natal care.

Once you've got that proof of pregnancy from the clinic, call your local WIC office and make an appointment. (With that income, you qualify, and who couldn't use free food, right?)

If you don't qualify for Medi-Cal, try AIM. (I've included the link.)

Remember when applying for any of these programs, you're a family of THREE now. (The baby counts!)

I really think you should qualify for Medi-Cal... Well, think SHE qualifies. (YOU probably won't have coverage.) I've been making fairly decent wages and qualified before.

I had Medi-cal with my first son, and insurance through my husband's employer for this one... and this one is costing us a lot more! lol

Paul Said:

I'm looking for low cost health insurance in california?

We Answered:

I think Kaiser Permanente is a good plan but you should contact an independent insurance agent in your town to see what is available that fits your needs best.

Wayne Said:

Where can I go to get my eyes checked when I don't have health insurance?

We Answered:

It's possible to get help through some of the agencies noted above, but there is usually a lot of red tape and waiting involved. I would call around to ask various optometrists what they charge for a basic eye exam - I know mine (I don't have vision insurance either) usually runs about 60 dollars. Some Walmarts have optometrist with fairly low charges. A basic exam would at least let you know if you have anything to really worry about. If you need further treatment, maybe you can work out some type of payment plan. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.

Wayne Said:

i just found out i was pregnant, i lost my job last month and now i have no health insurance! what and where c?

We Answered:

Your local health department. when you sign up for wic (women infants children) its free they give you free milk, cheese, bread, beans, juice.. and more but when you sign up for that they will give you free health care and find you a obgyn, dentist.. free on your part. then when you have the baby they will give you 9 cans of formula every month and when they are old enough for baby jars they will give you a certain amount to every month. and every state has it! or you can go to your local social services. they can provide you a little health care but i would say make a appointment with your local health department i found mine online i Googled it.

congrats and good luck

Roberta Said:

What do you think about CA cutting insurance programs for kids?

We Answered:

Yes it is stupid to cut health care programs. Hopefully Congress enacts universal healthcare soon. My daughter receives Badgercare (my states medicaid program) and i don't know what i'd do if it was cut. With that, i pay $10 a month for her coverage. I make too much for me to be on it, but thankfully i can get covered by my employer at a reasonable price. To add my daughter to my insurance at work though would cost me about $200/month more then i'm paying now. I know i cannot afford that.