There is an alternative to higher rate plans. Kaiser Permanente’s Deductible Plans with HSA, or Health Savings Accounts, provide more affordable rates for a lot of business owners and self-employed individuals.  If your small business is feeling the pinch of HSA rate hikes you may really like Kaiser Permanente’s $0/$1,500 HSA plan. With zero dollar copays after the deductible, employees can easily predict costs, and your clients can immediately see the savings. Plus, you can lock in a guaranteed RAF for this year and next. If you enroll your group before July 1, you can get a low rate for the entire year.

Posted: April 22nd, 2008 under California Group.
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The $1,000 Deductible Plan and the $0/$1500 Deductible Plan with HSA are the Kaiser Permanente California individual health insurance plans with the lowest out of pocket maximum. With either of these medical plans, once your out of pocket expenses reach $1500 in a calendar year, you have virtually 100% coverage. You still have to continue paying the bill for your health insurance policy, but beyond that, all your doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, etc. are free.

This feature makes the $1,000 Deductible Plan one of Kaiser’s richest plans. Doctor visits and prescription drugs are covered before the deductible. The deductible is the 2^nd lowest of Kaiser’s deductible plans. Also, this health plan has a lower out of pocket maximum than the $25 Copayment Plan and the $500 Deductible Plan, which tend to be more expensive.

However, if you’re looking to reduce your out of pocket maximum and your monthly premium, I recommend the $0/$1500 Deductible Plan with HSA. This healthcare plan allows you to become a Kaiser Permanente member, pay member prices, and open a Health Savings Account (if you like). Also, with this plan, you have one of the lowest monthly premiums while at the same time having the lowest out of pocket maximum offered on the Kaiser Permanente health plans. 

Posted: April 17th, 2008 under California Individual.
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People interested in applying for Kaiser Permanente ask me all the time if we offer optical coverage. Technically, we do not. However, some plans cover eye exams and Kaiser does have an optical department. Starting in 2008, KPIF and KP Group members will receive a 20% discount on contacts, lenses and frames. This discount is not currently listed on the plan highlights. However, Kaiser Permanente plans to include them in the future. This discount will be for all members whether they are new or existing.

Posted: April 14th, 2008 under California.
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Some Individual and Family clients wonder, “What if I don’t get my Student Certification Form to Kaiser Permanente on time?”

If the student certification form is not received, then the adult child will be put on his/her own individual health plan and be charged accordingly. If this happens and then Kaiser later receives the Student Certification form, the family may be reimbursed for the difference in price depending on when the Student Certification form is received.

As long as KP receives the certificate within the first 30 days of coverage, the family will be reimbursed. After 30 days, then the family premium will be effective the first of the next month. For example, if the effective date for the family is Jan 1st and the certificate is not received within the first 30 days, KP will put the student on his/her own plan until the certificate is received. Kaiser Permanente will have the family pay for two separate plans until Feb 1st. On Feb 1st they will add the student onto the family plan and the premium will reflect this change.

Posted: April 12th, 2008 under California Individual.
Comments: 1