How to compare health insurance plans in California
Compare doctors, prescriptions and total costs—not just the monthly premium.
Start with your doctors and hospitals
Check each specific plan's provider directory for your doctors and preferred hospitals. Ask the provider to confirm participation in that plan. A familiar insurance company name does not mean every plan has the same network.
Check prescriptions and pharmacies
Make a list of your medicines, including dosage, and compare it with each plan's formulary. Review pharmacy participation and any prior authorization requirements in the plan documents.
Compare the full cost
A premium is the monthly payment for coverage. A deductible is the amount you may pay before the plan pays for certain services. Copays and coinsurance are your share of covered services. Compare these together with the out-of-pocket maximum and the services it applies to.
Read the plan documents before choosing
Use the Summary of Benefits and Coverage to compare plans side by side. Consider the care you expect to use, not only the lowest premium. Confirm current benefits and eligibility before enrolling; plan availability depends on your location and circumstances.
Official sources
Talk through your options
General educational information, not a recommendation for your individual situation. Gerberg Financial & Insurance Agency, LLC · California License #0D83407.
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