It's a good idea to compare the cost of keeping your group plan with COBRA to buying insurance on your own. Shop around before your current insurance ends. Compare benefits packages and costs. If you have a problem finding insurance you can afford call Reach Out at (858) 268-9710.

HEALTH CARE INSURANCE GUIDE Useful Terms HMO Assistance COBRA Getting Insurance On Your Own MediCal HMO Medicare HMOs Disabilities Routine Care Care For Children Mental Health Emergency Care Hospital Care End Of Life Care If You Have A Complaint Request Independent Medical Review

A law called HIPAA protects your rights to get insurance on your own. It protects coverage for a pre-existing condition. The law limits how much a plan can charge you.
Call Department of Insurance or visit http://cms.hhs.gov.
Use up your COBRA first and apply for HIPAA individual coverage within 60 days of the date your COBRA ends. You must have continuous coverage for the last 18 months.

California AIDS Hotline
Information on HIV/AIDS services
(800) 367-2437 www.sfaf.org

California Patient's Guide
A guide to health care rights www.calpatientguide.org

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Information on HIPAA http://cms.hhs.gov

Department of Insurance
Information and help for consumers
(800) 927-4357 www.insurance.ca.gov

U.S. Department of Labor, PWBA
Information about COBRA and HIPAA
(866) 275-7922 www.dol.gov/pwba