Health Insurance
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Health Insurance Definitions
A premium is a payment that is made by a consumer, usually monthly, to purchase health insurance.
A co-pay is a pre-specified amount that the consumer pays at the doctor's office, pharmacy, or other health care provider to pay for some of the cost. For example, every time you go to the doctor, you may have a $30 copay. Not all health insurance plans have co-pays. A deductible is the amount that must be paid by the consumer (out-of-pocket) for health care expenses before insurance covers any of the costs. Insurance plans are usually based on yearly deductible amounts. Each person in a family may have their own deductible, and prescription medicines may have their own deductible. A managed care provider, like CenCal Health or an HMO, has a network of providers that patients can see. Patients must designate a primary care doctor. Then that doctor acts as a gateway for specialized services. |
Health Navigation
The SLO County Public Health Nurse Navigator Program helps SLO County residents get access to the health care they need.
If a resident doesn't have health insurance, needs help finding a provider, or something else related to navigating the health care system, contact the Health Care Access and Navigation staff for a free, confidential evaluation at 805-781-4838. Learn more and find a Contact Form here. Need Help?
Contact an advocate or staff member at a Family Resource Center for support with non-medical needs such as food, clothing, shelter, parent education and navigating social services. A full listing of Family Resource Centers in San Luis Obispo County can be found here:
https://sloparents.org/slo-frc-directory/ |