What is a waiting period?

A waiting period is a period of time between when a person enrolls in a health insurance plan and when their coverage begins. In California, the law dictates that all health insurance plans must have a waiting period of no more than 90 days. This means that a person must wait up to 90 days from the date that they enroll in a plan before their coverage begins. During this time, the person will not be able to access the services offered by their health insurance plan. The purpose of waiting periods is to give the insurer enough time to verify the information provided by the applicant and process their enrollment in the plan. It is also used to discourage people from signing up for a health plan only when they need medical care and then dropping the plan after they receive the care. The waiting period helps to ensure that people are paying a fair premium for their coverage. Waiting periods can vary depending on the plan and insurer. Some plans might require a longer waiting period, while others might allow the coverage to begin immediately or within a few days. It is important to check with your insurer to make sure you understand their specific waiting period requirements.

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