moving to Cali

I currently have an individual and family plan ppo through regence blue shield in washington state. I am also currently pregnant. I am moving to california and am wondering if my coverage will still work? My husband and I are both independant contractors so we do not have an opportunity to recieve health coverage through an employer. If I can't use or somehow transfer my current insurance, am I out of luck? Or is there another option for me? Thanks for your help :)

[Amir Mostafaie]

Dear Solacesunshine,

I don't know any CA major medical carriers who would accept a pregnant applicant unless you are HIPAA eligible. One of the requirements for being HIPAA eligible is that your last coverage must be group, which unfortunately doesn't apply to you.

CA offers a program to pregnant applicants called AIM or Access for Infants & Mothers. To qualify for AIM, you must have lived in California for at last 6 months which unfortunately doesn't apply to you either.

Some PPO plans will allow members to stay in another state for less than 6 months as long as you maintain your original (WA) state residency. So your best bet is to keep your current coverage until you or your spouse find group health insurance with maternity benefits through employment in CA.


Sincerely,

Amir Mostafaie