Health Insurance Buyer's Guide
Step Five - Apply for Coverage
Once you've submitted your application it may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before the insurance company makes a decision. If you submit your application through eHealthInsurance, we will inform you of the insurance company's decision as soon as possible. You may receive any one of the following responses:
"You're approved!"
Most of the people who apply for Individual and Family health insurance through eHealthInsurance are approved2. Once approved, your health insurance coverage will begin on the "effective date" confirmed by the insurance company."You're approved, with conditions."
The insurance company may offer you coverage but limit benefits for specific conditions based on your medical history."More information is required."
In some cases, the health insurance company will ask for more information regarding your application, and may request medical records from your doctor before coming to a final decision.If your application is denied, please talk with one of our licensed agents by phone. There may be reason to appeal the decision or try again with a different insurance company. If not, we can help put you in touch with government-sponsored options available in your state.
Additional Resources
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable information and helped prepare you to make an informed health insurance shopping decision. Every person's needs are different, however, so if you need additional information, there is a wealth of resources available to help you find the right solution.
For more information about individual and family health insurance plans, please contact:
- A licensed eHealthInsurance agent at 1-800-977-8860
- Or go online to www.ehealthinsurance.com to review FAQs, get free quotes, compare plans, and apply online
If you are unemployed and looking for health insurance options, there are helpful resources available in eHealthInsurance's COBRA Learning Center. They include:
- eHealthInsurance's simple list of 6 health insurance options for the uninsured
- eHealthInsurance's video series on 6 health insurance options for the uninsured
- An updated list of Frequently Asked Questions about COBRA and the subsidy
- COBRA Eligibility Guidelines
- A COBRA Subsidy Calculator
- New research on Unemployment and Health Insurance
If you are unable to qualify for or afford individual health insurance, there may be public programs available. For information about public programs please contact:
- The Foundation for Health Coverage Education (FHCE) at 800-234-1317
- Or go to their web site is www.coverageforall.org
- Or check your local state insurance commission's website
"Why should I submit my application through eHealthInsurance?"
Good question. eHealthInsurance
is the nation's #1 online source for Individual and Family health insurance. We
represent over 180 brand-name health insurance companies across the country, and
we've helped over two million Americans find the coverage they need. When you
shop through eHealthInsurance, you'll not only get the benefit of our national scope
and local expertise, you'll also enjoy:
- A broader view of your options - and knowing what's really available can help you save money
- A speedier submission and review process, thanks to our industry-leading technology
- An advocate with the insurance company to help you resolve billing or claim disputes in the future
- All our services and assistance provided at NO EXTRA COST to you
"Should I submit more than one application at a time?"
Possibly - talk to a licensed eHealthInsurance agent for personal advice.
2 AHIP Center for Policy Research, Individual Health Insurance 2006-2007: A Comprehensive Survey of Premiums, Availability, and Benefits, Individual market, analysis of offer rates, 2006, p.11; http://www.ahipresearch.org/pdfs/Individual_Market_Survey_December_2007.pdf


