Always Be Sure...
Make sure the representative you are speaking with is licensed in CA to be providing you the comparisons, licensed to be even suggesting which one is better, and even be advising on prospective plans for the upcoming benefit year.
- Ins. Code § 1631 → requires a license to solicit/negotiate/effect insurance
- Ins. Code § 35 → defines those activities broadly
- Ins. Code § 32 / § 1626 framework → gives the proper health-insurance license authority for accident and health or sickness business sultants.
- § 1361.1 refers to a solicitor, solicitor firm, or representative of a health care service plan selling, soliciting, or negotiating the purchase of coverage products, and regulates how they may do so.
Specical Note
One careful note: whether a person can merely give general information versus make a plan-specific recommendation can get fact-specific fast, especially if they are unlicensed, paid per enrollment, or operating through Covered California or a DMHC plan arrangement. This is one of those spots where the legal line depends on exactly what the rep says and who they represent.
Your Employer
If you are receiving health insurance through your employer, then you need to ask more than enough questions on your plan offers. you need to make sure they support your current doctors, specialists, hospitals, and urgent cares. Your employer will not confirm this. Your employer will not double check for you. Make sure you speak with a licensed representative from the insurance and receive their name, agent id, reference number as soon as they answer these questions.