1. What is the benefit of working with Competitive Coverage vs. going directly to an agent at a particular insurance carrier?
   
   At Competitive Coverage our licensed independent insurance agents provide unbiased and competitive rates from the top insurance carriers. Due to their independent nature they can offer a plethora of insurance companies. In other words, they aren't bound to one insurance company's plans and/or rates.
   
   
2. Which health insurance companies does Competitive Coverage represent?
   
   Some of the trusted carriers our independent insurance agents have access to include: Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross of California, Health Net, Kaiser Permanente, PacifiCare, Vision Service Plan, Delta Dental, SafeGuard Dental and Vision, Cigna, Blue Shield of California, and Principal Life Dental.
   
   
3. Do you keep the information I submitted for a quote confidential?
   
   Yes. The agent assisting you and limited management has access to your information.
   
   
4. How do your agents get compensated?
   
   There is absolutely no cost for our services directly out of your pocket. Our licensed insurance agents are compensated from the insurance carrier once the business is written.
   
   
5. Is it less expensive to purchase insurance if I buy it directly through an insurance company?
   
   No. It is the same price whether you purchase it through our licensed independent agents or directly with the carrier.
   
   
6. If an employee in my small business has pre-existing health conditions can he or she qualify for insurance?
   
   Yes. As of 1993 a California assembly bill was passed, AB 1672, which changed the way health insurance carriers handled and underwrote small businesses (2-50 employees) in California. Carriers cannot decline an enrolling employee based upon a pre-existing health condition. However, there are eligibility and underwriting guidelines specific to each carrier which could hinder an employee enrolling on your group policy.
   
   
7. Does my business qualify for group health insurance?
   
   If your company is appropriately filed with state and federal agencies and formally has at least two full-time owners, partners, and/or employees your company seems to be a good candidate for group health insurance.
   
   PLEASE BE ADVISED: Although health insurance carriers offer small group health insurance on a guarantee issue basis, according to AB 1672, there are still requirements and underwriting guidelines small businesses need to meet in order to be eligible for small group health insurance. For example, some requirements include but are not limited to: employee participation, employer contribution, maximum group size, etc.
   
   
8. Is group health insurance less expensive than individual health insurance?
   
   This question can only be answered on a case-by-case basis as it depends on various factors. Speak to one of our licensed agents to see if a group plan is right for you.
   
   
9. Do your agents sell anything besides small group medical coverage?
   
   Yes. Our licensed agents offer a wide variety of services including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage along with supplemental insurance products upon request.
   
   
10. How long are the medical premiums locked in at the same price?
    
    Generally, rates are guaranteed for 12 months following open enrollment (when you first enroll into the group policy). Each year during renewal the rates or Risk Adjustment Factor (RAF) are evaluated by the insurance carriers underwriting department.
    
    

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