In California, an employee may also be eligible to purchase a guaranteed issue individual "conversion" policy if they lose their group health insurance. This is called a conversion plan because the employee converts from the group policy to an individual policy. When an employee's group plan ends, the group carrier must offer eligible employees (employees with 3 months creditable coverage) an individual "conversion" policy. If you qualify for a conversion plan, you cannot be denied insurance because of pre-existing conditions. For applicable rates and policy options, see the Department of Managed Health Care website.

MRMIP

MRMIP (Major Risk Medical Insurance Program) is California's state risk pool for people with health problems who are not able to buy individual health insurance and are not eligible for the above HIPAA or Conversion plans. Californians qualifying for the program participate in the cost of their coverage by paying premiums. The State of California supplements those premiums to cover the cost of care in MRMIP. Because of funding limitations, MRMIP does sometimes have a wait list. For applicable rates and policy options, see the MRMIP website.