Covered California Certified Enroller Practice Exam

What happens when a member pays the premium to their health insurance company?

1. They immediately become eligible for all benefits

2. They will receive all plan documents in the mail

3. They can expect their ID card within 10 days

4. They must complete a waiting period for services

The correct answer is: They can expect their ID card within 10 days

When a member pays the premium to their health insurance company, one of the immediate expectations is the receipt of their insurance identification card, typically within a specified timeframe, which is often around 10 days. The ID card serves as proof of insurance and is necessary for accessing healthcare services. While it is true that paying a premium often indicates the member is now eligible for benefits, the immediate tangible result of the payment is chiefly the issuance of the ID card. The ID card is crucial for the member as it is used when they check in for medical services and provides critical information about their coverage. Additionally, members may start accessing certain benefits right away, but details about specific services and benefits would be found in the plan documents, which are generally sent after premium payment rather than immediately. Thus, expecting the ID card within 10 days as a result of paying the premium aligns with standard procedures in health insurance processes.