Covered California Certified Enroller Practice Exam

What types of health services does the Catastrophic plan cover?

1. Regular check-ups and vaccinations

2. Serious medical emergencies

3. Routine prescriptions

4. Day-to-day medical expenses

The correct answer is: Serious medical emergencies

The Catastrophic plan is designed primarily to provide coverage for serious medical emergencies, making this choice the most accurate. This type of plan is intended for younger individuals or those who are eligible for a hardship exemption, allowing them to pay lower premiums while still protecting against high costs associated with significant health issues. While it does provide some preventive services at no cost, the main focus is on protecting against high-out-of-pocket expenses in the case of serious accidents or illnesses. The typical structure includes a high deductible that must be met before the insurance starts covering most healthcare services, making it an option primarily for those who are willing to assume the risk of not having comprehensive coverage for day-to-day healthcare needs. The other options revolve around services that are either routinely needed or preventive in nature, which are generally not covered at the same level in a Catastrophic plan. Therefore, the emphasis on serious medical emergencies aligns with the overall purpose of these plans, which is to be a safety net for unexpected and costly health events.