This group rate is then compared to the rate for a Kaiser individual plan without medical review, and if the group plan should be less generous in its coverage, then the hypothetical group used to determine the Kaiser group average is adjusted accordingly. The closest we can come to this is the California Major Medical Risk Pool, administered by the state, which accepts persons who have been turned down for an individual policy by at least one insurance company. Persons accepted into the pool can then choose from five different carriers each offering essentially the same coverage which is, very generally, not as good as a typical individual plan. See the rates for the pool in the table below. Note that pool rates vary by age.
Insurers report that very few conversion policies are written.
The Health Insurance Portability Act, which was passed by Congress a few years ago. HIPA requires no medical review but, like conversion plans and the Major Risk Pool, has benefits that are generally worse than typical group plans. See the table below for rate information, which are also considerably above typical group rates. Note that HIPA is the same rate regardless of age. This Community Rate then becomes the starting point for any new group joining Kaiser.