Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the JACL?
- Is this a group plan or individual insurance?
- How long do I have to be a JACL member before applying for health insurance?
- Can I transfer from an existing Blue Shield health plan, to a JACL HBA Blue Shield health plan?
- How can I find a Blue Shield provider?
- Once my application is approved, is there a waiting period to receive benefits?
- I am having trouble resolving a health insurance claim, can you help?
- Do you have an automatic payment program for monthly insurance premiums?
- When can I transfer from one plan type to another?
- Where can I get claim forms?
The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation dedicated to the social empowerment and civil rights of the Asian American Pacific Islander community. The largest organization of its kind, the JACL has been a leading advocate for, and source of education and leadership development to the community since 1929. Through the organization’s membership, the vital programs and activities, on both the local and national levels, expand their reach. For more information, please visit www.jacl.org.
2. Is this a group plan or an individual insurance?
We offer only individual health insurance; the JACL Health Benefits Administrators is an association of individuals, and is not a group plan. Applications for our health insurance are reviewed by Blue Shield of California's underwriting department, and Blue Shield will accept or decline your application. There is no guarantee of enrollment.
3. How long do I have to be a JACL member before applying for health insurance?
You don't already have to be a member of the JACL to apply for our health insurance. You can apply for both the health insurance and the JACL at the same time.
4. Can I transfer from an existing Blue Shield health plan, to a JACL HBA Blue Shield health plan?
No. All applicants must complete our application form, which will be submitted to Blue Shield of California's underwriting department for review. There are no transfers or guarantee of enrollment.
5.How can I find a Blue Shield provider?
You can call Blue Shield of California directly at 1-800-331-2001 for PPO doctors, or 1-800-424-6521 for HMO doctors to ask for a list of Providers in your area. Also, Blue Shield of California has an excellent web site at blueshieldca.com where you can find a list of providers.
6. Once my application is approved, is there a waiting period to receive benefits?
No. There is no waiting period to receive benefits.
7. I am having trouble resolving a health insurance claim, can you help?
Yes, in many cases our staff can help you personally with claims issues that you may have with Blue Shield. The JACL HBA advocates on behalf of its health plan subscribers to help resolve claims problems.
8.Do you have an automatic payment program for monthly insurance premiums?
Yes, we offer a convenient, automatic way to pay your monthly premiums. Just follow the instruction on the Clearpay® form, which authorizes us to withdraw your monthly amount due from your personal checking or savings account. Click here to download the form, or call our office at 1-800-400-6633.
9. Is it possible to transfer to another JACL health plan?
Yes. If you wish to transfer to another of our health plans, then we’ll need to hear from you during our transfer period in November (this transfer period is not an open enrollment period).
10. Where can I get claim forms?
In the event that you need a claim form: