A 'hospital indemnity' policy differs from a major medical policy because it:

a.Covers only catastrophic claims above $1 million
b.Reimburses the actual medical expenses incurred, dollar-for-dollar
c.Pays a fixed, stated dollar amount per day (or per admission) regardless of the actual medical expenses incurred
d.Pays only physician fees and not hospital charges

Explanation

A hospital indemnity (or 'hospital cash') policy pays a flat, scheduled benefit — for example, $200 per day of hospital confinement or $1,500 per admission — without regard to the actual medical costs. This contrasts with a major medical or reimbursement policy, which pays based on the actual expenses incurred (subject to deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maxima). Hospital indemnity benefits are typically considered SUPPLEMENTAL coverage and do NOT qualify as minimum essential coverage under the ACA; the consumer needs comprehensive coverage in addition. Option A describes catastrophic policies. Option B describes reimbursement plans (the major medical model). Option D is fabricated. Hospital indemnity is a 'valued' or 'indemnity-style' contract, paying a scheduled amount.

Law Reference: Cal. Ins. Code §10123 and federal PPACA

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