What does "health insurance portability" allow individuals to do?

Health insurance portability primarily refers to the ability of individuals to transfer their health insurance coverage from one plan to another without losing any benefits that they have accrued under their previous plan. This concept is essential in ensuring that individuals do not face gaps in their coverage or lose important benefits when changing jobs or moving to a different insurance provider.

When an individual changes their health insurance plan, they are often concerned about maintaining continuity in their coverage, especially concerning pre-existing conditions and accumulated benefits. Health insurance portability ensures that these concerns are addressed, allowing individuals to transition smoothly between plans while retaining the benefits they have already earned.

Other options involve concepts that may not accurately reflect the nature of health insurance portability. For instance, while obtaining new insurance without waiting periods is beneficial, it doesn't specifically define portability. Similarly, switching providers without penalties might seem appealing but does not encapsulate the essence of portability. Lastly, receiving additional coverage without increased premiums is not relevant to the idea of portability, which focuses on benefits retention rather than new or additional coverage.