Covered Cal hikes average 0.5%

Covered California's rate increases for 2021 are averaging out at a tad less than expected -- at 0.5 percent. That's a record low for the state Obamacare operation, which heads into the new year with vast uncertainties due to the White House's attempts to dismantle federal support. The average preliminary rate change announced in August was revised downward from 0.6 percent. "The lower rate change is the result of reduced rates ... (More)

Covered Cal expects .6% rate hike

"California continues to show the nation what can be done when you build on and strengthen the Affordable Care Act," its executive director said in announcing an average rate increase of under 1 percent for the 2021 plan year. That 0.6 percent estimate would be the lowest increase since the launch of Obamacare. It comes on the heels of a rate hike of only 0.8 percent in 2020. A few carriers were predicted to have price hikes of as ... (More)

More special enrollment: Aug. 31

Covered California is giving consumers even more time to sign up for healthcare coverage, in an unprecedented extension of its enrollment. The new special-enrollment deadline is Aug. 31. "We are all doing our part in this health crisis, by wearing masks and practicing social distancing, and Covered California is committed to helping people access the health care they need," said Covered California chief Peter Lee. "As the battle ... (More)

Special enrollment through July 31

Covered California's special enrollment period continues through the end of July. The added time is designed to help uninsured residents in the extraordinary time of the Covid-19 crisis. "There is still a lot of uncertainty out there due to the pandemic," said Peter Lee, executive director of Covered California. "We want to make sure that people have a path to coverage, whether it is through Covered California or Medi-Cal, and giving ... (More)

Analysis: Premiums could soar 40%

Premiums in the 2021 individual healthcare market could spike 40 percent or more in 2021, according to an analysis by Covered California. The rates for next year are being set "right now," and will be drastically affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the state Obamacare operation said March 24. "Given that insurers will be submitting 2021 rates in May and finalizing them around July 1, congressional action is needed very soon in ... (More)