A federal study shows that California's percentage of those without health insurance is running about a point lower than the national average. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found California's uninsured rate was 8.1 at the end of 2015, vs. 9.1 for the U.S. as a whole. California also beat the national average in key categories: (3.6 percent vs. 4.5 percent); 18-64 years (11.1 percent vs. 12.8 percent); and under 65 ... (More)
8% premium hikes expected in ’17
May 14, 2016 Leave a Comment
After a honeymoon period of several years, Covered California customers will be looking at a meaningful increase in premiums for 2017. The state Obamacare operation is predicting rate increases of 8 percent next year, it said in a budget proposal. That's double the 4 percent average of the past two years, but lower than projections elsewhere in the nation for Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Some consumer advocates said ... (More)
Lawmakers: Fix pregnancy snafu
May 3, 2016 Leave a Comment
Sixteen members of California's congressional delegation are calling on Covered California to quickly fix a problem that has caused some pregnant women to be dropped from their health plans and enrolled in Medi-Cal without prior notice or consent. Led by congressman Ami Bera and congresswoman Lois Capps, the lawmakers sent a letter Thursday to Diana Dooley, secretary of the state's Health and Human Services Agency, and to Covered ... (More)
Covered Cal seeks care reforms
April 11, 2016 Leave a Comment
Covered California is moving aggressively to address quality of care issues via its new contracts with health insurers. Most contract provisions go into effect for the years 2017-19. The changes include a system for identifying and penalizing health care providers who provide substandard care. "We are creating a market that rewards quality over quantity and moves health reform forward in an impactful way," Covered California ... (More)
20 mil insured under Obamacare
March 4, 2016 Leave a Comment
An estimated 20 million U.S. adults have benefited from "gains in health insurance" since enactment of the Affordable Care Act six years ago, the government says. The uninsured rate for adults (ages 18 to 64) fell by 43 percent between October 2013 and early 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services said March 3. It cited a "dramatic and steady decline in the uninsured rate." "This is the lowest rate of uninsured we've ... (More)
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