Covered California has moved to limit specialty drug costs, becoming the nation's first Obamacare operation to offer the protection. The Covered California board voted for the change May 21, in a policy shift that had been expected. The changes take effect in 2016. "These new policies strike a balance between ensuring Covered California consumers can afford the medication they need to treat chronic and life-threatening conditions ... (More)
18,000 signups so far in tax season
April 7, 2015 1 Comment
It's a procrastinator's dream: Those who've put off getting health insurance to avoid penalties for the 2015 tax year have even more time to sign up. The April 30 dead-deadline for health insurance comes two weeks after tax filings are due for the year 2014. Almost all of those who went without coverage in 2014 will have to pay that "shared responsibility payment" regardless. Covered California says about 18,000 have signed up so ... (More)
Blue Shield loses tax exemption
March 20, 2015 Leave a Comment
State tax regulators have pulled the exempt status of health-care giant Blue Shield, one of the major participants in California's Obamacare operation. The move came in August, but was only publicized in mid-March. The story broke in the Los Angeles Times. Blue Shield of California said it was appealing the decision. It has not paid state income taxes since 1939, but does pay federal taxes. The health-care provider reportedly has ... (More)
Almost 500,000 enrollees for 2015
March 6, 2015 Leave a Comment
Covered California ended its closely watched second enrollment with almost 500,000 new consumers. The total of 495,073, brings overall enrollment in the state Obamacare operation to 1.4 million, short of the 1.7 million goal set by Covered California. The organization pointed to "a more diverse and younger population" of enrollees, both targeted demographics. "It is clear Latinos, African-Americans and young adults not only ... (More)
474,000 sign up via Covered Calif.
February 19, 2015 Leave a Comment
Nearly 474,000 consumers signed up for private health insurance via the Covered California program, officials said as the second enrollment period closed. More than 36,000 enrolled on Sunday, Feb. 15, the final day for signups. That's the biggest enrollment seen for any single day since the signups for 2015 on Nov. 15. "With this surge in momentum, we expect more than 500,000 people will enroll in a health plan through Covered ... (More)
Recent Comments