When she was Pennsylvania’s insurance commissioner, Jessica Altman, the appointee of a Democratic governor, often bumped against the political limits of health care policy in a state where Republicans controlled the legislature. Despite the constraints of a divided government, Altman played a key role in persuading lawmakers in 2019 to join Gov. Tom Wolf in passing legislation that established Pennsylvania’s state-run Affordable Care ... (More)
Deadline extended to Dec. 30
December 17, 2020 Leave a Comment
Covered California is known for moving signup deadlines, but here's a first: Enrollment for 2021 has been extended until Dec. 30. Coverage begins two days later. The deadline had been Dec. 15. Consumers who sign up by Dec. 30 will need to pay their first bill in order to have their coverage take effect on Jan. 1, however. Covered California chief Peter Lee said, "The pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on all of our ... (More)
New Covered Cal signups up 41%
February 18, 2020 Leave a Comment
Covered California posted a dramatic surge in signups during its open enrollment for the year 2020. The increase for new health plans was put at 41 percent more than the numbers for 2019. Covered California credited "new state policies," notably including the return of an "individual mandate" that penalizes those who do not have health coverage. The federal penalty was removed for 2019, inspiring California to institute its own ... (More)
Jan. 1 coverage deadline extended
December 17, 2019 Leave a Comment
Reacting to "a strong surge in enrollment," Covered California has extended the deadline for coverage to begin Jan. 1. Consumers now have through Friday, Dec. 20, to have their coverage go into effect with the coming of the new year. "Open enrollment is full-steam ahead, and this year's enrollment period is more important than before," Covered California chief Peter Lee (pictured) said Dec. 16 in announcing the ... (More)
Individual mandate back in Calif.
June 29, 2019 Leave a Comment
Californians again face a tax penalty for not having health insurance. Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, signed into law the Legislature's plan to reintroduce a so-called individual mandate, effective Jan. 1, 2020. Californians are required to have "minimal essential" health coverage. Led by President Trump, the federal government in 2017 killed the Obamacare penalty, effective with this tax year. The new state penalty is designed to ... (More)
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