Category Archives: Health Care Reform

Obamacare Premiums In California May Rise 8 Percent Next Year, State Predicts

By Health Care Reform

Source: Kaiser Health News

California’s health insurance exchange estimates that its Obamacare premiums may rise 8 percent on average next year, which would end two consecutive years of more modest 4 percent increases.

The projected rate increase in California, included in the exchange’s proposed annual budget, comes amid growing nationwide concern about insurers seeking double-digit premium hikes in the health law’s  insurance marketplaces.… Read the rest

California Effort is Underway to Allow Undocumented Immigrants to Buy Healthcare Coverage

By Health Care Reform

Source: Los Angeles Times

California would be the first state in the nation to ask the federal government to allow immigrants in the country illegally to purchase health insurance through a state exchange under new proposed legislation.

Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) authored a bill that would have the state formally request the federal government to give permission for immigrants to pay for coverage through Covered California without cost to the state or federal government.… Read the rest

Covered California to Offer Vision Coverage through VSP

Covered California to Offer Vision Coverage through VSP

By Health Care Reform

Covered California and VSP® Vision Care have partnered to offer consumers a pathway to vision coverage. Beginning February 16, consumers will have access to shop for VSP vision benefits.

Peek Into What the Plan Offers

Overview of the full service plan offered by VSP to Covered California participants:

  • $15 exam copay/$25 glasses copay
    • Single vision, lined bifocal, or lined trifocal lenses when glasses are selected versus contact lenses
    • $120 frame allowance or contact lens allowance
    • Contact lens – the fitting and evaluation is fully covered with no copay, allowing members to use their full allowance toward the purchase of contacts

While adult vision care is important for Covered California members, adult vision care is not an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act and coverage is handled directly through VSP.… Read the rest

Open Enrollment Ends Soon – the 2016 Penalty has increased!

By Health Care Reform, Open Enrollment

The annual open enrollment period for health insurance will be ending January 31st. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enroll in a health insurance plan for 2016.

The penalty for not enrolling in 2016 is increasing substantially. If you can afford health insurance but choose not to buy it, you must pay a fee called the individual shared responsibility payment.… Read the rest

Covered CA Deadline Extended to December 17

By Health Care Reform, Open Enrollment

Deadline Extended through December 17!

Due to very high demand for health insurance through Covered California, the deadline to enroll for coverage starting January 1 will be extended through 11:59 pm on December 17 to accommodate the surge in interest.

“The spike in interest we are seeing in the last few days tells us there is continued demand for quality, affordable coverage,” said Executive Director Peter V.… Read the rest

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Ends Today!

By Health Care Reform, Open Enrollment

Medicare’s Annual Election Period ends today, December 7th.  If you have not yet made changes to your plan or enrolled – today is the deadline!

For individuals/families, December 15th is the deadline to enroll for coverage beginning January 1, 2016.

Please note these important dates for 2016 health insurance marketplace enrollment:

  • December 15, 2015: Last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start January 1, 2016
  • January 1, 2016: 2016 coverage starts for those who enroll or change plans by December 15.
… Read the rest
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