Updates on possible impacts to California with proposed health care reforms to the existing federal Affordable Care Act (ACA)
- On October 25, a California federal district court ruled against 12 states (including California) that were asking for an injunction to block the Trump administration’s Oct. 12 decision to eliminate cost-sharing reduction (CSR) reimbursements to states. Covered California wants to reassure consumers that steps have already been taken to protect the state’s consumers from the elimination of CSR payments, and we have worked with our health insurance companies to price plans accordingly to ensure stability in 2018. The federal CSR decisions do not impact premium tax credits that help Covered California consumers reduce monthly premiums, nor does it change the CSR benefits that low-income consumers get in the form of lower copays and deductibles – and both will be available to consumers throughout 2018. Read more about Covered California and CSRs in the news release here.
It’s here! Covered California’s Open Enrollment period begins Nov. 1 and runs three months!
- The national noise continues about a shortened open enrollment period, but don’t be fooled! Covered California’s Open Enrollment remains three-months-long and runs from Nov. 1 until Jan. 31, 2018, unlike other states belonging to the federal health care exchange. During Covered California’s open enrollment period, you can visit www.CoveredCA.com where you can see what health plans are available in your region and what financial assistance is available to help pay for your health care costs. You can enroll online, or get information about obtaining free, confidential in-person assistance in a variety of languages from a local certified enroller in your area. You can also have a certified enroller contact you within minutes through the “Help on Demand” feature. In addition, you can enroll by calling Covered California’s Service Center at (800) 300-1506. And remember that dental coverage and vision plans are also offered through Covered California.
Maximum Annual Household Income to Qualify for Financial Help
Household Size | Medi-Cal | Covered California |
1 | $16,643 | $48,240 |
2 | $22,412 | $64,960 |
3 | $28,180 | $81,680 |
4 | $33,948 | $98.400 |
5 | $39,717 | $115,120 |
6 | $45,485 | $131,840 |
- Enroll in a Covered California health plan by Dec. 15 to have your coverage begin with the start of the New Year on Jan. 1, 2018.
What’s new and improved for Covered California for 2017-2018?
- Need to make a quick change to your account? CoveredCA.com is now responsive on all mobile devices. You can visit CoveredCA.com on any smartphone or tablet with any browser and experience the difference yourself. Renewal began for Covered California’s 1.4 million consumers on Oct. 11 and you will be able to shop and compare plans on mobile devices by the beginning of Open Enrollment on Nov. 1.
- We’re excited about our progress and what’s new for Covered California’s latest Open Enrollment period, including: the new mobile design and updated webpages for our tech-savvy consumers; a user-friendly, online Shop & Compare” tool to help consumers get the best health plan for the best value; and a new, streamlined online application. Learn more about what’s new for Open Enrollment and the launch of Covered California’s latest marketing campaign, “Life can change in an instant,” In this Oct. 30 news release here.
Tips for getting best value when renewing your Covered California health plan
- With Covered California’s renewal period beginning on Oct. 11, consumers with existing Covered California health coverage are encouraged to shop and compare health plan options by using our updated, online “Shop & Compare” tool, so they can get the best value and select the health plan that is most affordable and suitable for themselves and their families. The Shop & Compare tool contains all Covered California health care plan rates for 2018. Existing Covered California consumers have the opportunity to see their expected rates, financial help available to them, and can begin renewing into coverage for 2018. During the renewal process, all consumers have the option of shopping for a new plan by working with a Certified Insurance Agent, the Covered California Service Center or another certified enroller. Get more information about renewing Covered California and Medi-Cal health plans here.
- If you don’t make any changes to your existing Covered California health plan by Dec. 15, you will be automatically renewed into you current plan (except for those affected consumers who will have to change health plans because their current Anthem Blue Cross health coverage will not be offered in 2018).
Covered California’s Pastor’s Toolkit now updated with 2017-2018 information here:
VIDEO: “How Does Covered California Make Insurance Affordable?”
