Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace, announced that as of January 31, 2014, more than 1.6 million Americans have enrolled in health coverage either through Covered California or Medi-Cal, the state’s low/no-cost healthcare program. Low enrollment in Covered California among individuals identifying as Latino has been a concern for …
Find Affordable Coverage through the California Health Benefit Exchange
It is important for you take some time out of your busy schedule and review your current health insurance coverage. If you have a plan through your employer, you need to verify it will meet all 10 of the Essential Health Benefits as required under the Affordable Care Act. In …
Covered California Announces Temporary Suspension of Online Small Business Enrollment
The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) online portal has been suspended by Covered California in response to requests for system enhancements and modifications. Peter Lee, Covered California’s executive director, explained that SHOP portal requires improvements as it is not meeting the needs of agents or small employers. “Taking the …
The Affordable Health Care Act Requires All US Citizens to Have Health Insurance
Under the Affordable Health Care Act, all United States citizens must have insurance coverage come January 1st, 2014. In situations where you do not currently have insurance, or unable to afford it, you are not required to start coverage prior to then — however, you must have selected and enrolled in …
Businesses Get Second Extension to Comply with Healthcare Mandate
For the second time in the last year, the Obama Administration has given certain businesses an extension to comply with the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) healthcare mandate. Originally, employers would have been required to provide insurance by January 1, 2014, but were given a one-year extension to January 2015. Now, …
Don’t Neglect Your Physical Fitness in the Winter Months
California is experiencing an unseasonably warm winter season, making it possible for many people to continue their outdoor exercise routines during the colder months. Staying fit is important for both physical and mental health—the brain releases “feel good” chemicals when you exercise, called endorphins, which reduce sensations of pain and …
Shop Our California Health Insurance Exchange to Find Affordable Coverage
You need to be prepared for the changes in healthcare which are going into effect on January 1st, 2014. Now is the time to start to shop your options for the new plans by reviewing these through our California health insurance exchange. We have provided details about how the Affordable Care …
Covered California Receives Additional $155 Million to Improve Service and Enrollment
California’s health insurance exchange, Covered California, recently received $155 million in federal grant money to help boost enrollment, especially among uninsured Latinos, the key market of the exchange. This is in addition to the $910 million the state has already received in federal grant money to establish its healthcare exchange. …
Do I Qualify for an Obamacare Cost-Sharing Subsidy if I’m Not Working?
The tax breaks and subsidies available under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are based on income, not employment status. If you have one or more sources of income (rental property income, unemployment compensation, etc.) you may or may not qualify for a subsidy or tax break, even if you’re not …
What Are the Obamacare Metal Plans?
To ensure that all Americans have access to a health insurance plan that suits their needs and budget, Congress developed a tiered system of health plans under the Affordable Care Act (frequently referred to as “Obamacare”), which vary both in price and coverage. The plans are available through the healthcare …