The open enrollment period for Covered California begins this November, but you may be able to enroll outside of this period if you have a qualifying life event. Medi-Cal has no restrictions on enrollment, and those who meet the financial qualifications can enroll at any time. What Are Qualifying Life …
Uninsured Rate Drops Dramatically among Latinos under New Healthcare Law
The findings of a report released by the Commonwealth Fund this week indicates that the uninsured rate of young Latinos aged 19-34 fell from 43% last year to 23% after the open enrollment period ended in June 2014. The drop in uninsured rates is due in large part to the …
The Controversy over Prop 45 in California
Prop 45 is a California ballot measure that, if passed, would require that the state’s insurance commissioner (Dave Jones) approve any changes (including increases) to individual or small group health insurance rates. The measure would not apply to large group employer health plans, only to individual and small group plans, …
Covered CA Attempting to Confirm Eligibility for Nearly 100,000 Enrollees
Covered California, the state-run health insurance exchange, is in the process of trying to acquire documents confirming the lawful presence in the U.S. of 98,000 consumers who enrolled in Covered California plans in 2014. Covered California has sent letters to tens of thousands of consumers with eligibility inconsistencies advising them …
Covered California Announces New Plan Rates for 2015
Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange, recently announced how rates will change in 2015 for those who purchase coverage through the exchange. The statewide weighted average is a 4.2% increase for consumers; however, some consumers will see no increase or will even a decrease in premium. “This is good …
Covered California Expands Dental Services to Consumers
Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange, recently announced that consumers who enroll in plans in 2015 will have a choice of new family dental plans. Additionally, all plans sold through the exchange will include pediatric dental benefits for children under age 19. Pediatric dental care is especially important, as …
How to Compare Individual Health Insurance Coverage Plans
To compare the costs for individual health insurance coverage required starting January 1, 2014, you need to gather your related medical expenses. If you do not have existing coverage, it is easy to put this information together. If you have coverage through a provider and your plan is one that …
Do I Really Need Health Insurance?
It’s a question many people ask, especially those on a tight budget: Do I need health insurance? The answer, especially for those on tighter budgets, is: Yes! First and foremost, health insurance offers financial protection in case of a catastrophic accident or illness. Consider that the average cost of a …
What Is a Short-Term Health Insurance Plan?
Short-term health plans are designed to cover people who are between insurance plans and need temporary coverage. These plans typically have high deductibles and are designed as “just in case” coverage for catastrophic illness and accidents. A slight majority (55.1%, as of the 2010 census1) of Americans have health insurance …
Survey Finds Most Health Insurance Exchanges Enrollees Were Previously Uninsured
A survey conducted in recent months by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that six in 10 individuals who signed up for a health plan, either through the federal health insurance exchange or a state-based exchange, such as Covered California, were previously uninsured. Four in 10 already had insurance prior to …