Covered California Marketplace

Covered California Issues Enrollment Update

Covered California announced last week that more than 58,000 consumers have enrolled in health insurance coverage through the exchange since it established a “Special Enrollment Period” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The enrollment data cover a three-week period from March 20, the date the Special Enrollment Period was launched, through April 7.  

Individual Mandate Penalty Estimator Available From Franchise Tax Board

Beginning this year, Californians who don’t have health insurance will be required to pay a penalty. To help consumers understand the penalty they may owe if they forgo qualifying health coverage, the Franchise Tax Board has launched an individual mandate penalty estimator, as well as a penalty fact sheet that can be shared with consumers.

Next Covered California Board Meeting Scheduled for Feb. 21

Covered California will hold its next board meeting on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sacramento. The meeting is scheduled to include a report from Executive Director Peter Lee, as well as updates on policy and action items including qualified health plan contracting for 2020. A meeting agenda is available online.

CHA Comments on Covered California’s Draft Options for Improving Affordability

Yesterday, CHA submitted comments on Covered California’s draft Options to Improve Affordability in California’s Health Insurance Market. In the letter, CHA reiterates its readiness to partner with Covered California and the Legislature to build upon the Affordable Care Act by implementing premium and cost-sharing subsidies, an individual mandate and penalty, and reinsurance.