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.
Covered California Releases New Enrollment Data, Reports on Five Years of Progress
Covered California this week released new data at the halfway point of its current open-enrollment period. As of Dec. 16, about 230,000 consumers had selected a plan, representing an increase of approximately 16% over the same time last year. In addition, more than 1 million people have renewed their plans for the upcoming year.
Covered California Launches Open Enrollment With New Subsidies, Individual Mandate
On Oct. 15, Covered California launched open enrollment for the 2020 coverage year, with restoration of the individual mandate and the new state subsidy program for middle-income Californians who previously did not qualify for financial help because their income exceeded federal limits.
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.
Covered California Invites Comment on Quality, Network Management, Delivery System Standards and Improvement Strategy
Covered California is seeking stakeholder feedback on its efforts to promote accountability and support delivery system improvements. In a recently released request for information, Covered California solicits questions and suggestions in four key areas.
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.