Cigna has released their 2017 health plans available in select counties of Northern and Southern California. Cigna has decided not to pay agents commissions for 2017. (Cigna Cuts All Agent’s Commissions to 0% for 2017) Consumers will have limited options for assistance with enrollment and the explanation of the health plans from Cigna in 2017. Most all Cigna plans have been converted to EPO plans. The exception is one Bronze plan that still remains a PPO product.
Anthem Blue Cross Simple Off Exchange Plan Change Forms
Anthem Blue Cross has made it easier for members with off-exchange plans to change plans without filling out a new application. Current off-exchange members who want to change from their 2016 ACA compliant Anthem plan (purchased off the exchange) to a different off-exchange plan for 2017 can use the appropriate new form instead of having to complete the full enrollment application.
Health Net 2017 Californnia Individual and Family Plans
For 2017, Health Net is offering a variety of health plans throughout California. There are EPOs, HSPs, HMOs, and PPOs plans. Some of the plans are offered through Covered California and some, like the PPO plans, are only offered off-exchange direct from Health Net.
Blue Shield’s New PCP Assignment FAQs for PPO Plans
In 2017, we will be selecting a primary care physician (PCP) for you so you can begin building a relationship with your doctor. As a PPO member, read our frequently asked questions about choosing a PCP.
Anthem Blue Cross 2017 Individual and Family Plan Materials
For 2017, we have adjusted our product portfolio to include an exclusive provider organization (EPO) in most rating regions. Rating Regions 10 – 14 (Southern San Joaquin Valley counties) will continue to be offered PPO plans. Members on some 2016 PPO plans and all Tiered PPO plans in these areas will be transitioned to EPO plans effective 1/1/17 (unless they choose a different plan). Members will have access to our Pathway network of doctors and hospitals, but their EPO plan will not cover out-of-network benefits.
Health Net 2017 Renewal and $50 Gift Card
Health Net of California has announced that all of their 2016 individual and family health plans will roll into 2017. There will be no plan closures making it easier for current members to renew their health plan for the 2017 calendar year. In letters being sent out on September 30, Health Net will be offering a $50 gift card as a reward for certain healthy initiatives on the member’s part.
Blue Shield will replace its EPO plans with PPO plans in four Northern California EPO regions
Some Blue Shield highlights for IFP plans include:
•79 percent of Blue Shield members will receive an increase of less than 10 percent
•63 percent of members on a Silver Plan will receive a rate decrease
•Four Southern California regions will experience a decrease on average for the rates for those regions
•Blue Shield will replace its EPO plans with PPO plans in four Northern California EPO regions (Rural North, Wine Country, Alameda, and Monterey) for 2016 which means out-of-network benefits and access to out-of-network providers