SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A new analysis shows that Covered California continues to attract a healthy mix of enrollees, and the overall health of its enrollees improved from 2016 to 2017. This data is key to Covered California’s stability and will be used to help shape and inform rate negotiations with its 11 qualified health plans […]
California Authorizes Health Insurers To File “Trump Rates” and “ACA Rates”
Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announced today that he has authorized health insurers filing rates with the Department of Insurance to file two sets of rates, in light of the market instability created by President Trump’s continued undermining of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
House GOP bill amendments guts essential health benefits
The newly proposed amendments magnify the House GOP bill’s flaws by removing essential health benefits from health insurance coverage. After years of rallying against Obamacare and promising to repeal it, the GOP has concocted a proposal that is shortsighted, ill-conceived and dangerous to the health of people who need health insurance coverage and already have it today thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
Blue Shield of California payment system updates coming in April 2017
Beginning in April, we will transition to a new payment system that will offer our members the same convenient choices with an improved online payment experience. Members will notice some changes if they pay their bill online or are enrolled in Easy$PaySM, our automatic payment program.
Appeals court affirms Commissioner’s authority to protect health consumers
The California Court of Appeal has rejected health insurers’ lawsuit against Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones challenging regulations he issued to protect consumers from unlawful cancellations of their health insurance. The Association of California Life and Health Insurers (ACLHIC) sued Commissioner Jones to invalidate his regulations that protect consumers from having their insurance unfairly terminated, claiming the commissioner lacked the authority to adopt them and that they were inconsistent with statute.
Anthem Works To Address Health Concerns Of African Americans
Anthem has worked with the National Urban League, City of Hope and Pfizer, Inc., to launch Take Action for Health, a free, interactive website aimed at reducing some of the greatest health risks facing the African American community today, like breast cancer, heart disease and emotional well-being.
Anthem & California Insurance Commissioner Respond To Blocked Cigna Merger
“Anthem is significantly disappointed by the decision as combining Anthem and Cigna would positively impact the health and well-being of millions of Americans – saving them more than $2 billion in medical costs annually,” said Joseph R. Swedish, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Anthem.
United Healthcare Will Not Change Transgender Coverage
UnitedHealthcare is not changing its coverage of treatment for gender dysphoria as a result of the preliminary injunction issued on Dec. 31, 2016, by the U.S. District Court in Texas. UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual coverage of treatment for gender dysphoria will remain consistent with the members’ applicable benefit plan language.
Executive Order To Minimize The Economic Burden Of The ACA by President Trump
It is the policy of my Administration to seek the prompt repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148), as amended (the “Act”). In the meantime, pending such repeal, it is imperative for the executive branch to ensure that the law is being efficiently implemented, take all actions consistent with law to minimize the unwarranted economic and regulatory burdens of the Act, and prepare to afford the States more flexibility and control to create a more free and open healthcare market.
Blue Cross Grandfathered Plans 2017 Rate Action
Beginning April 1, 2017, Anthem Blue Cross will adjust the base rates for existing business on all California Department of Insurance (CDI) grandfathered medical plans with an April 1, 2017 effective date. Members will also receive an adjustment for age changes. The base rates for members on Department of Manage Health Care (DMHC) grandfathered medical plans, that were effective April 1, 2016, are not scheduled to change in 2017. DMHC members will receive an adjustment for age changes.