Californians Shaken By News Of Anthem’s Withdrawal From Most Counties In State
“My wife and I came up with a new Covered California slogan,” quipped Santa Cruz County resident Chris Olsen. “Covered California: Nothing you can count on.” Meanwhile, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) says she doesn't understand the decision and is "deeply concerned" by it.
San Jose Mercury News:
Bay Area Residents Worry About Anthem Blue Cross Exit
Anthem, which this year attracted 19 percent of the exchange’s 1.4 million enrollees, will only offer 2018 plans in Santa Clara County, five counties in the Central Valley, and 22 Northern California counties. Anthem’s decision to withdraw its health plans in California affects only the individual insurance market — both on and off the health-insurance exchange. (Seipel, 8/2)
KQED:
Feinstein “Deeply Concerned” With Anthem Rollback Of Coverage
California Senator Dianne Feinstein said Wednesday that she was “deeply concerned” by Anthem Blue Cross’s decision to reduce individual health plan coverage for some 150,000 Californians. ...In an email to KQED, Anthem Blue Cross representatives said the shrinking individual market and changes in federal guidance were the reasons behind its decision to cover fewer Californians this year. (Klivans, 8/2)
East Bay Times:
Here's What You Need To Know As Covered California Rates Go Up In 2018
Peter Lee, executive director of Covered California, described 3 percent of premium increases as an “uncertainty surcharge,” fueled by the unclear future of the Affordable Care Act. Uncertainty about the law also will prompt a big private insurer, Anthem Blue Cross, to stop selling Covered California plans in parts of California. “While we have done a lot in California to give plans some certainty, they’re still nervous,” Lee said of insurers. (Perkes, 8/2)
KPBS:
Covered California Policyholders Have Some Decisions To Make
Price hikes and a large insurer pulling out of the market — it looks like it will be another rough and tumble year for the state's health insurance exchange. Anthem Blue Cross said it will no longer sell policies through Covered California for people in San Diego County and 15 other regions in the state. (Goldberg, 8/3)