California Cities Ranked Among Lowest for Premium Costs
Several California cities ranked among the top 10 U.S. cities that have the lowest premiums for children's health insurance and family coverage, according to a study released this week by eHealthInsurance, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
The study examined 5,000 stand-alone private health plans offered in the 100 largest U.S. cities.
According to the report, Long Beach has the most affordable policies for children and adults in California. Nationwide, the city ranked fourth-lowest in monthly children's premiums, with the lowest policy at $47, and eighth for family premiums, with the lowest at $55 per month (Darcé, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7/20).
Other California cities in the list of the most affordable cities for children's health insurance are:
- Glendale, also ranked fourth;
- Santa Ana, Anaheim and Bakersfield, ranked eighth; and
- San Diego and Riverside, ranked ninth.
Karen Auby, spokesperson for eHealthInsurance, said strong competition among insurance providers in California and less restrictive state regulations have led to lower health insurance prices in the state.
Christopher Ohman, CEO of the California Association of Health Plans, said the number of managed care policies offered by HMOs in the state also contribute to lower prices (San Diego Union-Tribune, 7/20).
The eHealthInsurance premium study is available online. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the report. This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.