Officials Reaching Out To Residents At Risk Of Losing Health Subsidies
The Covered California customers still need to give officials authority to verify their incomes. Also, a look at how communities with affordable housing sometimes don't meet needs of pregnant women.
Ventura County Star:
Insurance Subsidies At Risk For Nearly 10K
Covered California officials said Thursday they're scrambling to reach nearly 10,000 people across the state who will lose their health insurance subsidies unless they give an OK to have their income verified. The issue revolves around 24,000 people who didn't provide the consent that enables them to receive the income-based subsidies that can reduce premiums of a 55-year-old single man in Ventura with an income of $35,000 by more than $400 a month, according to Covered California estimates. (Kisken, 12/29)
San Francisco Chronicle/CAL Matters:
How California Limits Affordable Care Options For Pregnant Women
Affordable homes with ample lots lure many families to the San Bernardino County town of Apple Valley in the Mojave Desert. But amenities are limited — no department stores, no Costco and, more important, few affordable medical care options for pregnant women. For Cassandra Lindstrom, that meant scheduling the birth of her second baby at a hospital at least an hour away over busy Cajon Pass. “I was worried that I wouldn’t make it in time and (would) give birth on the freeway,” she said. (Canto, 1/1)