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Covered California premiums will spike next year by an average of 13.2 percent statewide, but there are steps consumers can take to mitigate the damage. They can choose a different health insurer, they can switch from a PPO to an HMO, or they can get free help from a certified insurance agent or enroller in their area.
California Healthline Senior Correspondent Emily Bazar recently appeared on KALW’s “Your Call” radio program to discuss the price hikes and offer advice to consumers. Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, which has long advocated for health insurance rate regulation, also appeared on the show.
Both urged consumers to do their homework and get help before choosing a plan. Open enrollment for Covered California and the open market begins Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 31, 2017.
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