Healthcare Reform Update- May 2013

May 23, 2013 was a historic day for California. Covered CA, the state Individual Health Insurance Exchange, announced its final plans, rates, and the rating regions.  Finally shining a small light on what we can expect for next year, the press release made today gave us some answers, but not all.

Take a look at the rates and plans for the 19 rating regions.

One of the major announcements today was the list of the 13 carriers that were accepted and will be participating in the individual exchange. They are:

Each of these 13 carriers will have 9-10 standardized plans, or the Metal plans (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Catastrophic).  Some of the plans will offer options such as a Silver HSA plan or a Platinum Co-pay plan.

Depending on your region, the enrollee will have the option of at least two carriers, but some areas, like Los Angeles, will have access to six carriers.  After determining a plan, the next step is comparing the networks.

What will the networks look like?  Right now, we don’t have an answer for you. There are many more questions left including: the rates for the SHOP (Small Business Health Insurance Exchange), and what will the rates be outside of Covered CA for those individuals not covered by an employer plan and do not qualify for the government subsidy.

As more information and answers are released, check back with my blog to stay informed.