State Health Benefit Exchange Executes Agreements with
Insurance Companies in Its Individual and Small-Group Markets
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Covered
California™ announced that insurance companies signed contracts to participate
in the newly created health benefit exchange.Twelve health insurance companies
will offer coverage in the individual exchange, with six of those companies
offering plans through the exchange’s Small Business Health Options Program
(SHOP) market as well. A 13th tentatively selected company, Ventura County
Health Care Plan, opted out of the exchange in the first year.
“Covered California and the
insurance companies participating in our marketplace have worked hard to secure
these contracts, which will mean affordable health insuranceplans for millions
of people who currently have no coverage or whose coverage is too expensive,”
said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “We are proud of the
product mix, the robust provider network and the lower-than-expected premiums.”
The following companies will
offer plans in Covered California’s individual market:
- Alameda Alliance for Health
- Anthem Blue Cross of California
- Blue Shield of California
- Chinese Community Health Plan
- Contra Costa Health Plan
- Health Net
- Kaiser Permanente
- L.A. Care Health Plan
- Molina Healthcare
- Sharp Health Plan
- Valley Health Plan
- Western Health Advantage
Covered California selected
the following health plans to participate in SHOP:
- Blue Shield of California
- Chinese Community Health Plan
- Health Net
- Kaiser Permanente
- Sharp Health Plan
- Western Health Advantage
The signed contracts
culminate months of competitive bidding and negotiations to give enrollees the
best health care, a strong delivery system and affordable rates.Covered
California is in support of Ventura County Health Care Plan’s decision to delay
participation for a year and looks forward to having the company bid to be in
the exchange in 2015. “We appreciate the executive staff of Ventura County
Health Care Plan doing their homework and making a sound decision,” Lee said.
“Covered California remains partners with Ventura County Health Care Plan and
will lay the groundwork for negotiations next year.”
Ventura County’s 95,000
residents eligible for federal subsidies through the exchange now have three
options for coverage: Anthem Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California
and Kaiser Permanente. Residents who buy Blue Shield or Anthem Blue Cross
insurance through Covered California will have access to care at Ventura County
Medical Center, Santa Paula Hospital, and more than 30 medical clinics and a
network of specialty services.
About Covered California
Covered California is the
state’s marketplace for the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Covered California was charged with creating a new health insurance marketplace
in which individuals and small businesses can get access to affordable health
insurance plans. With coverage starting in 2014, Covered California will help
individuals compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best
for their health needs and budget. A sliding scale of financial subsidies in
the form of premium assistance will be available to help reduce costs for
people who qualify.
Small businesses will be able
to purchase competitively priced health insurance plans and offer their
employees the ability to choose from an array of plans and may qualify for
federal tax credits.
