Covered California Among 11 Entities Named
Nationwide
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Consumer Reports today lauded Covered
California for making it easier for consumers to shop for health insurance, listing
the exchange with 10 other entities nationwide recognized for consumer-friendly
policies and practices.
Consumer Reports said Covered California earned its way on the
“nice” column of its annual “Naughty
& Nice” list because its standardized benefits had “eliminated much of
the confusion” for consumers buying health insurance.
Unlike most other states which offer an unlimited number of
designs, Covered California requires insurance companies to compete for
consumers based on the same basic benefits and co-pays, which makes it easier
for consumers to compare their options from plan to plan.
“For too long, benefit designs have been nightmares of
confusion and all too often barriers to consumers getting needed care,” said
Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “These standard designs
promote true apples-to-apples comparisons when consumers are shopping, and
promote access to care by including many benefits that are not subject to a
deductible.”
Others listed alongside Covered California on the Consumer
Reports “Nice” list were Home Depot, Chipotle, Panera Bread, CVS, Dish Network,
Dr. Martens For Life, JetBlue, Nomorobo, Procter & Gamble, PricewaterhouseCoopers,
Southwest Airlines, and Target. Among those on the “Naughty” list were
airlines, banks and telecommunications companies.
Covered California’s third historic open enrollment period
is underway and continues through Jan. 31.
Consumers who want to explore their options can use the “Shop
and Compare” tool at CoveredCA.com. Users who enter just a few pieces of
information about themselves – income, ZIP code, age and family size – can
learn whether they qualify for help to buy health insurance. Customers who need
more assistance can click on “Find Local Help to Enroll” to find locations in
their communities where they can get free, confidential assistance.
More than 34,000 new people selected health insurance plans
through Covered California between Nov. 1 and Nov. 17. In addition, 33,000
people – including new and renewing members – have signed up for the new
optional dental insurance offered for adults.
About Covered California
Covered California is the state’s marketplace for the
federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Covered California, in
partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services, was charged
with creating a new health insurance marketplace in which individuals and small
businesses can get access to affordable health insurance plans. Covered California
helps individuals determine whether they are eligible for premium assistance
that is available on a sliding-scale basis to reduce insurance costs or whether
they are eligible for low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal. Consumers can then compare
health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health
needs and budget. Small businesses can 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.
Covered California is an independent part of the state
government whose job is to make the new market work for California’s consumers.
It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the
Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.
