Covered California—the state’s marketplace for the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act—begins open enrollment today.
Californians who need health insurance will find new ways to shop for coverage and new ways to save in 2017, and more than 92 percent of consumers will have three or more health plans to choose from—none will have
fewer than two.
Also for 2017, most consumers will see a lower copay for their primary care visits, and urgent care costs in every plan will be the same as the primary care visit, helping consumers save up to $55 per visit. Consumers in Silver, Gold and Platinum plans will pay a flat copay for emergency room visits in 2017 without having to satisfy a deductible, which could help them save thousands of dollars.
These improvements for 2017 build on features already in place that help make care more affordable for Covered California enrollees. Most outpatient services in Silver, Gold and Platinum plans are not subject to a deductible, including primary care visits, specialist visits, lab tests, X-rays and imaging. Even consumers in Covered California’s most affordable Bronze plans are able to see their doctor or a specialist three times before the visits are subject to the deductible.
Three of Covered California’s 11 health plans are expanding their coverage areas and two new family dental plans have been added.
Consumers shopping for health coverage can get a wide variety of free support to learn about their options online, by phone, at community events and at more than 800 Covered California storefronts statewide. In addition, the Covered California bus will travel throughout communities in California to promote enrollment starting Nov. 12.
To learn about all the new offerings and see more details, read Covered California’s open enrollment news release here.
Consumers interested in learning more about their coverage options should go to CoveredCA.com or call (800) 300-1506.
And remember, if you’ve experienced a life-changing event, you may be able to sign up for a health plan during Special Enrollment even after the open enrollment period ends. Visit http://bit.ly/1BMTca1 for more information.
