Covered California open enrollment begins today (November 1, 2016) and runs until January 31, 2017. Those seeking to have their health plans begin by January 1 must enroll before December 15.
Covered California is the state's online health insurance marketplace. It offers subsidies to lower the price of coverage for residents who earn between $16,000 and $47,000 per year. About 90% of all people enrolled in Covered California have some type of subsidy. People who earn more than $47,000 per year and are single can buy health insurance through the exchange, but will not receive subsidies.
Residents who earn less than $16,000 per year quality for free coverage through Medi-Cal. Starting earlier this year, undocumented children ages 19 and under became eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal covereage. It is estimated that between 3,000 to 4,000 children will qualify in Santa Barbara County.
This is the fourth Open Enrollment cycle. Since the launch of Health Care Reform, the uninsured rate in California has ben halved by 3.2 million people, more than the next three states combined. In 2011, 22% of Santa Barbara County adults under 65 lacked health insurance, while today just 15.5% lack it. In the Central Coast region (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties), there are 66,743 individuals enrolled in Covered California plans.
As always, DSS will help with referrals from Covered California to Medi-Cal and vice-versa.
Our colleagues at the county Public Health Department (PHD) will have certified enrollment representatives at all five county health centers to answer questions and help the public with the enrollment and renewal process. The PHD has over 40 certified application counselors taking appointments Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Counselors can help clients understand the application and determine if they're eligible to receive federal subsides to lower the cost of coverage.
After three years of historically low annual rate increases, premiums on the exchange this year are expected to rise by an average of 13.2% statewide and 15.8% in the Central Coast region. However, subsidies are also rising, and consumers can switch plans on the exchange if desired. As a result, according to a Covered California spokesperson, the net increase will be closer to 5% for about 80% of the exchange's customers statewide.
Consumers should verify that their desired doctor is in-network for the plan they choose. Sansum Clinic providers are not in-network for the exchange's Blue Shield plans, but are covered under the exchange's Anthem Blue Cross plans.
For more information, or to enroll or renew online, visit http://www.coveredca.com/.