As California continues to lead the way in its implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the state’s insurance exchange announced today a slate of 13 health plans for Californians. An average of 5 plans will be available to most people in larger urban areas while Californians in rural areas will likely be able to choose from 2 or 3 plans. Plan options for small business are expected to be announced in June.
This tentative selection of health plans will be reviewed by state regulators. The average monthly premium for one set of these plans is $321. The plans will be tiered in three levels: platinum (higher premiums but spending less at the doctor’s office), silver (about equal premium amounts vs. out-of-pocket costs) and bronze (lower premium but spending more at the doctor’s office).
The plans include doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays and other essential benefits. Moreover, as required by the ACA, none of these plans can deny an individual coverage based upon a pre-existing condition.
The list of plans includes:
- Alameda Alliance for Health
- L.A. Care Health Plan
- Anthem Blue Cross of California
- Molina Healthcare
- Blue Shield of California
- Sharp HealthCare
- Chinese Community Health Plan
- Valley Health Plan
- Contra Costa Health Services
- Ventura County Health Care Plan
- Health Net
- Western Health Advantage
Read complete press release from Covered California.