ACA

Doctors, Lawmakers Propose Ways to Increase Number of Doctors

Pauline Bartolone — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 01:17:31 +0000

California physicians and lawmakers are trying to draw attention to a shortage of doctors in the state. They made the point jointly in Sacramento Tuesday. As Pauline Bartolone reports from Sacramento, they agree more doctors will be needed to see millions of people who will start enrolling in coverage next year.

Lawmakers Move Step Closer to Expanding Medi-Cal

Amy Quinton — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 01:46:57 +0000

Legislation that would expand health care coverage to an estimated one million low-income Californians has moved a step closer to passing. As Amy Quinton reports from Sacramento, the bills would implement part of the federal health care law.

Hundreds of Thousands of Californians May Leave Employer-Sponsored Health Plans

Pauline Bartolone — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:37:55 +0000

The leader of California’s new health benefit exchange says he doesn’t expect employers to drop employees from health coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

But he says people may choose to leave on their own. Health care reporter Pauline Bartolone has more from Sacramento.

Executive Director of Covered California Peter Lee says a few hundred thousand Californians may choose to leave their employer plans and sign up through the exchange over its first five years.

California Leaders Still Need Agreement on Links to Federal Health Law

Pauline Bartolone — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:04:15 +0000

State lawmakers will be looking at changes to insurance market rules under the Affordable Care Act this week.

As health care reporter Pauline Bartolone reports from Sacramento, lawmakers and the administration still need to reach agreement about the link between state and federal law.

Health Care Exchange Announces Benefit Plan Choices

Amy Quinton — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:16:49 +0000

Low-income Californians without health insurance or who aren’t eligible for Medi-Cal can now see which benefits they can expect under the federal health care overhaul- and how much their coverage will cost.

Californians eligible for federal subsidies can determine out-of-pocket costs for medications and doctor and hospital visits, as well as maximum annual costs.

Valley Counties Move Slowly Toward Health Reform

Rebecca Plevin — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:07:34 +0000

In less than one year, the federal health care law will take effect. When that happens, an estimated 1.4 million low-income, uninsured adults in California will become eligible for Medicaid. That’s a huge number of people who will suddenly be eligible for health benefits and better access to health care.

California Intends to Run New Health Marketplace On Its Own

Pauline Bartolone — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:21:59 +0000

California plans to tell the federal government this week that it will operate a key component of the federal health law on its own.

States have until the end of this week to tell the federal government if they will operate their own health insurance exchanges. States also have the option to receive help, or have the federal government manage their marketplaces.

The California Health Benefit Exchange board has signaled its intent to go it alone by approving a detailed operations plan and grant proposal.

‘Last Distraction’ Removed as California Moves Ahead on Health Reform

Emily Bazar and Lauren M. Whaley CHCF Center for Health Reporting — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 23:46:31 +0000

First, there was uncertainty over a U.S. Supreme Court challenge. Then came the race for the presidency.

Now, California lawmakers say the uncertainty is over and nothing can stop them from bringing health coverage to millions of uninsured Californians under President Obama’s signature health care law.

“This removes the last distraction and question from anyone’s mind that we won’t be launching a dramatic expansion in coverage in California,” said Peter Lee, executive director of California’s health insurance exchange, a key piece of the expansion.

Health Benefit Exchanges Picks 'California Covered' As New Name

Pauline Bartolone — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 23:20:26 +0000

The board of the California Health Benefit Exchange has approved a new name and logo for the health insurance marketplace that will expand coverage under the federal health law.

Planners decided on “Covered California” after months of testing and consideration.

“I have a whole raft of staff that are saying, ‘Finally, I can get a business card," said Peter Lee, Executive Director of the Exchange, which is now known as ‘Covered California.’

He said planners used focus groups to come up with a name that resonated with a diversity of Californians.

Branding Health Care Exchanges To Make The Sale

Pauline Bartolone — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 20:32:00 +0000

As states work to comply with the federal health care law, many are designing their insurance exchanges, where people will be able to shop for coverage.

But just the word "exchange" sounds to many like off-putting government-speak, and some states are eager to come up with a more appealing name for these new marketplaces.

Peter Lee directs California's Health Benefit Exchange.