Covered California To Begin Outreach for Second Enrollment Period September 8, 2014 Covered California, Health Care Reform Covered California, enrollment period 0 Next week, Covered California will begin to prepare for its second open enrollment period by launching an advertising campaign aimed at encouraging residents to apply for first-time coverage or renew their current policies. Covered California's second enrollment period runs from November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015, and officials are aiming to: Increase enrollment from 1.2 million residents to 1.7 million residents Fix problems consumers faced during the first open enrollment period Simplify the renewal process Details of Renewal Process Consumers will be able to renew their exchange plans beginning on October 1. However, individuals who want to change their coverage will have to wait until November 15 to do so. Exchange policies will automatically be renewed by December 15 if enrollees do not specify that they want to change plans. Beginning in mid-October, insurers will mail renewal notices that show a consumer’s 2014 premium, current federal subsidy, and premium rate for 2015. Advocates Urge Consumers To Shop for Better Coverage Meanwhile, some consumer advocates say individuals should hold off on renewing their plans and search for better deals. In July, Covered California officials announced that the average premium for health plans offered on the exchange will increase by an average of 4.2% for the coming year. The rates vary depending on region, but most will see slight increases. Some insurers will raise premiums by more than 10%, but others are cutting rates to increase competition. Rates are expected to be finalized by Sept. 30. Source: California Healthline, September 3, 2014. Comments are closed.
