August 
2017
Covered California announces 2018 rates

Barbara headshot

Solid Health Insurance Services
Health, Life & Trust  

 After much political turmoil in the month of July about the future of the Affordable Care Act, Covered California announced today the rate increases for 2018. The average increase statewide is 12.5 %, and includes a one time increase of 2.8 % due to the end of a the health insurance tax "holiday".  Anthem announced that it only offers health plans in 3 regions in Northern California and leaves such market as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Blue Shield offers in all regions a PPO plan and in some of the regions their new Trio HMO. Health Net is extending their product mix in the Southern CA market. Oscar is also expanding to Region #15 and shows a moderate rate increase. Kaiser is showing the most stable rate increase varying from 3-10 % depending on the region.
Although it seems now less likely, Covered California also shows in the Silver premium level, additional rates in case the Cost Share Reduction payments (CSR) would not be be funded by the Federal government. 
 Most consumers enrolled through Covered California will not pay the entire rate change, because the amount of the financial help they receive from the federal government will also increase. 
Nevertheless, especially for Californians who do not qualify for a tax subsidy, it is critical to shop the 2018 insurance market .
However, there is a positive side. The benefit structure of the  2018 Silver plans is very similar to 2017 with a slight deductible decrease for the drug deductible. Gold and Platinum have improvements, whereby the the Out of Pocket Maximum will be reduced, and specialty doctor visits will be lowered. 

As in the years prior, we will contact all clients in the upcoming weeks to discuss their health care needs for 2018.
We will publish soon more detailed information on 2018 rates and keep you posted via blog  or contact us at info@solidhealthinsurance.com
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What's new in the Health & Life Insurance World?

Getting Ready for the Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage and RX Plans & the Open Enrollment Period for Medical Insurance for 2018 

I completed  most of the re-certification programs of the major Medicare providers. For 2018, the Part D  ( pre-scription drug plans) deductible will increase to $ 405, the "donut hole " will start at $ 3,750. I will provide you with more information in October when agents, such as myself, will be allowed to market the Medicare Advantage and  PDP (Rx) Plans for 2018.

Seniors, please note on your calendars the Annual Enrollment Period for 2018, is from October 15 to December 7th 2017, should you wish to make changes to your current Medicare Advantage or PDP  (RX)plans. 


 


 


For Individuals under 65 years. Please mark your calendars, as well. The Open Enrollment Period for medical health plans is November 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018. In this time period you can make changes to your existing plan without having any medical underwriting and you will be able to change insurance carriers. Once the final rates and networks are published, both in and outside the exchanges, I will contact all my existing clients to determine which plan best fits their health needs for 2018. Please prepare already which doctors and hospitals you would like to keep.
 

We represent all health  insurance carriers and I am a certified agent for Covered CA. If you know someone who has questions concerning Health, Medicare, LTC & Life Insurance please call me at 310-909-6135 or send an email to  info@solidhealthinsurance.com 

 

I am excited to introduce you to Nick Bartuzik, a licensed insurance agent
CA Ins. Lic #0L33835
  and new team member to Solid Health Insurance Services.

Nick has been working with me as an assistant over the last year. To learn more about our team, go to  Our Team!

Many of you are coming out of vacation and are getting ready to go back to school or work. 

Remember.... relax, love, laughter and good times are the best medicine for you. Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Sincerely,

Barbara Kempen

CA Ins. Lic #0G05625
310-909-6135

  
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