Covered CA 2022 - Open Enrollment Updates and Important Information

Good news, Californians and our community!

Covered CA is now more affordable than ever. With over 1.6 million members, the popular program is seeing lower rate increases and a more significant number of families who qualify for subsidies, with premiums for over 730,000 Californians as low as $0 or $1 per month!

The American Rescue Plan benefits that went into place this summer will continue through 2022, lowering costs for many members. These benefits build on California’s state subsidies to provide financial help and lower premiums for many middle-income Californians for the first time.

Specifically, the American Rescue Plan expanded Marketplace subsidies in 2021 and 2022 for enrollees above 400% of the federal poverty level and increased subsidies for those making between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. These changes have resulted in consumers being eligible for higher subsidies and made cost-sharing reduction plans more attainable. It is more important than ever to connect with a qualified Covered CA Storefront agent to help you determine if you qualify for these new lower rates.

The official Covered CA Open Enrollment period this year runs from November 1, 2021 until

January 31, 2022. While December 31 is the last day to apply for an effective date of

January 1, 2022, the last day of enrollment on January 31st will allow a start date of

February 1, 2022.

MORE CHOICES in 2022:

• All Californians will have at least two choices for Covered CA plans. In addition, 94% will have 3+ options, 81% will have 4+ options.
• Anthem Blue Cross will return to Alameda, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Marin, Napa, Placer, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
• Blue Shield of California will bring its Trio HMO plan into portions of Monterey and Santa Barbara counties.
• Valley Health Plan will expand into San Benito and Monterey counties.
• NEW CARRIER- Bright HealthCare, which currently operates in 13 other states and covers more than 500,000 people in the individual market, will begin offering coverage in Contra Costa County.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR RENEWALS:

• Unemployment Insurance: any Covered CA member who received the extra Unemployment Benefit of $300 (which ended 9/4) must report this income and will need to adjust your income with Covered CA.
• Silver 70 plans will have a lower medical deductible of going from $4,000 to $3700 and lower RX deductible going from $300 to only $10.
• There will now be $0 Premium Silver plans available for income-qualifying individuals and families.

CoveredCA for Employers:

Small businesses are available for coverage as well – Covered CA is not just for individuals. There are many benefits for small businesses needing small group health coverage with various options.

New Groups are easy to set up!

Employees enroll online, and there is minimal paperwork for employers to complete. This is also the fastest group approval of all options.

• Employers can offer up to 4 tier options to employees (Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum plans)
• Several carriers have a variety of plans/rates to offer employees choices (HMO/PPO/EPO)
• Brand-name insurance like Blue Shield, Health Net, Kaiser and Oscar all participate with multiple plans
• Coverage is available for out of state employees
• Optional child and family dental plans are available
• Employer Contributions can be customized with a separate class for Management
• Groups under 25 full-time employees with an average annual salary of $56,000 or less may qualify for tax credits
• Employer online access is newly improved, with more billing details and auto payment with a checking account now available

 With Covered CA, you can get cost controls for you as a business owner combined with flexibility and coverage choices for employees – a win-win!

As a community Covered CA storefront, we at Rightplan.com can match you with the best plan that meets the unique needs of your family or business. So, if you haven't re-assessed your Covered CA eligibility in the past six months and updated your income, now is the time to do so.

As always, your health and longevity begin with YOU and the choices you make daily. Dean Ornish, M.D., Clinical Professor of Medicine at University of California, San Francisco says, "Think about it: heart disease and diabetes are completely preventable by making comprehensive lifestyle changes. On many occasions without drugs or surgery." This is an absolute fact!

We are committed to helping every client achieve their health goals, whatever their current situation. Moving closer to eating plant-based and whole foods, making time for mindful moments and sharing your gratitude for the people, places, and blessings in your life are just a few of the ways we can get in touch with our most healthful self.

Much ❤ 

Naama and the RightPlan team