Covered California rate increases lower in San Joaquin than statewide average

Covered California released their 2019 rates for health insurance plans earlier this month, as well as some good news for consumers in Region 10, which includes San Joaquin County.

Local consumers will see a rate increase of 6.5 percent, according to a press release, which is lower than the statewide average rate increase of 8.7 percent, although consumers could also lower their rate increase to as little as 0.5 percent by switching to a lower-cost plan, according to Covered California.

James Scullary, a spokesman for Covered California, said in an email that approximately 95 percent of Region 10 consumers will not see the full rate increase as they receive some level of financial help through tax credits, although unsubsidized consumers will likely be able to find affordable plans as well.

“The plans Covered California offers are the same for subsidized and unsubsidized consumers, the only difference is whether the consumer qualifies for that financial help,” Scullary said. “Covered California consumers in the area who do not receive financial help can still benefit by shopping and switching to limit their rate change.”

Depending on their zip code, Region 10 consumers will be able to choose plans from Anthem, Blue Shield, Health Net and Kaiser Permanente. Despite recent federal decisions that attempted to change the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Scullary said Covered California’s rates have remained relatively stable over the past two years.

“We have created a marketplace where carriers compete for consumers based on price and value,” Scullary said. “Every consumer in Region 10 has a choice of two plans, and some can pick from up to four.”

Most outpatient care such as primary care and specialist visits, laboratory tests, x-rays and imaging are not subject to deductibles in Covered California’s silver, gold and platinum plans, Scullary said, and some enhanced silver plans have copays as low as $5 for an office visit.

“Even consumers in Covered California’s most affordable Bronze plans are allowed to see their doctor or a specialist three times before the visits are subject to the deductible,” Scullary said.

Those wishing to renew their plans can do so beginning Oct. 1, first-time customers can begin signing up on Oct. 15 and both those with special qualifying life events such as losing coverage or moving can enroll year round.

To sign up for Covered California, visit www.coveredca.com.

For free and confidential enrollment assistance, visit www.coveredca.com/find-help or call 800-300-1506.