How People Helped Shaped The Face Of Health Coverage In California
California is the largest insurance market in the U.S. and starting January 2014 will be the first in the nation to implement initiatives to comply with federal affordable health care initiatives. The overall goal of the California Health Exchange is to provide more health coverage in California, to more people in the shortest amount of time possible, and provide empowerment to the public when choosing health care plans. The exchange was first tasked to a committee of representatives to ascertain the current system and what changes would prove most beneficial long term. Because other exchange plans in different states had attempted to be implemented in the past and failed, committee members were tasked to ensure appropriate measures were presented to prevent this from occurring when providing new health coverage in California. Working with industry, the committee developed models and hit the town for peoples input and opinion on exactly what changes would serve the overall vision, mission, and values of the exchange.
An estimated 5.3 million people will soon be eligible for Covered California, the new plan for health coverage in California. The goals of this new marketplace include ensuring Californias diverse and substantial population not only has access to health care, but with quality and affordability built in. One major highlight is more assurance of insurance and coverage, regardless of whether a pre-existing medical condition exists. Gaining public support and trust in the new system was recognized as an absolute success factor for the new model. As such, the development of the new program recognizes that individuals are looking to protect themselves and their families by having dependable, affordable health care available when necessary. In addition, Californians wanted assurance that they could not be turned down for coverage, in the future or if a pre-existing medical condition existed. Hikes in rates were a concern for people also, so the introduction of tax subsidies for individuals, especially middle income families, as well as small businesses offering health care to full time employees was also implemented. The decision to offer essential health benefits as part of all tiers of health care was also critically important. Recognizing the need for unforeseen and emergency medical expenses affects everyone, and was proven to be important for people to help bring the system into balance.
California aligned the rollout of the exchange, January 1 2014, with the date everyone in the U.S. will be required to have health care, or risk paying a penalty. The proactive approach to address current issues is one great way health coverage in California is leading the way to achieving its health care goals. It will also serve to provide a beneficial look for the way the rest of the country handles health care reform. Enrollment for the new plans for health coverage will begin in October 2013. Information centers and resources available online or by telephone are already being established to help people clearly understand what these changes will mean to them, helping to make the decision for health care planning even easier. Californians will be breaking ground January 2014, with the hopes of achieving balance, both in the bank and in peace of mind.
An estimated 5.3 million people will soon be eligible for Covered California, the new plan for health coverage in California. The goals of this new marketplace include ensuring Californias diverse and substantial population not only has access to health care, but with quality and affordability built in. One major highlight is more assurance of insurance and coverage, regardless of whether a pre-existing medical condition exists. Gaining public support and trust in the new system was recognized as an absolute success factor for the new model. As such, the development of the new program recognizes that individuals are looking to protect themselves and their families by having dependable, affordable health care available when necessary. In addition, Californians wanted assurance that they could not be turned down for coverage, in the future or if a pre-existing medical condition existed. Hikes in rates were a concern for people also, so the introduction of tax subsidies for individuals, especially middle income families, as well as small businesses offering health care to full time employees was also implemented. The decision to offer essential health benefits as part of all tiers of health care was also critically important. Recognizing the need for unforeseen and emergency medical expenses affects everyone, and was proven to be important for people to help bring the system into balance.
California aligned the rollout of the exchange, January 1 2014, with the date everyone in the U.S. will be required to have health care, or risk paying a penalty. The proactive approach to address current issues is one great way health coverage in California is leading the way to achieving its health care goals. It will also serve to provide a beneficial look for the way the rest of the country handles health care reform. Enrollment for the new plans for health coverage will begin in October 2013. Information centers and resources available online or by telephone are already being established to help people clearly understand what these changes will mean to them, helping to make the decision for health care planning even easier. Californians will be breaking ground January 2014, with the hopes of achieving balance, both in the bank and in peace of mind.