Category: COVID-19

Affordability, Affordable Care Act, Cost Containment, COVID-19, Economy, Gov. Newsom, Health4All, Hospitals

New Census Data Shows One Million More Americans Uninsured in 2019, Even Before the Pandemic

After years of decline after the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, the new 2019 Census data released today shows an increased in the uninsured rate nationally and in California, with the rate going up to 9.2%, with one million more Americans uninsured, totalling 29.6 million. California’s uninsured rate also went up in 2019, from 7.2% to 7.7%, creeping up just past 3 million Californians, according to the new Census data.

Budget, COVID-19, Economy, Gov. Newsom, Legislation, LGBT, Medi-Cal

Despite Pandemic, Progress Continued on Health Care, Coverage, and Costs in California; Advocates Urge Governor Newsom Sign Key Access and Accountability Bills

The California Legislature ended a 2020 session marked by significant changes due to the COVID-19 crisis. While several high-profile health policy initiatives stalled in light of the pandemic and the economic emergency that caused a state budget deficit, the legislative year ended with key advances on health policy for California consumers. Despite the pandemic, progress […]

COVID-19, Equity, Quality

Recommitting to Racial Justice and Health Equity – Black Lives Matter

Adopted by the Health Access California board Health Access California supports the Black Lives Matters movement, and stands with those in the streets to protest unacceptable police violence, and structural racism targeted at the Black community. Responding to the Black Lives Matter movement, and building upon our previous organizational statement, Health Access recommits to the […]

Covered California, COVID-19

Covered California Announces Record Low Rate Increase For 2021 Health Premiums

In good news for consumers, Covered California announced today that 2021 individual insurance premiums will see a minimal average rate increase of 0.6%, the lowest increase in the marketplace’s history. Covered California also announced that all 11 health insurance companies will return for 2021, and two will expand their coverage, giving 99.8% of California has at least two choices and most have […]

Consumer Protection, Cost Containment, Covered California, COVID-19

Despite COVID-19, Covered California Announces Record Low Rate Increase for 2021 Health Premiums – As Millions Lose Jobs, Income, and Coverage, Covered California More Crucial Than Ever

In good news for consumers, Covered California announced today that 2021 individual insurance premiums will see a minimal average rate increase of 0.6%, the lowest increase in the marketplace’s history. Covered California also announced that all 11 health insurance companies will return for 2021, and two will expand their coverage, giving 99.8% of California has at least two choices and most have 4 or more.

Consumer Protection, Cost Containment, COVID-19, Mergers, Prescription Drugs

Key Bills Addressing Health Care Costs Up in CA Senate Health Committee Today

The California Senate Health Committee today will hear a number of key bills on public health, health care access, and on addressing high health care costs, particularly on prescription drug prices, and on hospital consolidation. This will be the only Senate Health Committee before the end of session, and the only opportunity to hear testimony on these important bills.

Covered California, COVID-19, Uninsured

CoveredCA Again Extends Enrollment Deadline, Giving Californians More Time to Sign-Up for Health Coverage

Covered California has announced an extension of the special enrollment deadline to the end of August. Due to the continued surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the state, Covered California will give consumers additional time to sign up for health coverage during this pandemic—especially for those who lost not just jobs, and income, but also employer-based […]

Consumer Protection, Covered California, COVID-19

Due to Continued COVID-19 Crisis – Covered California Gives Consumers More Time to Sign Up for Health Coverage by Extending Special Enrollment Deadline 

Today, Covered California announced the extension of the special enrollment deadline to the end of August. Due to the continued surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the state, Covered California will give consumers additional time to sign up for health coverage during this pandemic—especially for those who lost not just jobs, and income, but also employer-based health coverage.

Budget, COVID-19, Federal, Medi-Cal

New Senate GOP COVID-19 Relief Package Falls Short for Californians

US Senate Republicans today announced a new COVID-19 relief package that will do little to actually help struggling Californians. Beyond the reduced unemployment benefits negatively impacting millions of Californians, the new proposal includes no new aid to state and local governments, likely forcing major cuts to education, health care, and other vital human services that are […]

COVID-19, Expanding Coverage, Federal

New Senate GOP COVID-19 Relief Package Falls Short for Californians

Today, US Senate Republicans announced a new COVID-19 relief package that will do little to actually help struggling Californians. Beyond the reduced unemployment benefits negatively impacting millions of Californians, the new proposal includes no new aid to state and local governments, likely forcing major cuts to education, health care, and other vital human services that are needed now more than ever.