The annual open-enrollment period for the state health-insurance marketplace is now open. With information on recent changes and how you can apply, here’s reporter Andrew Dieleman…
President Trump recently scraped cost-reduction payments to insurers – a move that means most silver-level plans will go up in cost – but the federal subsidies will also rise to compensate. Peter Lee, executive director of the state marketplace, Covered California, said most plans actually are cheaper this year.
“All the rumbles in Washington are irrelevant to the kitchen-table decision of ‘Do I need coverage?’ The answer is, yes. Can you afford it? For many, we are the way to get affordable health care.”
People can look online at CoveredCA.org to check out the plans or to make a free appointment with a navigator or insurance agent. Community members can visit certified application counselor, Sheree Fansler, at the Morongo Basin Community Health Center to assist them with the application process. To schedule an appointment, call 760-366-1546. Remember, open enrollment closes January 31, but you will need to sign up or renew by December 15 if you want your coverage to take effect on January 1.
