If you are enrolled into Anthem Blue Cross this may affect you. This November 1st will mark the beginning of the 5th open enrolment period under the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obama Care. Individuals will be able to purchase insurance through the State Marketplace, Covered California, or direct from their preferred insurance carrier. However, the 5th year of Obama Care will bring the most change many individuals in the mountain area have seen to their insurance since the Fall of 2013. Although subsidies will remain for many seeking help with their monthly premiums Anthem Blue Cross will no longer be available to them. Blue Cross, the largest provider of health insurance in the mountain area, is siting market instability as their reasoning for leaving the area. The carriers concerns over the availability of premium subsidies in the upcoming year are a cause for concern for any individual that receives assistance with the cost of their insurance. Blue Cross will continue to be available to those who receive insurance through their employer however those seeking insurance on the individual marketplace will no longer have the option of enrolling or continuing coverage through Anthem Blue Cross. Consumers in Madera County will still have the option of enrolling into Blue Shield, Health Net and Kaiser Permanente. Plan benefits and rates should be available starting October 1st and consumers will have the option to enroll into new coverage during the open enrolment period starting on November 1st. All applications processed during the open enrolment period are for coverage starting January 1st. There is no additional cost to use and insurance broker, call Macaulay Insurance to get Informed, 559-683-4494.
