Sacramento, CA…Covered California™ announced that insurance companies signed contracts to participate in the newly created health benefit exchange. Twelve health insurance companies will offer coverage in the individual exchange, with six of those companies offering plans through the exchange’s Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) market as well. A 13th tentatively selected company, Ventura County Health Care Plan, opted out of the exchange in the first year.

“Covered California and the insurance companies participating in our marketplace have worked hard to secure these contracts, which will mean affordable health insurance plans for millions of people who currently have no coverage or whose coverage is too expensive,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “We are proud of the product mix, the robust provider network and the lower-than-expected premiums.”
The following companies will offer plans in Covered California’s individual market:
• Alameda Alliance for Health
• Anthem Blue Cross of California
• Blue Shield of California
• Chinese Community Health Plan
• Contra Costa Health Plan
• Health Net
• Kaiser Permanente
• L.A. Care Health Plan
• Molina Healthcare
• Sharp Health Plan
• Valley Health Plan
• Western Health Advantage
Covered California selected the following health plans to participate in SHOP:
• Blue Shield of California
• Chinese Community Health Plan
• Health Net
• Kaiser Permanente
• Sharp Health Plan
• Western Health Advantage
The signed contracts culminate months of competitive bidding and negotiations to give enrollees the best health care, a strong delivery system and affordable rates.
Covered California is in support of Ventura County Health Care Plan’s decision to delay participation for a year and looks forward to having the company bid to be in the exchange in 2015. “We appreciate the executive staff of Ventura County Health Care Plan doing their homework and making a sound decision,” Lee said. “Covered California remains partners with Ventura County Health Care Plan and will lay the groundwork for negotiations next year.”
Ventura County’s 95,000 residents eligible for federal subsidies through the exchange now have three options for coverage: Anthem Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California and Kaiser Permanente. Residents who buy Blue Shield or Anthem Blue Cross insurance through Covered California will have access to care at Ventura County Medical Center, Santa Paula Hospital, and more than 30 medical clinics and a network of specialty services.

About Covered California
Covered California is the state’s marketplace for the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Covered California was charged with creating a new health insurance marketplace in which individuals and small businesses can get access to affordable health insurance plans. With coverage starting in 2014, Covered California will help individuals compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. A sliding scale of financial subsidies in the form of premium assistance will be available to help reduce costs for people who qualify. Small businesses will be able to purchase competitively priced health insurance plans and offer their employees the ability to choose from an array of plans and may qualify for federal tax credits.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the new market work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the Governor and the Legislature. For more information on Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.