Health
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
“Open enrollment is full-steam ahead in California and continues in other states for several more weeks,” said Lee. “No one in America should let this Texas District Court ruling discourage them from enrolling in health coverage or be worried about using the health coverage they have. This case will wind its way through the courts and I’m confident the Supreme Court will once again do the right thing and uphold the Affordable Care Act.”
Covered California’s open enrollment period continues through Jan. 15, 2019. Consumers who want their coverage to begin on Jan. 1 will need to sign up by Saturday, Dec. 15.
On Friday California Attorney General Xavier Becerra denounced the ruling.
“Today’s ruling is an assault on 133 million Americans with preexisting conditions, on the 20 million Americans who rely on the ACA for health care, and on America’s faithful progress toward affordable healthcare for all Americans,” said Becerra. “The ACA has already survived more than 70 unsuccessful repeal attempts and withstood scrutiny in the Supreme Court. Today’s misguided ruling will not deter us: our coalition will continue to fight in court for the health and wellbeing of all Americans.”
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Consumer interest is once again surging ahead of a key deadline, with more than 10,000 people signing up on Wednesday, and more than 28,000 selecting a plan within the past three days.
“Deadlines matter, and once again Covered California is seeing tens of thousands of people signing up for coverage now so that they can be covered at the start of the year,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “Californians who sign up by Dec. 15 can rest easy knowing that they will be covered on Jan. 1 with a quality plan that will protect them and their families.”
Unlike the federal open-enrollment period, which ends on Dec. 15, consumers can continue to sign up with Covered California through Jan. 15, 2019. Consumers who select a plan after Dec. 15 will have their coverage start on Feb. 1.
California is one of six states across the nation, representing a quarter of the U.S. population, which have an open enrollment period that extends beyond Dec. 15.
In addition to the 150,000 new consumers who have signed up for coverage during the current open-enrollment period, 1.2 million people have renewed their Covered California plan for 2019.
“Covered California continues to see strong interest, but we are seeing new enrollment that’s about 10 percent lower than last year, which we largely attribute to the removal of the individual mandate penalty,” Lee said.
Roughly 1.1 million uninsured Californians are currently eligible for coverage in Covered California or Medi-Cal.
Covered California’s research shows that four out of five uninsured consumers who are eligible for financial help either do not know or do not think they qualify.
Consumers can find out if they are eligible for financial help and see which plans are available in their area by using the Shop and Compare Tool.
“Consumers can find out in just a few minutes if they are eligible for financial assistance that can help bring quality coverage within reach,” Lee said. “Nine out of 10 Covered California customers receive financial help, which saves them an average of 80 percent off the price of their coverage.”
Covered California data shows that more than 50,000 of its members were either diagnosed with or treated for cancer in 2017. Another 22,000 members fractured, dislocated or sprained their arm or shoulder.
“Being covered means you are protected from medical bills that can range from tens of thousands of dollars into the millions,” Lee said. “Take a moment to check your situation and options; you may find out that coverage is more affordable than you think.”
The average Covered California enrollee pays about $5 per day for coverage, but many pay far less. One out of every three Covered California consumers who receives financial help can purchase a Silver plan – which provides the best overall value – for $50 or less per month. Nearly three out of five of these consumers can get a Silver plan for $100 or less per month.
Those interested in learning more about their coverage options should go to www.CoveredCA.com, where they can get help to enroll. They can explore their options and find out if they qualify for financial help by using the Shop and Compare Tool.
They can also get free and confidential enrollment assistance by visiting www.coveredca.com/find-help/ and searching among 700 storefronts statewide or 16,000 certified enrollers who can assist consumers in understanding their choices and enrolling, including individuals who can assist in other languages.
In addition, consumers can reach the Covered California service center by calling 800-300-1506.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
After a year of planning and remodeling, Sutter Lakeside Hospital is slated to open the Sutter Lakeside Medical Practice on Dec. 18 in the Creekside Medical Plaza off of Highway 29.
The medical practice will include primary care, diabetes education, and podiatry services, all under the same roof, at 987 Parallel Drive, Suite C, Lakeport.
“This new location is very family-friendly and will allow us to serve our community better” said Leeann Hadgis, director of Sutter Lakeside Ambulatory Clinics.
In addition to the in-town convenience, the new 6,500 square foot medical practice is 2,000 square feet bigger than the Sutter Lakeside Family Medicine Clinic (5176 Hill Road East), which it replaces.
Features of the new space include a private consultation room where a diabetes educator can meet with patients and an on-site phlebotomist who can draw a patient’s blood for diagnostic tests right after an appointment.
“We are especially proud of the modern and relaxing atmosphere that Boulder Associates brought to the space and the photography by local artists that we were able to feature.” said Hadgis.
Dan Peterson, Sutter Lakeside Hospital chief administrative officer, said he views the new care center as an investment in prevention.
“Patients who don’t have access to primary care rely on the emergency room instead,” he said. “Comprehensive care from a doctor who knows you – that is the key to staying healthy.”
The Sutter Lakeside Medical Practice will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and appointments are required; call 707-262-5088 to join the new patient waiting list.
The Sutter Lakeside Medical Practice includes the following health professionals: Elyse Donald, MD – internal medicine (medical director), Jeannette Frei, MD - family medicine, Alarise Clay - physician assistant, Kristen Herring – family nurse practitioner, Michael Mietz - physician assistant, Matthew McQuaid – doctor of podiatric medicine.
Sutter operates two care centers in Lakeport: Sutter Lakeside Community Clinic at 5196 Hill Road East, Suite 300 and Sutter Lakeside Medical Practice at 987 Parallel Drive, Suite C, Lakeport. Together these clinics provide primary care to 10,000 patients a year and allow many more patients to see specialists by appointment. Sutter Lakeside Hospital and clinics are a part of Sutter Health’s integrated, not-for-profit network.
Teams from across Sutter proudly support the more than 3 million people in their care – nearly 1 percent of the U.S. population, in one of the most diverse and innovative regions in the world: Northern California.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The group meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at Circle of Native Minds, located at 845 Bevins St.
For more information contact Nancy P. at 707-489-1848
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