Covered California
Coverage of Covered California in the Nexus archive.
- Judge mostly tosses privacy case over LinkedIn’s Insight Tag
A federal judge dismissed most of a privacy lawsuit against LinkedIn over its Insight Tag feature, which users claimed collected sensitive medical data without consent. The judge left one claim alleging intrusion on seclusion, noting LinkedIn's tracking technology likely captured health information despite disclosures. Plaintiffs argued the feature monetized intercepted data via targeted ads.
- California medical insurance rates skyrocket — affecting millions of people
Rates for health insurance plans through Covered California will increase by an average of 9.9% in 2027, impacting millions of people in California. The plans are part of the state’s health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
- Orange County's public health system joins Covered California. What it means for residents
CalOptima Health, Orange County's public health system, joined the Covered California marketplace, enabling members to enroll for the 2027 period. This allows over 819,000 residents to retain coverage if they lose Medi-Cal eligibility, ensuring continuity of care for those with chronic conditions.
- 1 in 4 Covered California Enrollees Could Get State Aid Under Newsom Proposal
Gov. Gavin Newsom proposes expanding state aid to over 1 in 4 Covered California enrollees to offset rising health insurance costs after federal subsidies expired. California faces a $2.5 billion funding gap, while other states like New Mexico, Massachusetts, and New Jersey also use state funds to maintain Affordable Care Act affordability. Critics argue subsidies drive healthcare costs higher.
- Here's why 374,000 Californians have dropped their Covered CA insurance this year
374,000 Californians have canceled their Covered California insurance due to rising premiums and the loss of federal subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. The surge in healthcare costs has led many to forgo coverage, though the exact impact on uninsured rates remains unclear.
- Cheaper, Alternative Health Plans Are Having a Moment, but Critics Urge Caution
Rising health insurance premiums have led many to seek cheaper alternative plans that don't meet ACA standards, sparking debate over their risks and benefits. Critics warn these plans lack essential protections, while proponents argue they prevent more people from becoming uninsured. States and the federal government are divided on regulating such options.
- Hospice fraud uses stolen identities for fake patients
The California Attorney General charged 21 individuals in a $267 million Medi-Cal hospice fraud ring, which used stolen identities from data breaches to enroll fake patients in shell hospice companies. Scammers billed the state for non-existent care, exploiting Medi-Cal through Covered California, with over $3.5 billion in estimated hospice fraud in Los Angeles County alone.