Here's what you need to know about California Senate Bill 260

California SB 260 requires Blue Shield of California, and all other health plans and insurers, to provide a list of members who terminate coverage for any reason to Covered California so that they can reach out to consumers directly, inform them of potential financial assistance, and explain available coverage options. SB 260 applies to health plans providing individual and/or group health care coverage. Here is an example of a Covered California email that was recently sent to terminated members.

What information is Blue Shield of California required to provide?
The member's name, address, email, and phone number if available.

Are members notified that their information will be shared with Covered California?
Yes, members are notified annually that when loss of medical coverage occurs, Covered California will be notified. Please see the Annual notice for additional information.

Can members opt-out of being included in this information sharing?
Yes, if members do not want us to share their information with Covered California, they can contact Blue Shield of California at blueshieldca.com/optout or call the Member Services number listed on their ID card to opt-out.

American Rescue Plan Act health care subsidies for unemployment are scheduled to end December 31st

The unemployment lock-in at 138.1% FPL provision of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is currently scheduled to end on December 31, 2021. The benefit allows households who received unemployment insurance benefits for at least one week in 2021 to automatically qualify for a Covered California Silver Plan with a monthly premium as low as $1 per enrollee. For more information, visit Covered California's ARPA unemployment page.

It is important to note that the unemployment benefit additional subsidies and Silver 94 plan eligibility are only temporary. At the end of the program, members may need to select a new plan.

Members currently enrolled in a grandfathered plan but are considering transitioning to a Covered California Silver 94 plan to take advantage of the ARPA benefits, should understand that if they do, they will lose their grandfathered status and may not transfer back into their current grandfathered coverage.

Trio HMO Network update - Alameda County

Brown and Toland Physicians have joined our growing Trio HMO network in Alameda county effective July 1, 2021. They will add greater access to more doctors and healthcare experts for your clients.

Members can visit our Find a doctor tool for more information.

Please contact Producer Services if you have any questions.

IPF broker webinars for SEP and OE

Stay up to date on the latest information and insights by attending one of our live or pre-recorded webinars. We cover topics such as what to expect for Open Enrollment in 2022, the American Rescue Plan and what it means to your clients, Covered California, Blue Shield's SEP for on-exchange and off-exchange enrollment, and more. Please visit our Broker Events, Webinars, and Training page to register.

Resources and support during wildfires

Wildfires are being reported in areas throughout the state and we want brokers to know about resources and messaging being sent to our members.

We're sending email communications to members in affected areas with important information on maintaining care and receiving assistance. You can also find our wildfire resources on the dedicated Broker Connection page here.

Stay current on the latest health news from Blue Shield of California by visiting our News Center or receive updates in your inbox by subscribing today.