FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Millions of Californians are starting the new year with higher health insurance premiums.
As the clock struck midnight, pandemic-era subsidies that lowered monthly costs expired.
“It’s so important that people take the time to understand how this will impact themselves, their families,” Covered California’s Executive Director, Jessica Altman, told Action News in December.
Congress left Washington, D.C., for the holidays without extending the tax credits.
“We have some money from the state budget that we’re using to mitigate some of this impact, though it’s not enough money to fully fill the hole,” Altman said.
Viewers have written to Action News about their rising premiums.
“Mine is going from $532 to $1,296,” one man wrote.
Another viewer said she already pays $854 for herself and her daughter.
A local woman said Blue Shield for herself and two kids costs $1,300 a month. It does not include vision or dental.
As premiums go up in our health insurance – Covered California, Medi-Cal – we will be seeing an increase in our ERs,” Fresno County Health Educator Leticia Berber told Action News this week.
Public health officials are now bracing because, they say, as people are priced out and become uninsured, they will turn to the hospital for routine care.
“Individuals think that the doctor will see them right then and there and provide them (with) the prescription and provide them (with) what they need,” Berber said.
But Valley hospitals are already slammed, dealing with an increase in flu-like illnesses.
The uninsured are now urged to leave the ER for life-threatening injuries and instead look to local clinics.
“They will be able to help you on a sliding fee scale or be able to help you on a payment scale,” Berber said. “Call your local health clinic before going to the ER if it’s not an emergency situation.”
Covered California’s open enrollment remains available through January 31, with some plans taking effect as soon as February.
“This is the window that Californians have to explore their options to see what costs are and, hopefully, to enroll in coverage,” Altman said.
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