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Commissioner Lara's statement on expanding health coverage for undocumented adults

(LOS ANGELES, Calif., – Insurance Market 360) - As part of the state budget trailer law, AB 133, California insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara stated that all Americans age 50 and older will be eligible for Medi-Cal coverage no matter their immigration status. Commissioner Lara introduced the first bill to cover all older people as a member of the California state Senate and authored Health4All Kids, on which all children up to age 18 are covered.

“Dreams do come true when we never give up on them. California’s immigrants have given so much to our state, and now they will have the dignity of health care as they age. Governor Newsom has erased a vestige of discrimination against our immigrant communities that so many of us have fought for years to overcome. I have championed the rights of immigrants to affordable health coverage during my service in the Legislature and now as Insurance Commissioner. I am grateful to all those in the Legislature, Administration, and community advocates who never gave up on our fight to win health care for all older Californians."

Source: California Department of Insurance

Link: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100-press-releases/2021/statement079-2021.cfm

https://www.insurancemarket360.com/insurance-news/commissioner-lara-s-statement-on-expanding-health-coverage-for-undocumented-adults

Commissioner Lara's Statement On Expanding Health Coverage For Undocumented Adults August 30, 2021. (LOS ANGELES, Calif.,  – Insurance Market 360) - As part of the state budget trailer law, AB 133, California insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara stated that all Americans age 50 and older will be eligible for Medi-Cal coverage no matter their immigration status. Commissioner Lar...

New HealthCare.gov Signups Increase in Michigan, Nationwide After Newly Expanded Tax Credits Take Effect

(LANSING, MICH) Taking advantage of new subsidies to make health insurance more affordable, nearly 22,000 Michiganders and 940,000 Americans have signed up for health insurance on HealthCare.gov during the special enrollment period that the Biden Administration opened up earlier this year.

“Building back better means addressing underlying issues that have been exposed and exacerbated by the pandemic, including lack of access to high-quality, affordable health insurance,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “As a result of the special enrollment period and the American Rescue Plan, more than 21,000 Michigan families have already signed up for Marketplace health coverage. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that every Michigander has access to the coverage they need for themselves and their families.”

“We are pleased with the gains made during this special enrollment period, but with the newly expanded subsidies, more people than ever can qualify for help to make their health coverage more affordable,” said Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox. “In addition, free local help is available at LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov to help everyone who is eligible take advantage of these new opportunities.”

According to information recently released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 21,826 Michiganders enrolled in new health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace between February 15 and April 30. The current special enrollment period, which began on February 15, has been extended through August 15, giving Michiganders more opportunities to get high quality, affordable health coverage.

In addition, new subsidies, which became available on April 1 as part of the American Rescue Plan, offer substantial savings for Michigan consumers who enroll in health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. For example, a family of four making $120,000 per year could save approximately $259 per month, while a 60-year-old married couple could save as much as $943 per month at least through December 31, 2022. Getting started as soon as possible ensures that consumers can save the most money possible on their health coverage.

The Health Insurance Marketplace and application process, available at HealthCare.gov, has been updated to reflect both the extended special enrollment period and the newly expanded tax credits from the American Rescue Plan. Michiganders who need Marketplace health coverage should start a Marketplace application by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace or by calling 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Free local enrollment help can be found by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov. Coverage will start on the first of the month after a plan is selected, so coverage will start June 1 for plans selected in May.

Consumers who already have a Marketplace plan should return to the Marketplace and update their 2021 application to see if they qualify for expanded tax credits and take immediate advantage of the higher subsidies. Michigan insurers offering plans on the Marketplace have agreed to allow consumers to switch plans without restarting their deductibles. Individuals who choose not to revisit their application will not be able to lower their monthly health coverage premiums this year and will have to wait until they file their 2021 tax returns in 2022 to get the expanded tax credits for which they qualify.

DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period that is now open through August 15. For more information, including a schedule of upcoming virtual health insurance town halls, consumers should visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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Source: Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services

https://www.michigan.gov/difs/0,5269,7-303--560722--,00.html

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services issued the above Press Release on May 27, 2021.

https://www.insurancemarket360.com/insurance-news/new-healthcare-gov-signups-increase-in-michigan-nationwide-after-newly-expanded-tax-credits-take-effect

New HealthCare.gov Signups Increase In Michigan, Nationwide After Newly Expanded Tax Credits Take Effect (LANSING, MICH) Taking advantage of new subsidies to make health insurance more affordable, nearly 22,000 Michiganders and 940,000 Americans have signed up for health insurance on HealthCare.gov during the special enrollment period that the Biden Administration opened up earlier this year.“Buildin...

B-2! A New Contractor License Classification Will Be Added on June 1, 2021

(Sacramento, CA, USA, Insurance News by Insurance Market 360) – According to the bulletin issued by California Contractors State License Board on April 29, 2021, a new license classification will be added to the current CSLB’s list. The new license is labeled B-2 and the classification is designated as Residential Remodeling. The board will start accepting applications for the B-2 license on June 1, 2021.

Applicants and licensees whose trade business consist of existing wood frame structures with the minimum of three trades for a single contract (SB 1189) would be able to take advantage of this new classification and apply for a B-2 license.

Availability of this license provides an opportunity for unlicensed people who work on small residential remodeling and improvement and do not qualify for B-General-Contractor-License because the projects worked on lacks framing and rough carpentry.

“Consumers employing a licensed contractor have reduced liability and greater consumer protection. Licensees benefit from licensure as they have opportunities to lawfully advertise, and compete on a level playing field for jobs,” said Dave Fogt, CSLB Registrar.

Qualifications for B-2 Residential Remodeling Classification include a minimum of four years experience working with three crafts or trades or up to three years of qualifying education and experience.

To obtain a B-2 License, a mandatory state license exam must be passed, and applicant must comply with all the CSLB’s requirements which includes maintaining workers compensation insurance and contractor’s license bond.

According to the CSLB’s bulletin 21-06 (CSLB #21-06), the following restrictions apply to B-2 License:

• Limited to working on existing residential wood frame structures

• Cannot make structural alterations to load-bearing partitions and walls

• Cannot install or extend electrical or plumbing systems but can make modifications to existing systems (e.g., install recessed lighting or alter plumbing for two shower heads)

• Cannot install or replace an HVAC system

Source:https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/IndustryBulletins/2021/B-2_classification.pdf

https://www.insurancemarket360.com/insurance-news/b-2-a-new-contractor-license-classification-will-be-added-on-june-1-2021

B-2! A New Contractor License Classification Will Be Added On June 1, 2021 May 21, 2021(Sacramento, CA, USA, Insurance News by Insurance Market 360) – According to the bulletin issued by California Contractors State License Board on April 29, 2021, a new license classification will be added to the current CSLB’s list. The new license is labeled B-2 and the classificat...