October 1st, Covered California will be open for business and we will be ready to help guide individuals and small businesses who wish to purchase insurance through this exchange. The cost will be the same inside or out of the exchange and there is no extra fee to get assistance from a licensed, bonded and insured agent. There is a tremendous amount of financial disclosure in the exchange so we suggest you visit our website or speak with one of our licensed agents to see if you qualify for a subsidy as a group or individual.

Rates are estimated to raise considerably for groups renewing January 1, 2014 and thereafter. Carriers have been very accommodating in allowing us the opportunity to change the renewal effective dates to December 1st for "transitional relief". Please refer to the Early Renewal Carrier Deadlines section below for more details.

Also before October 1st, please ensure all your employees have received the notice from the Department of Labor regarding the availability of health coverage through their employer. It is your responsibility to ensure EVERY employee receives this notice by October 1st. You can download the notice on our Health Care Reform page; it is the link titled "New Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options and Your Health Coverage".  

Visit our new site and let us know what you think. You can give us feedback on our Facebook page or contact us through the website. We look forward to exceeding your expectations when you need us most through this challenge of health care reform.