Over 1,000 Californians Have Coverage Again

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that over 1,000 Californians will have their health insurance coverage reinstated after it was retroactively canceled by Kaiser Permanente or HealthNet. The California Department of Managed Care found that these insurers had improperly rescinded valid insurance policies after the enrollees submitted medical claims. The insurers voluntarily agreed to reinstate coverage as part of an agreement negotiated with the state.

The Department of Managed Care is also investigating PacificCare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for improperly rescinded insurance policies, so we may see more coverage reinstatements in the coming months. This would be a big victory for Californians who might otherwise have difficulty obtaining new coverage after their policy is rescinded.