Benefit Packages: Ruling Regarding Federal Exchange Does Not Affect Californians

July 31, 2014 - Calabasas, CA – Southern California-based insurance agency Benefit Packages reminds consumers that a recent court ruling attempting to change the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at the federal level would not affect California consumers.

Two of three judges on a D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled to take away cost-sharing subsidies from consumers enrolled in health plans through the federal health insurance exchange (healthcare.gov); however, this ruling has already been overturned by a three-judge panel on the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Consumers who purchased plans through Covered California, the state-based exchange, would not be impacted by this ruling if passed into law.

Benefit Packages is a Certified Insurance Agency with special training on the ACA and permission to assist Californians with enrollment in Covered California plans. The agency helps consumers determine whether they qualify for cost-sharing subsidies and tax breaks, and explains the special provisions under the new law, such as free preventive services and 10 essential health benefits that all newly issued plans must cover.

The argument behind the ruling to take away cost-sharing subsidies from federal exchange consumers is that the federal subsidies were established within a part of the law referring to state exchanges, and, therefore, individuals who purchased coverage through the federal exchange are not eligible for subsidies.

The ruling has been overturned by a three-judge panel from the 4th Circuit, and an 11-judge D.C. Circuit may rule as a full court to affirm the ACA.

Benefit Packages urges Californians in need of health insurance to contact the agency for assistance. Individuals who have a "qualifying life event" such as a job loss or change in marital status may be eligible to enroll in a Covered California plan outside the open enrollment period. Visit http://www.benefitpackages.com/ or call 1-800-356-3615 for assistance.

About Benefit Packages
Benefit Packages is a Southern-California-based insurance agency representing several well-known, reputable health insurance carriers, including Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California. The Certified Insurance Agency is thoroughly trained on the new healthcare law and assists consumers enroll in Covered California plans. Benefit Packages has been helping individuals, businesses, and seniors find affordable California health insurance for more than two decades.