Covered California Exchange Web Site Now Live

[Dave020]

March 8th Covered CA Agents Webinar links:

http://www.healthexchange.ca.gov/StakeHolders/Pages/SHOP.aspx

Both the slide show and the audio presentation. At the end you'll hear Michael Lujan chuckle as he's scanning the questions. Rick, DS4 and myself know why The boys from Reno LOL!

 

[Yagents]

So who cares if a few hundred/thousand people get their identities stolen, all that matters is everyone gets insurance at any cost

Call for screening of healthcare enrollers meets resistance - Los Angeles Times

These enrollers, who will earn $58 from the state for every application completed, would have access to highly sensitive consumer information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, income data and tax returns.
Covered California, the state agency implementing the federal healthcare law, says these enrollment advisors must be thoroughly screened to deter fraud and protect consumers. But critics say the state's proposal is overly intrusive and will prevent too many minorities from helping at a time when enormous manpower and quick action are required.

 

[taterpeeler]

this quote made me chuckle;
I understand some form of background check is likely, but I have fears about adding bureaucratic mountains that slow us down," said Robert Ross, a Covered California board member and chief executive of California Endowment, a healthcare foundation. "There are people who have turned their lives around and who are trusted by the most difficult-to-reach populations. Not having their talent and expertise could be a problem."

First, I could care less if they turned their life around or are trusted in the "hood" they don't need access to tax returns and other personal data to hack someone's identity

if the "hood" cant trust or deal with qualified enrollers or agents to get their "free" health insurance then go without...

So who cares if a few hundred/thousand people get their identities stolen, all that matters is everyone gets insurance at any cost

Call for screening of healthcare enrollers meets resistance - Los Angeles Times

These enrollers, who will earn $58 from the state for every application completed, would have access to highly sensitive consumer information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, income data and tax returns.
Covered California, the state agency implementing the federal healthcare law, says these enrollment advisors must be thoroughly screened to deter fraud and protect consumers. But critics say the state's proposal is overly intrusive and will prevent too many minorities from helping at a time when enormous manpower and quick action are required.

 

[Ann H]

Now, there's another way to convince your middle class to upper-middle class clients to use an agent rather than Navigators, CCE's etc.

 

[Yagents]

CA's job market is booooming. 26 applicants per open position:

Thousands Apply for Job At Health Exchange Call Center in Concord - Concord, CA Patch
The level of desperation for local jobs is still high, judging by the surge of applications received by the county for the Concord call center.
Around 4,800 job seekers applied for 180 positions available in customer service, reports the Contra Costa Times. The deadline to apply was Friday, April 5.
The call center will be one of three in California overseeing implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2014.
The job pays between $15.33 and $29.40 an hour depending on education and experience, according to the job listing page on the county's website.

 

[Quotebroker]

CA's job market is booooming. 26 applicants per open position:

Thousands Apply for Job At Health Exchange Call Center in Concord - Concord, CA Patch
The level of desperation for local jobs is still high, judging by the surge of applications received by the county for the Concord call center.
Around 4,800 job seekers applied for 180 positions available in customer service, reports the Contra Costa Times. The deadline to apply was Friday, April 5.
The call center will be one of three in California overseeing implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2014.
The job pays between $15.33 and $29.40 an hour depending on education and experience, according to the job listing page on the county's website.

So you're saying my chances don't look good

 

[Quotebroker]

Peter Lee of Covered CA is currently taking questions on Reddit

I am Peter V. Lee, Executive Director of Covered California. AMAA about health care reform in California. : IAmA

 

[Dave020]

I note he dodged the affordability glitch question for those being offered group coverage.

 

[Quotebroker]

From the chat :

Q: "Good day Peter. Can you define the roles of Agents, Navigators, and In-Person Assisters in the CA marketplace?"

A: Covered California is building an online marketplace that consumers can use to find out what they are eligible for and pick a plan. We also know that many people will need help and advice from trained humans! The individuals that are certified by Covered California to help consumers make the choice right for them will all be trained and tested to make sure they know the rules and can help folks. Licensed agents, in-person assisters or what are called "navigators" will all need to show they know how to help consumers and do it right consistently.

Follow up Q: Can you elaborate on their specific roles? Why should I work with one over the other?

A:If you are an individual seeking to understand your options and eligibility — the labels don't matter: if you've been certified by Covered California and are an assister or insurance agent you'll get the same consistent information and support. Covered California is looking at having a "navigator" grant program in 2014 that would combine the individual assistance with enrollment with doing outreach. But for a consumer seeking help, they would have the same training.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

Not exactly a ringing endorsement.