California Cracks Down on Alternative Health Plans

“Consumers who bought these plans thinking they purchased comprehensive health insurance deserve the full protection of our laws,” said Ricardo Lara, the California insurance commissioner, in a statement announcing the state’s cease-and-desist order.

“Consumers should know they may be able to get comprehensive coverage through Covered California that will protect their health care rights,” he continued, referring to the marketplace where Californians can purchase plans regulated under the Affordable Care Act.

Trinity, which said it could not comment because it had not yet been served with the state’s action, said it anticipated contesting the order.

Aliera issued a statement saying it would contest the state’s action.

“With Californians facing skyrocketing health insurance premiums, it’s deeply disappointing to see state regulators working to deny residents access to more affordable programs offered by qualified health share ministries,” the company said in a statement.

“We will utilize all available opportunities to address the false claims being made about the support and management services we provide to Trinity HealthShare and other health care ministries we represent, and we’re confident the health care sharing ministries will defend the right of their members to exercise their religious convictions in making health care choices,” it added.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/health/christian-health-care-ministries.html