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Anthem Blue Cross, one of California’s largest health insurers, has released updates for its 2026 large group and individual plan portfolio. Employers, brokers, and members should expect continued premium increases and important network adjustments that could affect access to care. What’s Driving the Changes? Rising Healthcare CostsLike other carriers, Anthem faces climbing hospital and prescription […]

In a significant policy shift, Kaiser Permanente has announced a national pause on gender-affirming surgeries for patients under age 19, effective August 29, 2025. While non-surgical transgender care—such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy—will continue, this decision reflects growing legal scrutiny and regulatory pressures. San Francisco Chronicle Why This Matters Policy Context: Kaiser’s move aligns

As the California health insurance landscape continues to evolve, Blue Shield of California is rolling out key updates for 2026. Employers, brokers, and members should take note of expanded virtual care offerings, shifting plan designs, and a growing emphasis on affordability and accessibility. Expanded Virtual Care Services One of the biggest highlights for 2026 is

Californians should prepare for higher health insurance costs in 2026. Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), has announced that premiums are projected to increase by an average of 10.3%—a jump from the 7.9% increase seen in 2025. This marks one of the largest year-over-year hikes in recent years,

At BetterFit Benefits, we’re excited to share that Blue Shield of California has officially released its 2026 Large Group portfolio updates, delivering new plan options, cost-saving opportunities, and expanded coverage for California employers and their employees. If you’re an HR leader, benefits administrator, or insurance broker, these changes create more ways to offer flexible, affordable,

Better Options, More Flexibility, and Stronger Benefits – Now Available Through BetterFit Benefits At BetterFit Benefits, we’re excited to share that Health Net has officially released its 2026 Enhanced Choice Large Group Portfolio—bringing expanded plan offerings, new benefits like infertility and weight loss medication coverage, and more flexibility for California employers and employees. Whether you’re

Anthem Blue Cross is taking a big step forward in helping members take control of their healthcare spending with a newly unified, consumer-directed health approach. Beginning January 1, 2025, Anthem will integrate Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) under one streamlined platform for large groups. This unified solution

Effective July 1, 2025, California will roll out two major healthcare mandates affecting fully insured plans: AB 2843 and SB 729. Below is an updated summary along with how carriers are responding. AB 2843: Emergency & Sexual Assault Coverage What it requires: Applies to fully insured individual, small, and large group plans issued, renewed, amended, or delivered on

🦷 Dental Plan Enhancements Blue Shield is introducing new PPO and DHMO plans featuring: Competitive pricing Flexible benefit designs Richer coverage options for preventive and restorative care These new offerings also integrate smoothly with Blue Shield’s medical plans, making administration simpler for HR and benefits teams. 👓 New Vision Plan Options Vision plans now offer:

What is the PCORI Fee? The Patient‑Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee supports vital research comparing health outcomes, treatment effectiveness, and associated risks. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurers and plan sponsors are obligated to pay this fee.Self‑funded (ASO) plan sponsors must report and remit the fee using IRS Form 720 by July 31 of the year