Bill > SB10

This bill requires the California Health Benefit Exchange, also known as the Exchange, to seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to allow individuals who are currently ineligible for health coverage through the Exchange due to their immigration status to obtain coverage. If this waiver is granted, the Exchange will require health insurance providers offering plans through the Exchange to also offer a specific type of plan called a "California qualified health plan" to these individuals. These California qualified health plans will be similar to regular qualified health plans but will have different eligibility requirements. Importantly, individuals purchasing these California qualified health plans will not be eligible for federal financial assistance, such as premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions, and will be responsible for paying the full cost of their coverage. The bill also mandates that any personal information collected from applicants for these plans will be used solely for the purpose of operating the Exchange and verifying eligibility, with strict limitations on its disclosure to others. This bill is declared an urgency statute, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage to expedite the process of seeking federal approval for this expanded health coverage.