Trending News Today: Health Plan Options Non-Existent After Anthem's Exit from California Marketplace

Once Anthem Blue Cross of California pulls out of the state’s individual market, 6 California communities will be left with only 1 insurer to choose from next year. According to California Healthline, Anthem’s departure will also be a blow for the Covered California exchange, with portions of 7 other counties who will only have Blue Shield to choose from. Keven Knauss, a Granite Bay-based insurance agent told California Healthline, “If one of [Covered California’s] goals … was to provide a competitive marketplace where people will have options and real choices, then there is a failure to meet the goal.” Knauss added, “… there are definitely going to be people who will have to pay more for their health insurance.”

Once Republican lawmakers return to the Capitol on September 5th from recess, they will have only 12 legislative days to decide on a bipartisan health bill, according to The Wall Street Journal. The bill aims to boost the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace before insurers must commit to selling health plans under the ACA in 2018.

Officials from the Burbank Unified School District renewed a contract with a local nonprofit service agency to continue providing students with access to mental health services. The district will pay $100,000 for counseling and administrative services at Burbank High for the 2017-2018 school year, according to the Los Angeles Times. The wellness centers—–which will be paid from a grant via the Local Education Agency––allows students to share their thoughts and feelings with counselors from the Family Service Agency.