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California Unveils Government Healthcare Plans

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — New details are out about the state's healthcare exchange and the plans and rates associated with the plan.

The state agency Covered California negotiated medical insurance rates with 13 companies. If you live in the Sacramento region, there are four pre-selected providers to choose from.

"We want Goldilocks pricing," executive director Peter Lee said. "We don't want prices too high, but we want to make sure there's enough money so patients can get the care they need."

By using the online calculator, you can see the estimated cost for a family of four earning $65,000 a year is $929 a month. With a government subsidy, the amount drops to $477 a month.

A single 40-year-old who doesn't qualify for a subsidy could pay anywhere from $250 to more than $600 based on the plan.

Some against President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act aren't happy as the plan continues to move forward.

"I don't want the government setting options," said Jennifer Glen of Sacramento. "I want insurance companies, and if people don't like the options insurance companies are offering, we should be able to shop around."

Like it or not, come January first, you will be required to have health insurance, or pay a penalty.

Some of the largest health insurers, including Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente, are among the companies vying for business in the state's new healthcare exchange.

"We believe the rates we are seeing are not only competitive, but are good rates people will be able to afford," Lee said.

Enrollment will begin this fall.

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