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Covered California open for business: Californians can currently renew their plans through the health insurance exchange. Capital Public Radio’s Ja’Nel Johnson reports that some consumers may even be able to see a cost savings, though navigating how to do so can be complicated. The most affordable offered through the exchange varies each year. Johnson reports that consumers have until Dec. 15 to change their plan. Plans that aren’t changed will automatically be renewed. Last year 14 percent of consumers changed their plan.
Water tunnels: The Delta water tunnels are still being discussed, and recently heated words were reportedly said in regards to a proposed meeting about them. According to the Associated Press, San Diego County representative Keith Lewinger used a vulgarity after he and others on the San Diego Water Authority were blocked from having discussions about the project. San Diego is one of 26 entities buying water from the Metropolitan Water District. The 35-mile tunnel project would cost $15.7 billion and would carry water from Northern California to Central and Southern California.
Feel the Burn: Bernie Sanders is back – and he has a message for California. He says Proposition 61 – one of the 17 measures on this year’s November ballot – will be “great for taxpayers” in the state. Prop 61 seeks to lower prescription drug prices for the state to no more than what the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs pays for them. Capital Public Radio Politifact Report Chris Nichols, however, says Sanders’ claim is just a prediction and that no one can say for sure how Prop 61 will affect taxpayers. Nichols reports that independent analysts are less optimistic than Sanders and say the proposition could have unintentional consequences, including the possibility that drug companies could boost what they charge the VA and that California might not be able to buy certain types of drugs. Nichols says if those consequences can be evaded though then analysts lean more toward Sanders belief that the measure could produce large savings.
Wondering who’s spending money on this November’s state ballot measures? Check out KQED’s latest feature on the individuals who are making the biggest financial impact.