How is continuity of care addressed in California’s Marketplace plans?

Continuity of care is an important aspect of healthcare, particularly for individuals transitioning to new insurance plans. In California's Marketplace plans, patients can continue seeing their existing healthcare providers under certain conditions. This provision is designed to ensure that individuals do not have to abruptly change providers, which can be disruptive, especially for those with ongoing medical issues or existing treatment plans.

Conditions for maintaining continuity of care may include situations where patients have long-term healthcare needs or require specialized services that their existing providers offer. For example, if a patient is undergoing treatment with a specific doctor who is not in the new plan’s network, the patient may still be able to receive care from that doctor for a specified period, provided they meet the necessary criteria outlined by the plan.

This approach helps to mitigate gaps in care and reassures patients that they can maintain stable relationships with their trusted healthcare providers during a time of transition, contributing to better health outcomes and overall satisfaction with their healthcare experience.