Relaxed Underwriting: Kaiser Permanente California Small Group

For California small groups with five or fewer subscribers, a Health Net bill now satisfies underwriting documentation — no DE-9C required. This relaxed standard does not apply to groups purchasing a Kaiser Permanente PPO plan.

Special Open Enrollment for Existing California Kaiser Permanente Groups

Clients with Kaiser Permanente Small Group coverage in a slice arrangement with Health Net have a timely opportunity to reassess their coverage strategy. Small Group Account Management team can review these groups, walk through plan options, and help position Kaiser Permanente as the primary health care partner as clients approach their next renewal decision.

Two provisions make this window worth acting on now:

• Q1 anniversary date flexibility — Groups may move their effective date to 1/1, 2/1, or 3/1 to align with another carrier's renewal.
• Mid-year plan changes — Groups may request upgrades, downgrades, or plan additions within 60 days of losing Health Net coverage. Adding a Kaiser Permanente PPO requires Employer/Employee relationship documentation — either a DE-9C or payroll records.

Bottom line: For brokers with California groups in a Kaiser/Health Net slice arrangement, this is a window to bring Kaiser Permanente options back into the conversation before the next renewal locks in.

Contact your Sales Manager to find the right option for your groups and ensure timely access to care!