New research finds 75 percent of Covered California health plans have narrow provider networks.
The University of Pennsylvania report reveals more than one third of all Obamacare insurance plans in California have networks that include less than 10 percent of doctors in a rating area.
Insurers point out that narrow networks help keep costs down. But Carmen Balber, executive director of the nonprofit Consumer Watchdog, said there's a fine line.
“There has to be a balance between reducing networks in order to reduce costs, and reducing networks to a point where you can’t find a doctor when you need one,” Balber said.
Covered California officials say provider networks have been expanding in response to patients’ needs.
The latest Field Poll shows most Californians are happy with the way Obamacare is working. Even so, nearly 42 percent say they’re having trouble paying for their health coverage.
