California Breast Care Provider Guide
When a client needs help identifying breast-care options in California, the broker’s role is to support the access process—not to diagnose, interpret findings, or recommend treatment. A broker can help the client understand coverage, identify appropriate in-network providers, and confirm referral or authorization requirements, while clinical guidance should come from the client’s physicians. With that in mind, the following shortlist gives the most weight to multidisciplinary breast programs connected to NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, because those programs are recognized for strong cancer-care capabilities, research depth, and access to coordinated specialty teams.
Life insurance applications rise 15.2% in September, MIB reports
Life insurance application activity rose 15.2% in September from a year earlier, marking the strongest growth ever recorded for the month, according to the MIB Life Index.
The September data extended a strong run for life insurance applications in 2026. Through the first nine months, activity was up 15.6% from the same period in 2025 and was 20.9% higher than in 2024 and 22% higher than in 2023.
MEDICARE
SCAN, Sutter Health expand service area for co-branded Medicare Advantage plans
SCAN Health Plan and Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health are bringing their co-branded Medicare Advantage plans to four more Northern California counties in 2027, up from six in 2026.
SCAN and Sutter first announced their collaboration in 2025, with Sutter hinting at possible future expansion beyond the region. According to a SCAN news release from Oct. 6, 2026, the joint plans — now called Sutter Senior Advantage, a SCAN Medicare Plan (HMO) — launched in 2026. The plans currently serve more than 20,000 members.
Medicare Advantage plans with 2.5 stars or lower in 2027
Thirty-two Medicare Advantage contracts received 2.5 stars or lower in CMS’ 2027 star ratings, up from 23 last year.
The agency released the ratings Oct. 8, which will determine quality bonus payments for 2028. The enrollment-weighted average MA star rating was 3.99, compared with 4.01 in 2026. Contracts that received five stars are here.
6 payers entering ACA markets in 2027
There will be at least six new carriers on ACA marketplaces in 2027, despite the continued pressures facing the wider market.
Nationally, insurers have proposed a median 14% rate increase for 2027, the second straight year of double digit hikes. Total marketplace enrollment stood at nearly 19.2 million in February, down 12% from nearly 21.8 million at the same time last year. Several insurers have announced exits from the exchanges nationally or in specific states after the 2026 plan year amid the declining enrollment, rising premiums, a deteriorating risk pool and the expiration of the enhanced subsidies at the end of 2025.
SCAN, Costco roll out Medicare Advantage plans in California, Nevada
SCAN Health Plan and Costco shared Oct. 1 that their co-branded Medicare Advantage plans will go live in California and Nevada in 2027.
The HMO will be available in 17 California counties and two Nevada counties on Jan. 1, a SCAN news release said. This is Costco’s first time offering MA.
“Entering Medicare Advantage is a natural extension of our commitment to delivering quality and value for our members,” Richard Stephens, Costco’s senior vice president of pharmacy, said.