Most insurance exchanges just got bigger. Covered California is getting smaller

Kynect. Maryland Health Connection. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Every one of those state insurance exchanges added new carriers in preparation for Obamacare's second open enrollment period this fall. Covered California did not. Instead, the Golden State took a different approach: Its exchange is getting smaller. Dwindling Participation. Diminished Returns? When Covered California unveiled its initial slate of 13 carriers last year, their low rates got some attention -- but so did their mix. While Covered California couldn't boast Aetna or UnitedHealthcare, which instead elected to leave the state's individual market, four major insurers were on board: Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Health Net and Kaiser Permanente.