Narrow Networks: Do We Know When Networks Have Become Too Narrow?

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​The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has created a greater degree of standardization of health insurance plans than has ever existed in the individual (non-group) health insurance market. As a result, one of the most significant remaining features of health plans that can vary considerably is the number of doctors and hospitals contracting with each health plan. “Narrow networks” has led to some concern that those buying health insurance in the individual market, both inside and outside the Exchanges, now face more restricted access to doctors and hospitals in their immediate geographic area. Gerald Kominski, the Center’s director, summarizes what is known about narrow networks from the research literature; discusses challenges in defining and measuring network adequacy; and proposes further research to determine whether narrow networks are necessarily associated with lower quality care.

Speakers

Gerald F. Kominski

Gerald F. Kominski

Senior Fellow, UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, and Principal Investigator, CalSIM

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Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Webinar // 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM

California Elder Index Updates: Advancing Equity for Older Californians Experiencing Economic Insecurity

Join us on Wednesday, September 10, as researchers share the updated California Elder Index™ (CEI), a free, searchable online dashboard that provides estimates for basic living costs such as housing, health care, food, transportation, and limited miscellaneous expenses faced by adults ages 65 and older. 

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