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California regulators fined two insurance giants for overstating their Obamacare doctor networks and said the companies will pay millions of dollars in refunds to patients who paid too much for care. The state’s Department of Managed Health Care levied fines of $350,000 against Blue Shield of California and $250,000 for Anthem Blue Cross. (Terhune, 11/3)

As part of the bumpy rollout of Obamacare in California, two major insurers – Anthem and Blue Shield – were issued $650,000 in fines Tuesday because they provided inaccurate doctor directories that resulted in costly overcharges for some patients. The fines are based on statewide surveys in June 2014 that found more than 25 percent of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California’s online doctor listings were faulty, either because the physicians weren’t in the location listed or weren’t offering plans as cited. (Buck, 11/3)

As the third enrollment period gets underway, the market for health plans sold on the exchanges set up through the Affordable Care Act remains in flux — and it is likely to stay that way for several more years. Some insurers are increasing premiums sharply. Others are lowering premiums. One insurer is pulling out of the Milwaukee market. Another is entering the market. And one is dropping one of its health plans. (Boulton, 11/3)

It took Doug Calwhite about 30 minutes Monday to enroll in a new health insurance plan on the Obamacare marketplace. The 62-year-old retired maintenance mechanic stopped into the University of South Florida's Marshall Student Center for in-person assistance from enrollment experts known as navigators. One quickly helped him trade his midrange silver plan for a more economical bronze plan. (McGrory, 11/3)