Covered California will waive deductibles for many patients, and continue generous subsidies, but a projected 9.6% rate hike signals that runaway health care costs are back after five years of low premium increases.

Mark Schena, 59, of Los Altos, president of Arrayit Corporation, was convicted in federal court in San Jose of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, wire fraud, health care fraud and securities fraud, plus conspiracy to pay kickbackd and payment of kickbacks.

The agency also warned premiums may double for some enrollees if Congress does not renew federal aid.

Rival California health insurers say the special deal is unfair and could leave them with high-need patients.

New tax credits are also expected to lower premiums by an average of $180 per month for roughly 280,000 Bay Area residents.