News Release

Date Posted

Covered California Releases Statistics for Its Health Insurance Marketplace for Week Ending Nov. 16

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Covered California™ released updated numbers showing that consumer interest in the agency’s health insurance marketplace and Medi-Cal remained strong. During the week ending Nov. 16, more than 476,000 unique visits were made to its website, CoveredCA.com, created jointly with the California Department of Health Care Services. In addition, more than 70,000 calls — the largest weekly total to date — were logged by the Covered California Service Center.

Since open enrollment began Oct. 1, consumers have been shopping for and comparing health care coverage through Covered California, where consumers also can determine if they are eligible to enroll, eligible for subsidies or eligible for Medi-Cal.


The number of enrollment applications started surged by nearly 60,000, from 276,673 through Nov. 9 to 334,027 through Nov. 16.

Covered California will release additional statistical data from October on Thursday, Nov. 21. Total enrollment for November is scheduled for release in December.



Consumer response to Covered California health insurance plans has been positive. Here’s a sample of what people are saying through post-application surveys and social media channels:

“THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I have been denied health insurance for 3 years for a pre-existing condition! THANK YOU! I can now live again.” — Anonymous (via preliminary enrollment application survey)

“I’m signed and covered again — at rates I got years ago as a corporate employee. What a relief! Thank you Mr. President!” — Pamela (via Facebook)

“Amazing. Very grateful! First time insured since 1988 due to affordability. My mother died at 59 years old uninsurable so this is very important to all Americans.” Anonymous (via preliminary enrollment application survey)

“Silver plan, adults 45 & 62, we’re looking at $200/month. Our 11 & 12 kids are Medi-Cal. I can’t WAIT!!! Old job [insurance cost] $1200/month and we had to decline it.” — Kathy (via Facebook)

“This saved me more than $2,000/year.” — Anonymous (via preliminary enrollment application survey)

About Covered California
Covered California is the state’s marketplace for the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Covered California, in partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services, was charged with creating a new health insurance marketplace in which individuals and small businesses can get access to affordable health insurance plans. With coverage starting in 2014, Covered California helps individuals determine whether they are eligible for premium assistance that is available on a sliding-scale basis to reduce insurance costs or whether they are eligible for low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Small businesses can purchase competitively priced health insurance plans and offer their employees the ability to choose from an array of plans and may qualify for federal tax credits.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the new market work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the Governor and the Legislature. For more information on Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.