News Release

Date Posted

Covered California Unveils New Bilingual Advertising Campaign To Inform Consumers On How To Get Covered

Additional Radio Ads Scheduled to Remind Enrollees to Pay their First Premium Before Jan. 15, 2014


Welcome to Answers - English


Welcome to Answers - Spanish

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Covered California™ today unveiled its new, statewide television advertisement campaign that includes an intensified effort to reach Spanish- speaking Californians as well as radio advertisements that remind enrollees to make their first premium payment to start coverage.

The television ads focus on straightforward facts about Covered California, and the steps Californians need to take to get affordable health care coverage before the open enrollment period ends on March 31, 2014. The radio ads, scheduled to run this weekend, will help remind those consumers who have signed up for coverage beginning in January of the upcoming Wednesday, Jan. 15 deadline to pay their first premium.

“Covered California offers affordable, quality health care coverage, and we are working hard to get the word out and encourage enrollment,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “This advertising effort addresses frequently asked questions, and encourages all Californians to seek coverage and reminds them of key deadlines for coverage.”

The new television ads will supplement the current advertising effort that includes ads focusing on common health scenarios that Californians could face, including injuries and illnesses. The new ads build on this effort by providing easy-to-understand facts about Covered California for those considering signing up for coverage. The Spanish- language television advertising will be augmented by Spanish-language direct mail pieces.

“Covered California’s direct mail campaign for Spanish-speaking households marks an intensified effort to reach out to the Latino community in California,” said Lee.

With the Jan. 15 payment deadlines fast approaching, Covered California also recently added a “How to Pay” feature to the website at www.CoveredCA.com. The new feature provides information with payment options, contact information for each health plan sold through Covered California and helpful answers to frequently asked questions: www.coveredca.com/getting-covered/how-to-pay.html.

“We are urging our enrollees to be proactive right now to make their first premium payment before next Wednesday,” added Lee. “In addition, Jan. 15 also marks the deadline for consumers to enroll for coverage beginning Feb. 1.”

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.