News Release

Date Posted

Medical Associations Awarded $3.1 Million in Grants to Educate Provides About Health Insurance Marketplace

Covered California Partners with Organizations for Outreach to Doctors, Nurses and Other Clinicians to Provide Coverage to Millions of Californians

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Covered California™ has awarded $3.1 million in grants to four medical associations to help doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other clinicians increase their knowledge of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act) and of how Covered California’s new health insurance marketplace works.

In turn, these medical professionals can help educate their patients about the new coverage options available through Covered California and about how to obtain financial assistance to help pay for them.

“We are excited by the interest among clinicians in helping their patients understand how millions of Californians can get coverage through the Affordable Care Act,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “We share a vision with clinicians across the state that is centered in ensuring that all Californians have access to quality affordable health care. Medical providers are trusted messengers who need accurate information to help their patients understand their options.”

“While we could not fund all of the groups who expressed interest, we look forward to working with those funded and an array of other provider groups to provide information to help consumers benefit from the expanded coverage,” said Lee.


The Provider Education Grant Program will run from Sept. 1, 2013, to Dec. 31, 2014.It’s estimated that the selected grantees will reach more than 200,000 health care professionals across the state. Organizations selected for funding are: the California Medical Association Foundation, $1.5 million; the California Academy of Family Physicians, $865,000; the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists, $535,000;and the National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians, $200,000.

Education activities begin in September — in advance of open enrollment for consumers into Covered California health insurance plans and for many that will be newly eligible for Medi-Cal for coverage that can begin Jan. 1, 2014.

About Covered California

Covered California is the state’s marketplace for the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Covered California 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 will help individuals determine whether they are eligible for premium assistance that will be 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 will be able to 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.