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. 23, more
than 427,082 unique visits were made to CoveredCA.com, created jointly with the
California Department of Health Care Services. In addition, more than 94,000
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 continues to climb from 334,027 through Nov. 16
to 385,556 through Nov. 23.
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:
“Don’t know what the big complaint is, I
enrolled my daughter, (21), into the plan in under an hour. I'm going to save
$350 a month by her being on an Obamacare plan!!! Thank you President Obama!!!”
— Sharon (via Facebook)
“Thank you so much! I haven't been able to
purchase individual insurance due to pre-existing condition issues. Your
website is wonderful, thanks again.” — Anonymous (via preliminary enrollment application)
“My experience with Covered California has
been excellent! Everyone I spoke with was knowledgeable, helpful and courteous.
This health insurance means so much to me and I am very grateful to everyone
who helped me in this process.” — Anonymous (via preliminary enrollment application)
“First time in 7 years me and my girls have
insurance!!!” — Billie (via
Facebook)
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.
About the Department of Health Care Services
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) works to
preserve and improve the physical and mental health of all Californians. DHCS
provides health care services for more than 8.5 million Californians through
Medi-Cal, including medical, dental, mental health, substance use treatment
services and long-term services and supports. This is accomplished through an
investment of approximately $70 billion annually in public funds for the care
of low-income families, children, pregnant women, seniors and persons with
disabilities. DHCS focuses on delivering quality, effective services primarily
through the more coordinated systems of care provided by 21 Medi-Cal managed
care plans located in all of California’s 58 counties. For more information
about DHCS, please visit www.dhcs.ca.gov.
