SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Californians may find something
special under the tree this holiday season: the gift of health.
The “Give the Gift of Health” campaign launched today by Covered California™ seeks to empower family members, particularly mothers and grandmothers, in urging young adults to enroll in affordable and quality health coverage through the agency’s health insurance marketplace.
The campaign is
attracting broad support.
“You can’t
make the medical decisions for your adult children, but you can help them get
affordable health insurance under Covered California,” said Claire Lipschultz, state
policy advocate for the National Council of Jewish Women-California and a mother
of two 20-something sons. “Young adults tend to think that nothing will harm
them. Moms know you are healthy until you are not. So, be sure your loved ones
are covered.”
About 1.8 million
Californians between the ages of 18 and 29 are eligible to purchase insurance through
the exchange or will likely qualify for no-cost or low-cost Medi-Cal.
The campaign
includes:
- A Web page at https://www.CoveredCA.com/pledge where residents can make a pledge to get loved ones covered.
- An e-card that can be sent to friends and family with a personal message and more information about their options for insurance through Covered California, including low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal.
- A pledge certificate that can be presented to loved ones during the holidays as a symbol of your willingness to help them get insured.
- Tips for starting a discussion with friends and family about the importance of having health insurance.
In the spirit of
the holiday season, some family members or friends may choose to help young
adults by paying for a month or more of their insurance premium. Additionally,
about 2.6 million Californians, many of them under 30, will qualify for premium
assistance from the federal government that will defray a significant amount of
the premium cost.
Covered
California will partner with community-based organizations and other advocates of
the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to promote the campaign through
email blasts, websites and social medial channels in English and Spanish.
“We believe
that increased access to quality, affordable health care should be available to
all California residents,” said Alicia Hetman,
president of the American Association of University Women. “We know that one’s life
plans, including education, can be derailed by unexpected medical bills — appendicitis,
a car accident or even a simple broken ankle. Protect yourself by enrolling now
in an affordable health plan through Covered California.”
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.
