Covered California Releases Statistics for Its Health Insurance Marketplace for Week Ending March 22

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Covered California™ and the Department of Health Care Services released updated numbers showing that consumer interest in the agency’s health insurance marketplace and Medi-Cal remains strong. The number of enrollment applications started continues to increase, from  2,507,185 on March 15 to 2,696,974 through March 22.

Data in this release is updated and posted every Tuesday on CoveredCA.com.

Total enrollment during January is scheduled for release in February.

Weekly Report	March 16 - March 22
Unique visits to CoveredCA.com	767,773
Total call volume	91,257
Average wait time	32:20
Average handling time	20:31

Enrollment Assistance Program	Certified or Authorized to Enroll	Certification in Progress
Enrollment Entities	735	151
Enrollment Counselors	5,422	1,757
Insurance Agents	11,866	10,215
County Eligibility Workers*	10,725
Total	28,731	12,123
*Trained by Covered California and authorized to use the agency’s enrollment system.

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.