More than 55,000 Sign Up Over Two Days As Covered California Extends Deadline for Consumers
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Covered California announced Wednesday that more than 197,000 consumers had enrolled in health care coverage by the end of Tuesday, Dec. 15, including more than 22,000 on Monday and more than 32,000 on Tuesday.
The two-day total of more than 55,000 surpassed the enrollment figures seen last year during the same two day period when more than 35,000 people signed up for coverage on Dec. 14-15, 2014.
“The interest we have seen over the last two days is further proof of the continued demand that Californians have for quality, affordable health care coverage,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “We want to make sure that everyone who is working to get in the door has the time they need to get the coverage they deserve.”
In response to the huge demand, Covered California is giving consumers until Dec. 17 to sign up for health care coverage that will begin on Jan. 1.
“Based on the incredible demand we are seeing, we are encouraging consumers to avoid the last-minute rush,” Lee said. “Get in now and get covered for 2016.”
Consumers can enroll online by visiting www.CoveredCA.com, or they can get in-person enrollment assistance by visiting www.CoveredCA.com/get-help/local to find the nearest Certified Enroller. Enrollment assistance is free, confidential and available in a variety of languages. Consumers can also enroll over the phone by reaching Covered California at (800) 300-1506, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31. Consumers who enroll after Dec. 17 will have their coverage start in either February or March.
Covered California estimates that there are currently about 750,000 uninsured Californians eligible for subsidies, and it forecasts that between 295,000 and 450,000 consumers will newly enroll in coverage during open enrollment. An additional 1.4 million people statewide are believed to qualify for low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal.
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. 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 about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.
