- Consumers must enroll by Dec. 15 to have coverage starting Jan. 1.
- More than 139,000 new consumers have selected a plan during the current open-enrollment period.
- 1.2 million current consumers have had their plans renewed for 2017.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With a key deadline coming up this week, Covered California released new data on the number of people who have signed up for coverage during the current open-enrollment period, and the number of existing consumers who have had their coverage renewed for 2017.
On Monday, Dec. 12, more than 11,000 new consumers signed up for health insurance coverage through CoveredCA.com or a certified enroller, bringing this year’s total to more than 139,000 new enrollees so far. Signing up soon is key because consumers must enroll by midnight on Thursday, Dec. 15 in order to have their health care coverage begin on Jan. 1, 2017.
“Covered California is open for business and consumers have two more days to get in and get the protection they deserve starting on January first,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “Getting covered is the best plan, and we stand ready to help consumers understand their options and determine whether they qualify for financial assistance to help pay for their coverage.”
In addition to alerting consumers about the upcoming Dec. 15 deadline, Covered California also announced that more than 1.2 million of its existing consumers have had their coverage renewed for 2017.
“Coverage matters, and we have a competitive market that is working for millions of Californians and bringing health care within reach,” Lee said. “Not only can our consumers see the best doctors and hospitals in the state, our patient-centered benefits are giving them access to care without being subject to a deductible.”
Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31, 2017. Consumers who enroll after the Dec. 15 deadline will have their coverage start on either Feb. 1 or March 1. Consumers interested in learning more about enrolling should go to CoveredCA.com or call (800) 300-1506.
About Covered California
Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.
In addition, small business owners can purchase affordable health insurance for their employees through Covered California for Small Business.
Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace 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.
