Peter's Blog: Bus Tour, Day Three

The Covered California bus cut across the Central Coast today, stopping to say hello and thanks to our partners in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield.

We are traveling the state on this bus tour, visiting city after city, to make sure Californians know that despite the headlines and controversy, financial help is still available.

We saw progress on a mural at Stand Up Paddle Sports in Santa Barbara. This mural is one of many that local artists are painting as part of the “Covered in Art” open-enrollment bus tour celebrating health and wellness.

Wardog

Wardog is the owner of the paddle board shop. “I’m stoked and proud to stand here with Covered California to try to get the word out,” said Wardog. “People need to have awareness raised a little bit that this is still a viable and important part of everyone’s lives.”

“We’re stoked for life, and healthy for life.”

Emily Heckman

Emily Heckman, a writer, Santa Barbara resident and Covered California member, came to the event to speak about having health insurance for her family. Emily’s son, Eamon, experienced a serious knee injury in 2015. Fortunately, through his health plan, Eamon had access to the best orthopedic surgeon in Santa Barbara. Emily describes signing up for Covered California as “surprisingly easy.”

“Everyone should have access to health insurance. It’s a great program.”

San Luis Obispo was the second stop of the day. San Luis Obispo County is the center of California’s Central Coast. More than 12,000 people in the county have coverage through Covered California.

Next up was a visit to Bakersfield. There we met Gary and Michelle Been, Certified Insurance Agents who are helping members of the Bakersfield community get covered.

Saturday’s stops:

1. Clinica Sierra Vista (1611 1st St., Bakersfield, CA 93304)
2. David Molano Insurance Services (600 W. Acequia Ave., Visalia, CA)
3. Clinica Sierra Vista (2505 Divisadero St., Fresno, CA 93721)