SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Thanks to a strong increase in demand, Covered California is giving consumers more time to sign up for health coverage that will start on Jan. 1.
Over the past two days, Covered California has seen nearly double the number of new consumers enroll compared to the same two days last year. More than 11,000 consumers signed up on Monday and nearly 14,000 signed up on Tuesday. The two-day total of more than 25,000 new enrollees surpasses the number of consumers who signed up between Dec. 12 and 13, 2015, when more than 13,000 consumers enrolled.
The surge in enrollment brings this year’s total to more than 153,000 new enrollees. In comparison, Covered California had 144,000 people sign up by this time last year.
“This strong demand shows that Californians are using the competitive marketplace that Covered California provides,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “We are ahead of last year’s pace and are giving our Service Center staff and certified enrollers the time they need to bring health care coverage to thousands more.”
Consumers now have until midnight on Saturday, Dec.17 to sign up and have their coverage start on Jan. 1.
Consumers interested in enrolling online can do so on CoveredCA.com. They can also get free and confidential in-person assistance, in a variety of languages, by clicking on “Free Local Help to Enroll.” They can find a nearby enroller or have a certified enroller contact them through the “Help on Demand” feature. Consumers can also enroll over the phone by calling Covered California at (800) 300-1506.
Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31, 2017. Consumers who enroll after the Dec. 17 deadline will have their coverage start on either Feb. 1 or March 1.
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.
