By Macy Meinhardt, Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer
Covered California kicked off the 2024 open enrollment season at Cesar Chavez Park Tuesday, marking its 11th year in helping the diverse communities of San Diego and beyond receive accessible and affordable healthcare.
Standing before the iconic Coronado Bridge, the choice of scenery held a symbolic message to Covered California’s mission this enrollment season: Bridging the Gap.
“This year’s open enrollment campaign, bridging the gap, means a few different things as we strive to bridge the gap in coverage, bridge the gap in affordability and bridge the gap in health disparities,” said Jessica Altman, Executive Director of Covered California, who wants uninsured people to know that healthcare access is within closer reach than ever before this enrollment season.
With coverage comes peace of mind, however more than 200,000 people and 2.7 percent of Black San Diegans specifically live without insurance. Covered California aims to fix that by reminding Californians that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege and their programs can help foster affordable options for everyone.
“This is a critical time. Enrollment is an opportunity. And it’s an opportunity for access, and healing, and health in a way that probably many of our constituents and those in need and those who qualify are probably not aware,” said District 18 Senator Steve Padilla.
Whether an individual is not able to access healthcare from their employer or other means, now is the time for San Diegans to act, enroll and most importantly, realize that they have an opportunity to participate in this market in an affordable way.
In addition, Sen. Padilla also touched on the particular significance this enrollment season holds for communities of color.
“It is important generally to all of our well being, but particularly in communities of color— historically underserved and under invested—have unique pressing healthcare needs, just to keep your head above water, just to maintain a current level of appropriate care. And most especially preventive care.,” said Sen. Padilla.
Speakers at the press conference also gave recognition to federal, state and local leaders in making the historic rise in affordability this upcoming year possible, saying that their budget is a reflection in the value of accessible healthcare.
“Thanks to the expanded financial assistance made possible by the American rescue plan and the inflation Reduction Act. We saw a steady rise in affordability and the number of people who were able to access health insurance through Covered California. Overall, the result has been California’s uninsured rate dropping from over 17% to a record low of 6.5% and that is the largest percentage drop at any state in the entire nation,” said Altman.
Californians will have until Jan. 31, 2024 to enroll in the low-cost services.
Consumers can learn more about their options by visiting CoveredCA.com or calling (800) 300-1506 to find out if they qualify for financial help and see their coverage options in their area.
