Covered California enrollment coming
As the start of the openenrollment period for Covered California approaches, a new report from the U.S. Census Bureau details California’s historic gains in its efforts to reduce the number of residents who are without health insurance.
Since the Affordable Care Act was launched in 2014, California has witnessed a nearly 60 percent drop in residents who are without health care coverage as more than 3.7 million Californians have obtained health insurance since 2013, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The state’s drop in the uninsured rate is the largest decrease of any state in the nation over the same time period.
“California was the first state to form their own exchange,” licensed insurance agent Margie Cummings said. “In the time it’s been in effect, our state has been at the forefront of implementing programs and making health care more accessible for people.”
“We know that life can change in an instant, and now millions of Californians and their families are protected and have access to the best medical care in the state,” Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee said in a release.
“One of the important things is the Affordable Care Act covers preventive care with no out-ofpocket costs,” Cummings said. “This means your screenings as you start to age are covered,” including colonoscopies, mammograms, prostate exams and vaccinations.
Health care costs for those with employer coverage have also been dramatically reduced, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“I think having access and information are important reasons for the decrease,” Cummings said. Those who are without health insurance can begin signing up for 2019 coverage on Oct. 15, while others with special qualifying life events, such as losing their coverage or moving, can enroll year round.
People who are interested in enrollment assistance should go to www. CoveredCA.com or contact the Covered California service center at 1-800-300-1506 to explore their options and find out if they qualify for financial help, she said.
“We are getting to a point where we are nearing universal coverage in California for those who are eligible, but we cannot rest on our laurels,” Lee said. “In the coming open-enrollment period, we will again be crisscrossing the state, making sure that Californians know about their health care options and the financial help that is available to bring quality coverage within reach.”
It’s important for people to have insurance for themselves and their families, Cummings said. “The state of California has made the information easily accessible and if somebody is looking for help, then I’m always available.”