Covered California’s Open Enrollment Off To Strong Start Despite Turmoil
It's too soon to tell if the pace will continue for the entirety of the open enrollment window, but the first-day sign-ups were 25 percent higher than last year.
San Francisco Chronicle:
Health Insurance Signups For Covered California Up 25 Percent On first Day
The fifth open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act is off to a strong start in California, with 5,900 people signing up for new health insurance plans on Nov. 1 — 25 percent higher than the first day of open enrollment in 2016, Covered California officials said. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31, and it is too soon to tell whether the pace of signups will continue, but the initial numbers are one early signal that Covered California’s aggressive ramp-up in advertising, marketing and outreach efforts is paying off. (Ho, 11/9)
Sacramento Bee:
Covered California Far Outspends Trump Administration Advertising Open Enrollment
As the federal government backed away from the Affordable Care Act, California increased its overall budget for marketing, advertising and sales by 11 percent to $111 million. It is spending $50 million on advertising alone to ensure consumers know that this year’s congressional attempts to repeal or replace the law failed and health coverage remains available. (Anderson, 11/10)
East Bay Times:
Help Available To Enroll In Health Care
During the enrollment period for Covered California, the state-run health care plan, Axis Community Health is offering information sessions throughout the Tri-Valley. “Health insurance can be confusing. If you have questions or concerns about enrolling we can help,” said Carrie King, Axis’ community relations manager. Covered California offers plans from private insurance companies for U.S. citizens and documented immigrants. People can’t be denied coverage due to preexisting conditions and financial assistance is available. (Kilduff, 11/9)