Covered California Enrollment Surges in Los Angeles County to More Than 130,000

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Covered California™ and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced today that from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, an estimated 132,209 consumers in Los Angeles County enrolled in subsidized and unsubsidized Covered California health insurance plans.

The three-month total represents 74 percent of the base projection of 177,602 Covered California estimated for the county during the entire six-month enrollment period, which ends March 31(see the table attached).

“We’re pleased by the enthusiastic response consumers in Los Angeles County have shown in wanting quality and affordable health care to protect their families,” Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said. “It is the most populous county in the most populous state in the country, so we cannot understate the importance of strong Covered California enrollment within Los Angeles County.”

On Jan. 21, Covered California released statistics showing that 500,108 consumers statewide enrolled for health insurance and selected plans through the end of 2013. Another 584,000 applicants statewide were determined to be likely eligible for Medi-Cal coverage. DHCS also transitioned 630,000 individuals into the Medi-Cal program from the state’s Low Income Health Program.

Los Angeles County, which encompasses Covered California pricing regions 15 and 16, represents 26 percent of the 500,108 consumers enrolled. The county makes up 31 percent of those eligible statewide to enroll in the Covered California health insurance marketplace.

Also for the three-month period ending Dec. 31, 2013, 188,122 applications were started in Los Angeles County, which could cover 338,620* individuals upon their successful enrollment in Covered California or Medi-Cal.

Other highlights for Los Angeles County in Covered California enrollment figures:

Lee pointed out that consumers can continue enrolling in Covered California plans through the open enrollment period that ends March 31, 2014. Medi-Cal enrollment is continuous throughout the year.

Lee also reminded consumers of the many paths they can take to enroll in Covered California health insurance plans and in Medi-Cal, including meeting in person with thousands of trained Certified Insurance Agents, Certified Enrollment Counselors and county eligibility workers, who can provide assistance with completing applications. Spanish-language assistance is available online at www.CoveredCA.com/espanol.

Both the English and Spanish Covered California websites can locate the nearest person who can provide assistance. Additionally, self-enrollment is available online, and enrollment can be completed over the phone by calling Covered California’s Service Center at (800) 300-1506.

Tables and graphics showing enrollment by metal tier and health insurance plan in each region are available online at https://www.coveredca.com/pdfs/newsroom/regional-stats-dec/dec-regionals-all.pdf and https://www.coveredca.com/pdfs/newsroom/regional-stats-dec/RegionalEnrollmentTables.pdf.

* The total of individuals is an estimate based on an average of 1.8 individuals per application.

Covered California is the state’s marketplace for the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Covered California, in partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services, was charged with creating a new health insurance marketplace in which individuals and small businesses can get access to affordable health insurance plans. With coverage starting in 2014, Covered California helps individuals determine whether they are eligible for premium assistance that is available on a sliding-scale basis to reduce insurance costs or whether they are eligible for low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Small businesses can purchase competitively priced health insurance plans and offer their employees the ability to choose from an array of plans and may qualify for federal tax credits.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the new market work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the Governor and the Legislature. For more information on Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) works to preserve and improve the physical and mental health of all Californians. DHCS provides health care services for more than 8.5 million Californians through Medi-Cal, including medical, dental, mental health, substance use treatment services and long-term services and supports. This is accomplished through an investment of approximately $70 billion annually in public funds for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, seniors and persons with disabilities. DHCS focuses on delivering quality, effective services primarily through the more coordinated systems of care provided by 21 Medi-Cal managed care plans located in all of California’s 58 counties. For more information about DHCS, please visit www.dhcs.ca.gov.