Covered California Extends Deadline To Enroll Amid Pandemic Surge

CALIFORNIA — In the midst of a major coronavirus surge plaguing Californians this December, Covered California pivoted to extend its deadline for open-enrollment. Residents now have until Dec. 30 to sign up for health coverage that begins Jan. 1.

More than 1.2 million Californians are uninsured, according to the insurance agency, a somewhat alarming number during a dire moment in heathcare the Golden State.

"The pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on all of our lives..." wrote Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California, in a statement. "We know there are more than 1.2 million Californians who are uninsured right now, even though they are eligible to receive financial assistance to help to pay for their coverage, [giving] them more time is the right thing to do."

Those who sign up by Dec. 30 will have to pay their first bill in order to have coverage take effect for Jan. 1. Officials from the insurance agency also assure that any television, radio or print advertisements that carry a Dec. 15 deadline should be disregarded given the extension.

"Most of the people who are uninsured either do not know they are eligible for financial assistance or they have not checked recently to see how affordable quality coverage can be,” Lee wrote. "No one should wait to sign up, and we are extending the deadline through Dec. 30 to give all of us more time to spread the word and make sure our family and friends have health insurance during this pandemic."

Covered California found that the estimated 1.2 million uninsured California residents were eligible for help — either low cost or free of charge through Medi-Cal.

According to data collected by the agency, Latinx Californians sat at the top of the list of uninsured residents, with 650,000 estimated to be without coverage. White people came in second, with about 367,000 estimated to be uninsured in the state.

“We want everyone to have their coverage in place, and ready for them when they need it, as early as possible,” Lee said.

Some 9 out of 10 Californians who enroll through Covered California end up receiving assistance of some form, according to the agency, with the average consumer receiving around $127 per month toward their coverage.

Those interested in enrolling or learning more can visit Covered California's website, request in-person assistance here or have someone from Covered California call them here. Covered California's general phone line can be reached at 800-300-1506.