SACRAMENTO, Calif. � Covered California Board Chair Diana Dooley on Tuesday thanked two departing members of the Board of Directors and welcomed two new members appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to oversee the agency.

Dr. Sandra Hernandez and Jerry Fleming will serve on the board, taking the places of Marty Morgenstern and Genoveva Islas, who have served since 2015.

Dooley said Morgenstern and Islas will be missed.

�We want to thank both Marty and Veva for the time and effort they have devoted to helping Covered California build an organization that has helped millions of people get affordable health care,� said Dooley. �They both have served the people of California with dedication and a steadfast commitment to putting the needs of consumers first.�

Today, Gov. Brown appointed (https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/02/13/governor-brown-announces-appointments-13/) Sandra Hernandez and Jerry Fleming to serve on Covered California�s board.

Hernandez and Fleming will join Dooley, Paul Fearer and Art Torres as members of Covered California�s Board of Directors.

Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California, said the organization is grateful for the leadership of the departing board members.

�Marty and Veva joined us right after our second open-enrollment period, and their expertise and commitment helped Covered California maintain its momentum and strength,� Lee said. �We want to thank them for everything they have done.�

�We also look forward to welcoming Jerry Fleming and Sandra Hernandez, who bring not only broad and deep expertise in health care, but also tremendous insight into how to ensure Covered California continues to reach and effectively serve the rich diversity of California�s population,� Lee said.

Since 2014, more than 3.4 million people have purchased health insurance through Covered California, and nearly 4 million have enrolled in the state�s Medi-Cal program. Together, the gains have cut the rate of the uninsured in California from 17 percent in 2013 to a historic low of 6.8 percent as of June 2017.

Consumers can still sign up for health care coverage if they experience a life-changing event, such as losing their health insurance, getting married, having a child or moving. For more information on special-enrollment rules, visit: www.CoveredCA.com/individuals-and-families/getting-covered/special-enrollment.

Eligible consumers who are interested in signing up should go to www.CoveredCA.com where they can get help to enroll. They can explore their options and find out if they qualify for financial help by using the Shop and Compare Tool. They can also get free and confidential enrollment assistance by visiting www.coveredca.com/find-help/ and searching among 800 storefronts statewide, or more than 17,000 certified enrollers who can assist consumers in understanding their choices and enrolling, including individuals who can assist in other languages. In addition, consumers can reach the Covered California service center by calling (800) 300-1506.

Consumers who qualify for Medi-Cal can enroll year-round.

About Covered California
Covered California is the state�s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California�s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

• Covered California for Small Business tops 40,000 members � a 30 percent year-over-year growth.
• This new partnership means more health insurance choices for employees of California small businesses.
• EaseCentral�s technology will help consumers and businesses save money by improving efficiencies, reducing errors and speeding up the application-approval process.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. � A partnership with EaseCentral is the latest advancement for Covered California for Small Business, which has seen its enrollment steadily grow from 14,183 in 2014 to more than 40,000 as of Dec. 1, 2017.

The new partnership, announced on Wednesday, will help the exchange continue its strong growth. Earlier in 2017, Covered California for Small Business announced its 2018 statewide weighted average rate increase of 5.6 percent for employers and their employees, which is down from the 5.9 percent increase in 2017. This was great news for the California small-business community.

EaseCentral will include Covered California for Small Business in its integrated software platform. Employees of small businesses across the state will be able to log on and see the plan choices provided through Covered California for Small Business. The automated system will lead to cost savings and an improved enrollment process for certified agents and the small businesses they work with across the state.

Covered California for Small Business will be offering five health plans in 2018, including two preferred provider organization (PPO) plans with full provider networks, from Blue Shield of California and Health Net, and two health maintenance organizations (HMO) that are provider- and hospital-based, from Kaiser Permanente and Sharp Health Plan. Rounding out the 2018 portfolio is Chinese Community Health Plan in San Francisco.

Businesses with up to 100 employees can apply for health insurance coverage for their workers through Covered California for Small Business. Federal tax credits may be available to employers with 25 or fewer employees. The partnership with EaseCentral will bring these options and choices to business owners across the state.

�By adding this partnership to the many ways we support small business, tens of thousands of small businesses who use EaseCentral will enjoy better connectivity with Certified Insurance Agents and general agents, making enrolling in Covered California for Small Business even easier,� said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. �It is time to move the small-business marketplace into the 21st century�s web-enabled world of e-commerce. It�s a faster, better and a much less costly way of doing business.�

The immediate beneficiaries of this partnership will be California small businesses that provide health care coverage to their employees, since it will virtually eliminate paper enrollment applications and will enable them to renew and perform account maintenance transactions through Covered California for Small Business�s online portals. EaseCentral�s technology can reduce the costs of enrollment and ultimately those savings can be transferred to their employees.

�We believe in technology�s ability to make health care easier,� said David Reid, CEO and cofounder of EaseCentral. �Additionally, the subsequent cost savings are crucial, especially for small businesses. Automation opens the door to reallocating resources, costs and time to other aspects of the company. Time and time again, we�ve seen that investing in the adoption of these tools has a positive impact on the bottom line, in almost every case.�

The partnership will also give more choice to the California small businesses that currently use EaseCentral. The integration was tested by Claremont Insurance Services, a sales leader for Covered California for Small Business. Company president Michael Traynor said his company saw �significant operational efficiencies� while using the platform.

Visit www.CoveredCA.com/forsmallbusiness/for information on how to apply.

About Covered California
Covered California is the state�s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California�s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

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• More than 48,000 new consumers selected a plan during the first two weeks of open enrollment, which is slightly ahead of last year�s pace.
• New subsidized enrollees are using increased tax credit money to purchase coverage that is more comprehensive.
• The majority of consumers signing up will be able to pay lower prices in 2018 than they would have for the same plans last year.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. � Covered California issued its first enrollment snapshot for the first two weeks of the current open-enrollment period. From Nov. 1 through Nov. 14, more than 48,000 new consumers signed up for coverage through Covered California, which is slightly ahead of last year�s pace when more than 39,000 consumers selected a plan during the first two weeks of November 2016.


�Covered California is off to another positive start as consumers take advantage of the lower prices being offered this year to buy quality health care coverage,� said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. �While we are encouraged by these early results, we will continue to work hard to get the word out so consumers know they have until Jan. 31 to sign up for coverage.�

Unlike a majority of other states in the nation, California�s open-enrollment period runs through Jan. 31, 2018. However, consumers who want their insurance coverage to begin on Jan. 1, 2018, must enroll by Dec. 15.

In addition to the enrollment data, Covered California announced that its data shows that consumers are using their increased tax credit money to purchase more-comprehensive coverage with richer benefits. The percentage of new subsidy-eligible consumers selecting a Gold-tier plan has increased from 4 percent during the first two weeks of 2016 to 12 percent during the same time this year. Silver continues to be the most-selected tier, which is good news because that is the level at which consumers receive the best value due to cost-sharing reduction benefits.

Meanwhile, the number of new consumers enrolled in Silver-tier plans, which were subject to a surcharge caused by the administration�s decision to end reimbursement payments for cost-sharing reduction benefits, has dropped from 56 percent to 45 percent. The analysis also found small increases in consumers selecting Bronze and Platinum coverage.

�Consumers are shopping smart, and finding out that there are many good options this year that are well within their reach,� Lee said. �Anyone who has shopped in the past should come back and take a second look because prices are lower for many.�

Lee pointed to Covered California�s expansive marketing campaign as a key ingredient of the exchange�s consistency and stability since it opened its doors in 2014. Covered California budgeted $111 million dollars for marketing and outreach during the current fiscal year.

The marketing campaign, which includes ads in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese, can be viewed here: https://vimeopro.com/coveredcanews/instant-tv.

Since 2014, more than 3 million people have purchased health insurance through Covered California, and nearly 4 million have enrolled in the state�s Medi-Cal program. Together, the gains have cut the rate of the uninsured in California by more than half.

�Covered California is a stable market that is working well for millions of people,� Lee said. �That�s why it is so disheartening to see Congress discussing another attempt to unravel the law in a way that would send premiums higher and cause many Americans to lose coverage.�

Consumers interested in learning more about their coverage options should go to www.CoveredCA.com. They can explore their options and find out if they qualify for financial help by using the Shop and Compare Tool. They can also get free and confidential enrollment assistance by visiting www.coveredca.com/find-help/ and searching among 800 storefronts statewide or the more than 17,000 certified enrollers who can help consumers understand their choices and enroll, including individuals who can assist in other languages. In addition, consumers can reach the Covered California service center by calling (800) 300-1506.

About Covered California
Covered California is the state�s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California�s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

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• �Covered in Art� bus tour will travel 1,300 miles and make stops in cities across California over 6 days to promote enrollment in health insurance.
• Local artists will paint permanent murals at community clinics and other locations across the state to promote health and wellness and attract attention to places where Californians can enroll.
• Californians will be encouraged to visit CoveredCA.com and check out their options because prices for some may be lower this year.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. � Covered California on Saturday continued its statewide bus tour to enroll consumers in health insurance, arriving in Bakersfield to feature a comprehensive marketing and outreach campaign and showcase a local muralist to promote health and wellness.

�We�ve launched this 22-stop bus tour and our statewide advertising with ads to make sure everyone in California knows there are quality health insurance options available now for 2018,� said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. �While there�s uncertainty in Washington, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land and financial help is bringing care within reach for millions whether you live in Bakersfield, Fresno or Sacramento.�

Open enrollment in California, which started on Nov. 1 and will run through Jan. 31, 2018, is the one time of year when anyone who needs health insurance can enroll without having to meet special qualifying conditions. Consumers should enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2018. (Open enrollment in many other states will end after 45 days on Dec. 15).

The �Covered in Art� bus tour will make stops at locations throughout the state where local artists will paint murals to attract attention to enrollment locations and promote health and wellness. At least twelve murals will be painted on locations in communities across the state.

�The �Covered in Art� project is a living demonstration of the fact that health care is local and that Covered California is woven into the fabric of local communities,� Lee said.

The Covered California bus is stopping at Clinica Sierra Vista on 1st Street. Clinica Sierra Vista was created to provide health care to poor, migrant farmworkers who harvest the lush agricultural fields in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Today, it serves a geographically dispersed, low-to-moderate-fixed income, ethnically diverse, frontier, rural, urban, migrant and homeless patient population, covering Kern, Fresno and Inyo counties.

The mural at Clinica Sierra Vista, which will be 8 feet tall and 33 feet wide, is titled �Grind Harder Than a Molcajete.� A molcajete is a traditional stone tool used by Mexican families. It is used to make side dishes like guacamole and salsa. This mural is a visual representation of Mexican traditions and how health and wellness and healthy food is part of every culture.

The mural will be created by Ruben Espinoza, an experienced illustrator and animator who likes to highlight the local history of each area he paints. Espinoza speaks fluent Spanish, and the culture and traditions of his Mexican heritage influence many of his works. He is devoted to the arts, mentoring high school students interested in becoming professional artists and participating in the committee of a local organization dedicated to advocating for funding for the arts in the school district.

Espinoza also is a Covered California enrollee, and knows the importance of having healthcare. Before the ACA existed, he, like many other uninsured college students, would wait until his health situation was dire before getting health care. He believes art is a fantastic gateway for conversation, and he knows that many Spanish-speaking individuals are unaware of the financial assistance they can get through Covered California to help them pay for insurance and care.

�Part of Covered California�s tradition is multi-cultural, multi-lingual marketing and outreach in diverse communities across the state to promote enrollment, and make sure everyone in the state knows there�s help to buy health insurance,� Lee said.

From Bakersfield, the bus will travel to Visalia before traveling to, Fresno, Modesto, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Salinas, San Jose and Oakland. All told, the Covered California bus will travel more than 1,300 miles.

�Covered California is not standing still,� Lee said. �For the first time, consumers can find resources on our website and even enroll on their cell phones. In addition, we have new tools that make it easier to shop and easier to find resources in other languages.�

Research commissioned by Covered California shows that many people still don�t know there�s financial help to buy health insurance, and those concerned about the future of health exchanges are less inclined to enroll. But Lee said Covered California is solid for 2018.

The art tour is being supplemented by a new statewide advertising campaign, with the message �Life can change in an instant,� to drive home the message that anyone can find themselves suddenly needing health insurance. The advertising campaign, which includes ads in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese, can be viewed here: https://vimeopro.com/coveredcanews/instant-tv.

�We want consumers to know we�re offering the same quality coverage we�ve offered since we opened our doors in 2014,� Lee said. �Don�t let the distant thunder in Washington keep you from getting the financial help available to buy health insurance. Covered California is here for you today and will be here for you tomorrow.�

Covered California�s open enrollment period will continue through Jan. 31, 2018. While open enrollment continues through the end of January, consumers should sign up by Dec. 15 to have coverage starting January of 2018. Consumers interested in learning more about their options should go to CoveredCA.com where they can shop to explore their options or get free in-person assistance in the area where they live. In addition, consumers can call the Covered California service center to enroll at (800) 300-1506.

About Covered California
Covered California is the state�s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California�s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

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• Consumers must begin the application process by the end of Jan. 31 and complete their enrollment by the end of Feb. 4.
• Thousands of Certified Insurance Agents and Community Enrollment Partners are ready to provide free and confidential in-person assistance.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. � Covered California announced it is giving consumers who attempt to enroll by the Jan. 31 deadline four more days to complete their enrollment.

�Experience tells us that people wait until the last day to sign up for health insurance, and we do not want to leave anyone behind,� said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. �Health care is so important, and people should not miss this opportunity to get coverage if they get caught up in a wave of last-minute shoppers.�

Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 4, consumers who started an application can complete the process with help from a Certified Insurance Agent, Service Center Representative or Community Enrollment Partner. Enrollment partners include Certified Enrollment Counselors, Certified Application Counselors and Plan-Based Enrollers. Those who finish their application by Feb. 4 will have their health care coverage start on March 1, 2017.

�Covered California is committed to helping all consumers cross the enrollment finish line,� Lee said. �Our top priority is making sure they have the time and help they need to find the Covered California health plan that works for them.�

Consumers interested in enrolling online can do so on CoveredCA.com. They can also get free and confidential in-person assistance, in a variety of languages, by clicking on �Free Local Help to Enroll.� They can find a nearby enroller or have a certified enroller contact them through the �Help on Demand� feature. Consumers can also enroll over the phone by calling Covered California at (800) 300-1506.

Covered California also stressed that financial assistance is available to help consumers pay for their coverage. The financial help allows 60 percent of consumers to get a Bronze plan for less than $10 per month, and 50 percent of consumers to get a Silver plan for less than $100 per month. Nearly nine out of every 10 Covered California enrollees receive some level of financial assistance.

�We will help people get across the finish line in the days following the deadline, but you must take steps to begin the process by today,� Lee said. �Covered California has partners who will make enrollment easier than you think, and with the financial help that is available it can be more affordable than you realize.�

Once open enrollment ends, consumers may sign up only if they experience a life-changing event such as losing their health care coverage, getting married, having a child or moving. Medi-Cal enrollment is year round.

About Covered California
Covered California is the state�s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California�s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

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• Consumers who change plans while renewing their Covered California health plan are saving on average $38 per month, or $456 a year, by switching to the lowest-priced plan in their metal tier � demonstrating the power of choice and competition.
• Covered California is addressing the need for truly affordable health insurance: With federal tax credits, nearly 50 percent of consumers can get a Silver plan for less than $100 per month, often with low copays and deductibles. In addition, 60 percent of consumers receiving tax credits can get a Bronze plan for less than $10 per month that provides free preventive care and protection for high-cost medical events.
• 258,158 new consumers have signed up during this enrollment period.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. � Covered California released new data that demonstrates that affordable health care is within reach of consumers, and that renewing consumers can save money when they shop around and switch to a lower-cost plan within the same metal tier.

�Covered California has built a competitive market where the consumer is in the driver�s seat and our health plans are fighting for their business,� said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. �Consumers who are shopping and switching to the lowest-cost plan in the same metal tier are saving more than $450 per year.�

The data reveals two key points for the approximately 1.3 million Californians who are renewing their coverage with Covered California:

• Enrollees who have switched their health plan for 2017, but whose plan remains within the same metal tier, have saved an average of $38 per household per month or $456 per year.
• The majority of renewing enrollees, 78 percent, could pay less than they are paying now if they switch to the lowest-cost plan within the same metal tier.

For both those renewing their coverage and those getting covered for the first time, Covered California released data confirming the affordability of health insurance for the close to 90 percent of consumers who benefit from federal tax credits:

• Nearly half of all Covered California consumers, 49 percent, can get a Silver plan costing less than $100 per month. All of these consumers would benefit from financial assistance to lower their out-of-pocket expenses at various levels. In fact, 195,000 people, or 17 percent of current Covered California enrollees, can visit their doctor for only a $5 copay and will have an annual deductible of only $75 for an individual and $150 for a family. (The deductible only applies to hospital care.)
  
• For all Silver plans, no outpatient services � such as primary, urgent and specialist care, and diagnostic tests and generic prescription drugs � are subject to a deductible.
• More than half of all Covered California consumers receiving a tax credit, 59 percent, can get a Bronze plan for less than $10 per month. Bronze plans offer three visits to a primary care physician or specialist that are not subject to a deductible.

�The availability of tax credits is making health care truly affordable,� Lee said. �Not only can our consumers see the best doctors and hospitals in the state, but our patient-centered benefits are giving them access to care without being subject to a deductible.�

Covered California also announced that as of the end of Jan. 3, more than 258,000 people have signed up for health insurance coverage through CoveredCA.com or a certified enroller.

Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31, 2017. Consumers who enroll by the Jan. 15 deadline will have their coverage start on Feb. 1. Those who enroll between Jan. 16 and Jan. 31 will have coverage beginning March 1.

Consumers interested in enrolling online can do so on CoveredCA.com. They can also get free and confidential in-person assistance, in a variety of languages, by clicking on �Free Local Help to Enroll.� They can find a nearby enroller or have a certified enroller contact them through the �Help on Demand� feature. Consumers can also enroll over the phone by calling Covered California at (800) 300-1506.

About Covered California
Covered California is the state�s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

In addition, small business owners can purchase affordable health insurance for their employees through Covered California for Small Business.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California�s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. � Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee today announced the appointment by the Board of Directors of Doug P. McKeever as Chief Deputy Executive Director, Program.

In this role, McKeever will report to the executive director and will manage the Plan Management, Outreach and Sales, Marketing, Service Center and Policy divisions, with a staff of close to 1,000 employees under his leadership. He will be responsible for developing and implementing plans to increase growth and improve consumer services and health plan relations through strong support and management.

�Doug McKeever comes to us with a tremendous reputation in both health care and public service,� said California Health and Human Services Secretary and Covered California Board Chairwoman Diana Dooley. �We are fortunate to have him, and his hiring is a testament to Covered California�s building for the future.�

McKeever comes to Covered California from CalPERS, where he has been a senior-level executive since joining the agency. McKeever is the deputy executive officer at CalPERS, where he is responsible for all areas related to health care and contracts for carriers, billing reconciliation, long-term care and state and federal health care and pension policy, legislation and regulations. He and his team work with all of the large health plans in Covered California, as well as dealing with the same health care dynamics with providers.

�While it has been a privilege to work at CalPERS, this is a great opportunity to focus on health care and be part of Covered California�s work to both provide needed coverage and improve how health care works for all Californians,� McKeever said.

�Doug McKeever brings a wonderful background, experience and perspective that will help Covered California as we move into the future,� Lee said. �He is a great fit for us and will work hard to assure we continue to deliver on our important mission.�

McKeever will officially begin work at his new position on Jan. 3, 2017.

McKeever has 27 years of experience working for the state of California. He was the director of juvenile programs for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), covering all of the state detention facilities and prisons housing the state�s youth. In this position he was responsible for such areas as health care and education. He also served as director of mental health at CDCR. McKeever currently sits on numerous health care-related boards. The salary for McKeever�s position is $230,000.

About Covered California
Covered California is the state�s health insurance marketplace where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals can qualify for financial assistance that is available on a sliding-scale basis to reduce insurance costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Based on income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

In addition, Covered California for Small Business is available for small businesses to purchase insurance for their employees.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California�s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

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Consumers Must Begin the Application Process by Midnight Sunday and Complete Enrollment by Saturday, Feb. 6

SACRAMENTO, Calif. � Due to a last-minute rush for health coverage, Covered California announced Friday that it would keep the doors open for consumers who start the application process but are unable to complete their enrollment by this Sunday.

The announcement follows a surge of enrollment that saw tens of thousands of consumers enroll in health insurance plans this week and that left certified enrollers with even more applications to file before the Jan. 31 deadline.

�Our top priority is making sure consumers who are trying to get health insurance get the time and assistance they need,� said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. �Covered California knows that health care coverage is too important, and people should not be turned away just because they get caught up in a wave of last-minute shoppers.�

Lee said consumers who start their enrollment process, or make an appointment, by midnight Jan. 31 will have until midnight Feb. 6 to complete the application as long as they are working with a Certified Insurance Agent, Certified Enrollment Counselor, Certified Plan-Based Enroller or Service Center representative at Covered California.

�Anyone who does not have health insurance should visit CoveredCA.com and find out where they can get help enrolling before Jan. 31,� Lee said. �If you get started before Sunday, our certified enrollers and Service Center representatives will help you get across the finish line by Feb. 6.�

Consumers can sign up, or begin an application, in a variety of ways, including enrolling online at www.CoveredCA.com, calling (800) 300-1506 to enroll over the phone or finding in-person help in their communities. In-person enrollment assistance can be found by visiting www.CoveredCA.com/get-help/local and searching for enrollment help by ZIP code.

Because the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty known as the �shared responsibility payment,� Lee said the time is now for consumers to get coverage for their families instead of paying a penalty to the Internal Revenue Service when they file their 2016 taxes. The fine is calculated two different ways, and uninsured consumers will pay whichever amount is higher.

The first calculation is 2.5 percent of household income, with a maximum of the total yearly premium for the national average Bronze health insurance plan premium. The second calculation is $695 per adult plus $347.50 per child under the age of 18, with a maximum of $2,085.

�You no longer have to gamble on something as important as your health, because there is financial assistance available to help bring you and your family quality health care coverage,� Lee said.

Nearly nine out of every 10 Covered California enrollees receive some level of financial assistance. Covered California says that 670,000 enrollees paid $100 a month or less for their coverage in 2015 and that 350,000 enrollees paid $50 or less per month.

After open enrollment ends, consumers may sign up only if they have a life-changing event such as getting married, having a child or moving. Medi-Cal enrollment is year-round.

About Covered California
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. 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 about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

• 65,040 emergency room visits.
• 5,745 babies delivered to Covered California enrollees, including 473 babies who received care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
• 3,741 incidents of trauma and broken bones treated, including inpatient orthopedic surgery and treatment for fractures in emergency rooms.
• 10,928 incidents of cancer treatment provided (including surgery and chemotherapy), including 1,218 treatments at UCSF Medical Center.
• 692 joint replacements (knee and hip), including 75 performed at UCSF Medical Center.
• 89 organ transplants performed for Covered California enrollees at eight hospitals in the state � with 33 at UCSF � including seven lung transplants, 34 bone marrow transplants, 18 kidney transplants, seven heart transplants and 22 liver transplants.