The Covered California web site is now offering paper applications in five languages, including Spanish and Chinese.
The Spanish-language application became available just before the start of the new year, apparently after the deadline for coverage beginning Jan. 1 (2014). Officials said they did not want to release an “application that was not ready” and have had admitted that the Latino outreach could have been better.
Officials at the Affordable Care Act marketplace in California have said the Spanish-speaking residents of the state are particularly key to the success of the Obamacare operation.
As of the end of November, about 5 percent of the state’s Obamacare signups for subsidized coverage were identified as Spanish-language speakers. That compares with 87 percent English speakers and 7.5 percent of Asian and Pacific Islander languages. (More than 70 percent of the Spanish speakers signing up were of Mexican/Chicano ancestry.)
That meant that fewer than 4,500 primarily Spanish speakers enrolled in a plan in the first two months of Covered California operation.
Those who identify themselves as primarily Spanish speakers make up about 29 percent of the state population, however. Officials say Latinos represent about 46 percent of those eligible for financial assistance to purchase insurance through Covered California.
Covered California has seen more success, relatively, with Asian-language speakers: “The Asian community is a vital and valued part of the consumer base we serve, and over the next three months we’ll continue our focus on helping Asian-language-speaking Californians obtain coverage that protects their families,” Covered California chief Peter Lee has said.
The paper applications — available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and English — can be found at the “Getting Covered” Covered California page (right side). For those seeking to buy insurance who don’t qualify for subsidies, paper apps are available only in Spanish and English.
About 60 percent of Covered California’s counselors speak Spanish, officials estimate: About “10 percent of Covered California’s 481 Service Center representatives are certified by the state to provide services in Spanish and assist consumers over the phone.”
Lee said: “The Spanish application is a good tool for Spanish speakers to use as they think through the important decision they are being asked to make to obtain health insurance, but we believe many will want in-person assistance from Certified Enrollment Counselors, licensed agents and county staff to complete the process.”
Visit the Spanish-language Covered California web site.
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