Covered California has reopened its enrollment to anyone who is uninsured and eligible for coverage.
The special enrollment period, announced March 20, comes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The signup period runs through June 30.
“Having more people insured is the right thing to do, and this action builds on our efforts to leave no one behind in California,” Covered California chief Peter Lee said.
Health insurance would be active at the start of the month following signup.
California also put a 90-day hold on Medi-Cal renewal reviews, ensuring those already enrolled in the public-assistance program can continue their coverage as well as “freeing up resources to quickly process the expected new enrollments.”
“The extraordinary challenges posed by COVID-19 demand an equally extraordinary response, and the Medi-Cal and Covered California systems are stepping up to meet the need for health coverage and ease access to services,” said Bradley Gilbert, director of the Department of Health Care Services.
Covered California said it will notify the public about the special enrollment period through TV, radio and digital ads.
People who lost their health coverage due to layoffs normally would be eligible to sign up for healthcare coverage via Covered California, as a change in life status, similar to having a child or getting a divorce.
Covered California also promoted its health plans’ telemedicine options, which give individuals the ability to connect with a healthcare professional by phone or video without having to personally visit a doctor’s office or hospital.
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