As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise, more and more individuals are becoming more worried about their safety and well-being and beginning to pay more attention to their health insurance. On July 14, Covered California hosted a roundtable addressing the pandemic and its effect on API communities in California. Health care and health insurance panelists from around the state including Dr. Daveena Ma from Alameda Health Consortium, Kenny Chang from KCAL Insurance, Doreena Wong from Asian Resources Inc., Dr. Jack Xipu Wu, and more discussed ongoing issues surrounding the virus.
Covered California extended its deadline to the end of July, calling for more individuals to get covered and enroll in health insurance. Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee stated that they want to give everyone an opportunity to get health care coverage due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.
The most recent data shows that more than 231,000 people have signed up through Covered California for health care coverage, which is more than twice the number of people who signed up during this same time last year. The latest data from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) shows that 8.7 million unemployment claims have been processed since the start of the pandemic.
Covered CA Executive Director and KCAL President Kenny Chang
Covered CA Executive Director Peter Lee
Kenny Chang, President of KCAL Insurance Agency, stated that KCAL is still operating and has served thousands of customers during this special enrollment period. Most have been due to the loss of a job or cancellation of employer-sponsored health insurance due to financial difficulties in the workplace causing employers to be unable to pay COBRA premiums. Other cases included family members visiting relatives abroad, international students who were originally insured with their school-sponsored student health insurance, and many more. With the enrollment extension, people have the option to purchase individual health insurance and the opportunity to receive subsidies if they’re eligible.
Dr. Jack Xipu Wu reminded viewers to continue to wear masks in public as it is an effective way to prevent the spread of the virus and lessen the risk of exposure to the virus. He also reminded those with health insurance that they have a free annual health check-up that covers all kinds of screenings and tests, and to make sure to take advantage of their health insurance benefits.