Covered CA Works with KCAL and the Chinese Community to Encourage Consumers to Enroll in Health Insurance

November 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021 is the Open Enrollment Period for California residents to purchase health insurance in 2021. During this time, residents can purchase new plans or adjust existing plans. In the past year, more individuals enrolled in health insurance due to the large growing number of COVID-19 patients. To encourage more individuals to enroll, Covered California teamed up with KCAL Insurance, the leading insurance broker in the Chinese community, to host a press conference.

Peter Lee, Executive Director at Covered California, mentioned that the premium increase in 2021 is only an increase of 0.5% which is the lowest increase in history. At the moment, there are more than 1.2 million people who do not have health insurance but could be eligible to receive premium subsidies. Most individuals who renew will have the opportunity to switch to a more inexpensive plan while maintaining the same level of benefits.

Peter Lee emphasized that health insurance and getting vaccinated are more important than ever during this pandemic. Covered CA has extended the first enrollment deadline to December 30, 2020. Enrollment by that deadline will mean that the policy will become effective on January 1, 2021. He urged the public to enroll in health insurance for the safety and wellbeing of not only themselves but also their loved ones. He recommended those to choose professional health insurance brokers such as KCAL Insurance Agency who is also certified by Covered California.

Kenny Chang, Los Angeles County Commission on Insurance and CEO of KCAL Insurance Agency, stated that he is grateful that Covered CA continues to provide assistance to all California residents especially providing more subsidies for those affected by the pandemic. He reminded everyone that it’s important to review your policy before purchasing to make sure that your insurance covers all your health insurance needs. Updating your personal information is also important so that you’re receiving the right amount of subsidies and not overpaying premiums for benefits that might not suit you.

Angela Chang, CSO of KCAL Insurance Agency, also stated that it was an honor to work with Covered CA throughout all these years. KCAL Insurance provides bilingual services and free health insurance webinars and consultations for the community. All procedures are handled through trusted data security and protection and all services can be handled at the safety and comfort of your own home.

Well-known family physician Victor Cheng from Kaiser Permanente was invited to speak on his personal experience as a doctor during the pandemic. He mentioned that it’s important to follow CDC guidelines in avoiding large gatherings and following prevention measures. The COVID-19 vaccine will become available to everyone in the near future. Getting a flu shot can help strengthen the body’s immune system. Sabrina Wu, a Covered California member, was also invited to share her personal experience being insured with Covered California. She was grateful of KCAL’s assistance when an accident involving her family members occurred as they were able to help her family members get treated as soon as possible without worrying about high medical bills.

There are only a few weeks left in the Open Enrollment Period so make sure to enroll now! Whether you want to enroll or compare benefits and change plans, now is the time to do so!