SF Bay Area county celebrates first year of health benefit exchange
- Covered California under Obamacare enrolled more than 1.3 million
- Uninsured in the state dropped from 22 percent to 11 percent
- More than 60,000 signed up in Alameda County
Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan
OAKLAND, California – Supporters celebrated the first anniversary of Covered California, the health insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare, on October 1 at a gathering at Asian Health Services on Webster Street here.
More than 1.3 million Californians chose health insurance through Covered California during its historic first open enrollment period.
Before the Covered California enrollment period opened, 22 percent of California’s adults were uninsured, living with the risk of heavy financial burdens and medical debt if they needed care.
A year later the percentage of uninsured adults in the state dropped to 11 percent.
The ACA was signed into law on March 23, 2010 with the goals of increasing the quality and affordability of health insurance, lowering the uninsured rate and reducing the costs of healthcare for individuals and the government.
Before the Affordable Care Act, Californians could be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions – including children.
The Affordable Care Act has made coverage more accessible and affordable for Alameda County residents. More than 60,000 Alameda County residents enrolled in health insurance through Covered California, and of that number more than 55,000 enrolled with a subsidy. Many residents get coverage for the first time, while others received more affordable insurance to fit their budgets.
“In Alameda County over 60,000 people enrolled in Covered California when the exchange opened last year, allowing them to afford the healthcare they need to live healthy lives without risking their financial security,” said Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan.
“We’re looking forward to seeing more families enroll in Covered California in the upcoming enrollment period, further reducing the number of uninsured residents in our county.”
The County also recognized Asian Health Services and La Clínica de La Raza for being the 19th and 12th highest Covered California enrollers in the state.
“At Asian Health Services, our mission is to serve and advocate for the Asian and Pacific Islander community by ensuring access to health care services regardless of income, insurance status, language, or culture,” said CEO Sherry Hirota.
“With Covered California, we’ve seen many families in our community gain access to the vital coverage and care they need. We’re looking forward to continuing this important work.”
“We work to improve the quality of life of diverse communities by providing culturally appropriate, high-quality and accessible health care,” said La Clínica de La Raza CEO Jane Garcia.
“We’re honored to be recognized by Alameda County for our work today. Our team of passionate and skilled healthcare providers is dedicated to continuing this work for our current patients and for the many patients we hope to see in the future.”
Alameda County Board of Supervisors Health Committee Chair Wilma Chan held a year-long conversation series to discuss local implementations of the Affordable Care Act. The hearings led to policy recommendations for Alameda County to help guide implementation of the Affordable Care Act at the county level.
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