By Mary O’KEEFE

Jan. 15 is the deadline for those interested in Covered California health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

In data released from the U.S. Census Bureau, California’s uninsured health rate dropped to 7.2% in 2017. That represents about a 60% drop since the Affordable Care Act was launched in 2014. The national uninsured rate remained mostly unchanged at 8.8%. California’s 10-point drop in the uninsured rate between 2013 and 2017 is the largest decline in the nation for any state.

Even with the uninsured rates decreasing, many across the nation decide to forgo health insurance because the rates are too high. Some make this decision after seeing their premiums rise but some assume it will be too expensive and they step back from being insured.

Before walking away from the idea of purchasing health insurance, it is good to get the facts on how much premiums may cost for a family.

“Every plan is different, prices are different,” said Larry Hicks, spokesman for Covered California.

Insurance premiums depend upon a variety of factors, including economic status, health needs and the number of those applying for coverage.

Throughout the state there are 11 carriers that are part of the insurance exchange. Los Angeles County is divided into two regions, Region 15 in the northeast portion and Region 16 in the southern portion. Region 15, for example, offers insurance companies including Blue Shield, Health Net, Oscar and, for specific parts of the region, Kaiser Permanente, LA Care and Molina Health Care.

“Each company offers the same healthcare services and each insurance has its own economic model process. Plans vary [too]. You need to find the one that fits you and your healthcare needs,” Hicks added.

There are several ways to find healthcare options including going online to www.coveredca.com or calling the office (800) 300-1506. There are also non-profit service organizations that can give people more personalized help.

“[People] can call us and schedule time with one of our counselors,” said a representative from a certified enrollment counselor at Comprehensive Community Health Centers.

CCHS is a non-profit that has been approved and certified by Covered California to help those interested in applying for insurance. The counselors will compile information about what individuals, or a family, wants in their insurance coverage including how often they go to a doctor, how many individuals they want to include in the coverage and other factors.

The deadline is Jan. 15 to apply. According to Hicks, if applicants begin the process of applying for Covered California by midnight, but is not able to finish, they can call the (800) 300-1506 for help.

If people miss the deadline this time, the next opportunity to sign up will be in November, unless they meet special enrollment exceptions like a pregnancy, losing health insurance due to issues including the loss of a job or the person is turning 26 years old, which is the cut-off age for a young adult to be on their parents’ insurance.

To schedule an appointment with CCHS, call (818) 630-2296.

  Mary Okeefe