FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mendocino County Health and Human Services AgencyAn Important Message From Covered California

Record-setting numbers of people trying to sign up for Covered California health insurance plans overwhelmed the system on the final day of open enrollment, prompting the exchange to allow consumers who had trouble enrolling by the deadline to work with a certified delegate to finish their application by April 15.

Because of the staggering demands on the system, Covered California announced the following policy:

1)     Consumers who were unable to create an online account or start their online application because of technical difficulties can contact Covered California Service Center representatives, Covered California Certified Enrollment Counselors, Covered California Insurance Agents, Certified Plan-Based Enrollers and County Eligibility Workers to explain that they attempted to get through on March 31 and experienced difficulties. Those consumers will have until 11:59 P.M. April 15 to work with the assister to complete their application and choose a plan.

2)     Consumers who created an online account and completed the first page of the application by 11:59 March 31, 2014, will be able to complete their application for the open enrollment period either by themselves online or with the help of a certified delegate. Consumers must complete the application and select a plan by 11:59 April 15, 2014. These enrollees will receive coverage effective May 1.

3)     Certified Enrollment Counselors, County Eligibility Workers, Certified Insurance Agents and Plan-Based Enrollers who are having a difficult time helping consumers apply through our enrollment website should assist the consumer using a paper application. These service channels can then enter the information into our enrollment website. Completed applications (with plan selections) must be entered by April 15, 2014 by 11:59 P.M.

4)     When entering the paper application, please make sure you select the “Open Enrollment” category when responding to the question, “What is the ‘life event’ causing you to re-apply?” Consumers may receive a May 1, 2014 effective date with their selected plan.

For consumers needing to finish their online application, please log into your online account at www.coveredcalifornia.com. If you need to speak to a certified delegate, please contact one of the numbers listed below.

Covered California 1-800-300-1506

Mendocino County

Action Network Family Resource Center 884-5413
Anderson Valley Health Center       895-3477
ARC Family Information Center      234-3300
Consolidated Tribal Health 485-5115
Healthy Kids Mendocino        463-5437
Hillside Health Center   468-1010
Laytonville Healthy Start   984-8089
Little Lake Health Center   456-9600
Long Valley Health Center   984-6131 x222
Mendocino Coast Clinics   964-1251
Potter Valley Community Center 743-1789
Redwood Coast Medical Services   882-2189
Safe Passage Family Resource Center   961-3603
Social Services—Fort Bragg   962-1000
Social Services—Ukiah   463-7773
Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center 463-8000

Information about Covered California