L.A. Care Health Plan Welcomes New Affordable Care Act Members

L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan, yesterday welcomed more than 150,000 new members to its health plan thanks to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) legislation. Coverage began yesterday through the expansion of Medi-Cal and the launch of L.A. Care Covered™, L.A. Care’s Qualified Health Plan under Covered California, the state’s Marketplace.

“This is an historic moment for Los Angeles County, for California and for our country – the moment in which high quality, affordable health care becomes a reality for so many more of us,” said Howard A. Kahn, Chief Executive Officer of L.A. Care Health Plan. “For the past 16 years, L.A. Care has strived each day to make this dream a reality. Today, we are, along with our providers, partners, fellow health plans, county and state agencies, providing the care that so many have gone without for far too long. We expect significant continued growth in our enrollment for months to come as Californians better understand and participate in the new coverage options.”

L.A. Care is prepared for its new members – representatives, a majority of whom are bilingual, are answering phones (888-839-9909), websites are available in English and Spanish (www.lacare.org and www.lacarecovered.org), and specifically for L.A. Care Covered™, member welcome kits are being mailed daily and premiums for coverage beginning January 1 are being collected through January 15.

With an extended open enrollment period, potential members may enroll in L.A. Care Covered™ through March 31, and Medi-Cal eligibility can be determined throughout the year.

“We are excited to be a part of this momentous transformation in the health care delivery system and ready to expand our existing services to even more Angelenos,” Kahn added.