Counselor assisting with Covered California enrollment. Photo by staff.

County Offers Support to Residents with Covered California Enrollment

Author: Public Health Department and Department of Social Services
Date: 10/11/2019 10:38:31 AM

County staff experts offer free, unbiased help comparing plans and signing up for insurance.

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department and Department of Social Services remind residents that specialists are available to provide free, unbiased help finding health insurance and signing up through Covered California.

This year’s open enrollment period for Covered California starts on October 15, 2019 and continues into January 2020.

Covered California is the state health care marketplace for coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Through Covered California, residents can enroll in health care coverage and may qualify for free or low-cost insurance based on their income.

People who qualify for free or reduced-price coverage can only get this benefit during the open enrollment period, with very few exceptions. For this reason, officials recommend applying for full health care coverage during the open enrollment period—to obtain the peace of mind and improved health that can come as a result of having health coverage.

Residents can learn more about Covered California and enroll directly at www.coveredca.com or 1-800-300-1506.

For local personal assistance in reviewing options and enrolling in a plan, residents can contact the Public Health Department's Covered California certified enrollment counselors for support in both English and Spanish. The counselors can also evaluate residents with urgent medical needs to determine if they may qualify for short-term assistance and can help people apply for Medi-Cal year-round.

The enrollment counselors are available:

  • San Luis Obispo - Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. by appointment or drop-in at the Health Agency campus at 2180 Johnson Avenue.
  • Grover Beach - Thursday mornings by appointment at the Public Health Clinic at 286 South 16th Street, Bldg. B.
  • Paso Robles - Wednesday afternoons by appointment at the Public Health Clinic at 723 Walnut Drive.

For more information or to make an appointment with Public Health Department enrollment counselors, call 805-781-4838.

Department of Social Services (DSS) staff also help eligible individuals and families enroll in Medi-Cal year-round, and in plan selection during the open enrollment period or at certain life events. Residents can submit applications online at www.coveredca.com, can complete and submit applications in person at a local DSS office, or may request an application over the phone to complete and return. Residents interested in enrolling or learning more can call DSS at 805-781-1600 or find DSS information and office locations online.