Covered CA numbers finalized

Nearly 500,000 Californians signed up for health coverage through Covered California during the insurance exchange’s second open enrollment period, which ended on Feb. 22.

Covered California’s initial rollout last year was marred by technical difficulties with its website and call center, but this year’s enrollment period went more smoothly, according to a Covered California press release. The new enrollees for 2015 also were more diverse than last year, with more Latinos and young adults—ages 18 to 34—signing up for coverage. About nine out of 10 enrollees qualified for subsidies.

Meanwhile, about 780,000 Californians signed up for Medi-Cal, which offers open enrollment year-round, between Nov. 15 and Jan. 31.