Many Uninsured Unaware Of Insurance Subsidies

Eighty-five percent of consumers know about Covered California, according a survey released by the health insurance exchange today. But nearly a third of uninsured Californians are not aware they may be eligible for federal insurance subsidies.

Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee says the exchange will work to educate consumers ahead of the coming open enrollment period. But Lee says it could take awhile for the message to sink in.

"The one-third of the Californians that don’t understand that they’ve got subsidies available to them are used to coping and making do," he says. "It’s not going to change overnight."

Lee says efforts to reach consumers through their community organizations have been successful. The survey shows high rates of exchange awareness across racial groups.

Open enrollment begins November 1 and runs through January. Covered California estimates between 295,000 and 450,000 people will apply for coverage during the enrollment period.