BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Covered California has extended the deadline by close to a week for people to enroll in health coverage that begins the start of the next year.
You now have until Dec.21 to sign up for coverage beginning Jan. 1.
The original deadline was Dec. 15.
Officials said more than 144,000 people have enrolled for coverage through the exchange during the first month of sign-ups.
This means the rate of enrollment is going much faster compared to the same time in 2013.
The state's use of storefront locations run by certified insurance agents may have boosted enrollments.
yolanda richardson/ covered california, spokeswoman
"It's going great. We are really excited about the progress that California is making with our enrollment efforts. right now, we are looking at combined with Medi-Cal, we have 592,000 people who have been determined eligible for coverage, which is very exciting," said Yolanda Richardson, Covered California spokesperson.
State officials are trying to hold on to existing policyholders during the renewal process and finish open enrollment by Feb. 15.