KPBS Midday Edition

In California, Obamacare Begins Despite Government Shutdown

By KPBS Staff, Pauline Bartolone / Capital Public Radio

Published September 30, 2013 at 12:30 PM PDT

This story was published more than 10 years ago.

What Plan Options Will Be Available For Californians Under Obamacare?

In California, Obamacare Begins Despite Government Shutdown

GuestsPeter Lee, Executive Director, Covered CaliforniaJennette Shay, Director of Government and Community Relations, Family Health Centers of San DiegoGary Rotto, Director of Health Policy, Council of Community Clinics San DiegoKamal Muilenberg, Executive Director, San Diegans for Healthcare CoverageDavid White, Health and Life Insurance Broker

One day into the government shutdown, there are questions about its effect on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

In California, Obamacare To Begin Despite Possible Government Shutdown

Covered California says even if there is a government shutdown, enrollment efforts will not be affected.

Second Opinion

Open enrollment for health coverage in 2014 began Tuesday nationwide.

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Dana Howard of Covered California said enrollment efforts will not be affected by the government shutdown.

"While we were funded with federal grants, we are state-operated and -run. We do not use a dime of state taxpayer money, we have our own staff, so we are not reliant on federal staff to be able to fulfill our operations," Howard explained.

Howard said 12,000 insurance agents have signed up to help with enrollment.

He also said potential applicants might want to consider all options before signing up, including whether an applicant's preferred health care provider will be part of the new plan.