Officials with California’s health insurance exchange said they’re pleased with the number of new people signing up for coverage during this year's open enrollment, but they admit there have been some problems for those who want to change their existing plan.
Covered California officials are encouraging people who bought coverage last year to shop around because premiums and some provider networks have changed.
But consumers who’ve tried to switch plans have encountered glitches on the exchange's website, and long wait times with call center operators.
Covered California’s James Sculary admitted the process isn’t perfect.
“Some people have had bumps along the way," he said. "We have more than 1 million consumers renewing their coverage, and that’s led to some different experiences that we need to address.”
Sculary maintains the exchange is trying to figure out how to improve the process for those who want to switch their plan.
In the meantime, Covered California reports 48,952 new people signed up for a plan between November 15 and December 3.
In contrast, only 30,000 people enrolled in a Covered California plan during the first month of open enrollment in 2013.
