According to Covered California, the state's health insurance marketplace, the coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in the number of enrollments.

With over 58,000 people signing up since a special enrollment period was announced in response to COVID-19 the pace is nearly three times what it was this time last year.

“We want to remind consumers that they can get access to the care they need during this crisis, either through Covered California or Medi-Cal,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “We know there are hundreds of thousands of people out there who have either lost their health insurance or were uninsured when this crisis began, and we want them to know there is a path to coverage ready for them.”

According to Covered California, residents can still sign up on their website, as well as find out if they are eligible for financial help. Those who sign up are eligible for coverage starting on the first of the following month.

“We are living in unprecedented times, and California is doing everything it can to make sure people have access to care during this public health emergency,” Lee said. “Having more people insured and protected is the right thing for California’s families and helps keep everyone better off as those with insurance don’t delay getting needed care.”