WARNING!

Commissioner Lara Urges Uninsured Californians to Obtain Insurance to Protect Their Health

Covered California extends special enrollment period through June 30th in response to COVID-19 – including premium subsidies to assist eligible consumers

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara urged uninsured Californians and those who have lost coverage due to COVID-19 to purchase health coverage through Covered California, or through health plans and health insurers offering coverage outside the health insurance benefits exchange, during a new special enrollment period. Effective Friday, March 20, Covered California opened the state’s health insurance benefits exchange to eligible uninsured individuals who need health care coverage amid the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. Anyone who meets eligibility requirements, which are similar to those in place during the annual open enrollment period, can sign up for coverage through June 30, 2020.

"Getting coverage for yourself and your family has never been more vital," said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. "Californians need to plan for the long term, and having insurance at this time can give you peace of mind."  

On March 5, Governor Gavin Newsom and Commissioner Lara directed health insurance companies to make all medically necessary COVID-19 screening and testing free of charge by eliminating co-pays and deductibles.

This includes network telehealth or, when necessary, doctor’s office visits as well as network emergency room or urgent care when necessary for the purpose of screening and testing for COVID-19. In addition, Covered California health plans and health insurers will help cover costs that arise from any required treatment or hospitalization. 

All health coverage offered through Covered California provides telehealth options for enrollees, giving individuals the ability to connect with a health care professional by phone or video without having to personally visit a doctor’s office or hospital.

Consumers who sign up through Covered California by June 30, 2020 will have access to private health coverage plans with monthly premiums that may be lowered due to federal and new state financial help that became effective in 2020.  When enrolling in Covered California, their coverage would begin on the first of the following month meaning individuals losing job-based coverage will not face a “gap” in coverage.

MAYOR LONDON BREED ANNOUNCES ARTS RELIEF PROGRAM

$2.5 million in support will go to working artists and arts and cultural organizations financially impacted by COVID-19

San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed today announced an Arts Relief Program to invest directly in working artists and arts and cultural organizations financially impacted by COVID-19. The investment is a combination of funding strategies designed to help the arts and culture community through grants and low-interest loans to organizations and working artists most impacted by this crisis. The Arts Relief Program will be funded by an initial $2.5 million from the City.

"Our artists and cultural institutions are at the heart of who we are as a City and a community,” said Mayor Breed. “This community is also getting hit hard right now as people are suffering from job loss, business closures, and economic disruption during the COVID-19 outbreak. We need to do everything we can to stabilize our arts community now. I hope our public investment will encourage private donors to join us in supporting our vulnerable artists during this challenging time.”

"San Francisco is defined by our vibrant arts and culture and we need to support this sector now more than ever,” said City Administrator Naomi M. Kelly, who administers Grants for the Arts. “Although this emergency has paused many live performances, we will do all we can to provide support to the artists and organizations who make them possible during this trying time.” 

The program will consist of two options, a grants program and low-interest loans, that will allow artists and organizations to choose what best meets their needs. The philanthropic community will be allowed to donate to these programs to expand impact.

Grants Program

$1.5 million will go towards grants to individual artists, teaching artists, and small- to mid- budget sized arts and cultural organizations administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation. The Fund will prioritize the needs of those serving cultural populations that are the most vulnerable—black, indigenous, immigrant, trans, and people with disabilities. Individuals may apply for up to $2,000. Organization awards will range from $5,000 to $25,000 and will be scaled based on budget size. The general operating grants may be used to pay rent and salaries, to retain employees, and help keep artists and organizations in San Francisco.

Low-Interest Loans

$1 million will go towards low-interest loans to small- to mid-budget sized arts and cultural organizations administered by the Arts Loan Fund (ALF) of Northern California Grantmakers. ALF is a revolving loan program, which already makes low-interest loans to support arts and cultural organizations.