Peter's Blog: The Bus Tour Comes to a Close

The Spotlight on Coverage Bus Tour officially ended on Thursday after logging more than 2,000 miles crisscrossing the state. Along the way, we had the chance to commend our partners for their great work, as well as hear inspiring stories about how getting covered has impacted people’s lives.

One woman, who did not want her name to be shared, came to one of our events on the tour just to say thanks. She could not afford coverage until she signed up for a Covered California plan with premium assistance. A doctor’s visit for her free preventive services led to a diagnosis of uterine cancer. She was transferred from Redding to a top-notch oncologist in Sacramento. Today, she is cancer free and grateful for the excellent care she received.

The first stop on the last day of the bus tour was at Sacramento Covered. They operate 12 storefronts throughout Sacramento County. Sacramento Covered has established a model program that our other partners have followed to great success. On the first day of open enrollment on Sunday, Nov. 1, there was a line of people outside who were eager to get insured.

At our two service centers in the Sacramento region, in Rancho Cordova and at Faneuil in south Sacramento, employees took time out of their full schedules to greet the bus and accept our thanks for their hard work. They are busier than ever answering consumers’ questions and helping them sign up this enrollment period.

Later on, we visited La Familia Counseling Center. La Familia has deep roots in the diverse surrounding community. These partners address the needs of the low-income young people and families in the Sacramento area. One of the basic needs they help meet is health care, assisting clients in signing up for Medi-Cal and coverage through Covered California.

The bus pulled up to the State Capitol in downtown Sacramento to celebrate the end of the Spotlight on Coverage Tour. We got to hear from Diana Dooley, Secretary of California’s Health and Human Services Agency; and Sen. Richard Pan, who discussed the importance of access to affordable care and the work still left to get Californians enrolled. We were serenaded by the Natomas High School marching band. As the bus made its way back to Covered California’s headquarters, we passed Sacramento City Hall and the Tower Bridge, both illuminated by the Covered California spotlight.


The Spotlight on Coverage Bus Tour ended on Thursday, but open enrollment still has a long way to go. The deadline for signing up for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2016 is Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015. Open enrollment for 2016 coverage ends Sunday, Jan. 31. If you need health insurance – or you know someone who does – visit CoveredCA.com to calculate your premium, explore your options and find help in your area.