New data released by the state’s Department of Managed Health Care and the California Department of Insurance show that — despite job losses — total health insurance enrollment in the pandemic year 2020 increased by over one million (3.3%) (see figures below).1 These findings, based on figures through December 2020, confirmed and extended the midyear look at enrollment dynamics in Hanging On to Coverage?
The impressive 2020 enrollment gains were driven mainly by growth in Medi-Cal managed care and to a lesser extent by increases in individual coverage and Medicare managed care. State and federal policies designed to help people get and keep coverage during the pandemic were important factors in the growth in both the Medi-Cal and individual markets. Enrollment declines among employer-sponsored insurance were smaller than job losses might have predicted.
Detailed California enrollment resources, including a quick reference guide and a statewide California Health Insurance Enrollment data file, are available on the California Health Insurance Enrollment Almanac page.