One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Covered California claims 4 of 5 California doctors are in its networks
Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee.
(
Max Whittaker/Getty Images
)
Covered California claimed Wednesday that more than 80 percent of California's practicing physicians are included in plans offered through the state-run health insurance marketplace. The agency also claimed that a "substantial majority" of the state's hospitals are available.
"We believe our offerings compare favorably to commercial networks in the state in the individual and employer markets," said Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee.
Still, Lee acknowledged that "we also have contingency plans requiring health plans to expand their networks if needed."
More than 58,000 doctors are available through Covered California plans, compared with the 63,000 to 72,000 in the state's largest commercial networks, according to the state marketplace.
It claimed to have more than 360 hospitals available, adding that nearly two-thirds serve low-income or previously uninsured populations. Every member hospital of the California Children’s Hospital Association is available on at least one Covered California plan, the agency said.
The California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development lists 365 general acute-care hospitals in California.
Sponsored message
The Covered California website has a doctor search function, but it has worked intermittently at best. Consumers are urged to contact their doctor and/or hospital directly to confirm that they are included in a particular insurance plan.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
