Covered California claims 4 of 5 California doctors are in its networks

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."

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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.

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.