Got Health Insurance? If Not, Enroll in State's New Care Plan or Face a Fine

  Covered California is one of the state-run health care marketplaces being set up around the U.S. as mandated by the act, passed by Congress in 2010.

  Uninsured California residents are now able to sign up for coverage at www.coveredca.com, by phone, or at a number of outreach events taking place around the Bay Area and state.

  "This is a historic day for California and for the nation," said Peter Lee, executive director of Covered California, at a launch event in San Francisco Tuesday morning. 

  Those who already have health insurance do not need to sign up for new coverage or make any changes. Those on Medicare or Medicaid also need not take any action. 

  However, uninsured Americans who don't purchase coverage will face a fine of $95 or 1 percent of their yearly income — whichever is greater — beginning in January. 

  Lee said this morning that the new health care law has faced opposition in other states but not as much here.

  "In California, we have the wind at our back," he said. 

  Lee said those in charge of Covered California "picked the best health care plans in the state through a competitive process." 

  "We're going to get Californians the health care they need and deserve," he said. 

  Under the new law, health care providers cannot deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Certain groups, including low-income residents, qualify for federal subsidies. 

  State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said today is "an extraordinary day of hope for our children and our families."

  Torlakson said there are about 1 million students in California without health coverage and that he believes the Affordable Care Act will reduce absenteeism and increase student performance.

  "We see huge opportunity in this," he said.

  Uninsured Bay Area residents are being encouraged to sign up for health coverage at a variety of events around the region.

  Covered California spokeswoman Angie Blanchette said program organizers do not expect an overwhelming number of people to sign up right away.

  "We expect the numbers to increase in November and December as people learn more about the various health care plans available to them and make an informed decision," Blanchette said.

  People can visit www.coveredca.com for more information, or call (888) 975-1142.

  A Covered California call center opened in Concord today, and more than 160 customers service agents are now fielding calls there. 

  Open enrollment begins today and will end on March 31, and coverage under newly purchased health plans will begin as soon as Jan. 1. 

  Blanchette said the federal government shutdown that went into effect on Monday night because of the budget stalemate in Congress is not affecting implementation of the Covered California program.

  She said employees are fielding calls at three call centers in California, including the one in Concord, and are still working despite the federal shutdown since they are state employees.