Latino leaders encourage people to enroll in Covered California, despite government shutdown

The open enrollment for Covered California started on Nov. 1 and despite the fear of what could happen to health insurance due to the government shutdown, Latino leaders are encouraging Angelenos to sign up for a health insurance plan according to their needs. 

Community leaders, health advocates and partners met on Wednesday for Covered California’s 2026 Open Enrollment campaign “Conectándonos a la salud” and pledged to become Connectors of Coverage to help Latino families access affordable, quality healthcare. 

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance at a low cost with the insurance of their choice, or no cost for those who qualify for Medi-Cal.  

Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California, said they gathered these leaders to brainstorm on the intersection of health insurance, access to health care, and other things impacting the lives of Latino Angelenos, including immigration, food and the economy.

She said this year is especially important as the government shutdown enters its 37-day period–considered the longest in U.S. history–with no end in sight, and could directly affect health care. 

The government shutdown started on Oct. 1 when Democrats and Republicans couldn’t agree on a bill funding government services. Democrats want a bill that includes an extension of expiring tax credits to make health insurance cheaper for millions of low-income and middle-class Americans.

“If Congress does not act to extend what we call the enhanced premium tax credits, we will see tax credits for most Covered California enrollees get less generous,” she said. “And some of our middle-income consumers may lose eligibility for tax credits under those changing rules.”

She said it is important for people to educate and empower themselves to know how to act according to each household’s circumstances. 

She also explained that most Covered California enrollees have a more affordable plan available, but it is important to understand what’s going on to balance their options. 

Signing the Connector Pledge

At the end of the roundtable, the Connectors to Coverage signed a pledge, reaffirming their commitment to share outreach materials and serve as trusted voices for those who need coverage. 

Melina Cruz, rental assistance coordinator with the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALEF), said this pledge is important for the community they serve. Located in the downtown LA area and serving a large group of Central American, especially Salvadoran, communities, SALEF is an organization that many rely on. 

“We want to explain to them and translate anything that is indeed in hopes for them to apply, but also to stay informed about the health coverage opportunities,” she said. “Just being part of the community helps us make sure they feel safe enough to go through with the process of applying.”

Ana Salcida, chair of the LA Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber has 600 active members and 300 that are pre-vetted and are getting prepared to get contracts throughout the city and county of Los Angeles. Business owners were sick because they hadn't taken care of their health. Many are unaware of Covered California or don’t know how to enroll in a health plan.

“So in partnering with Covered California, we want to seek an opportunity to understand that health is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” she said.

Latinos continue to represent one of the largest groups benefiting from affordable coverage options through Covered California. 

Data shows that out of the half a million uninsured residents who qualify for coverage, 57% are Latino and half of them are between the ages of 45 and 64. 

Covered California’s open enrollment is until Jan. 31, 2026, but people are encouraged to enroll by the end of December if they want to get coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026.