Consumer Group Says Covered California Slow To Fix Customer Problems

SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) -- A consumer advocacy group complains that Covered California remains sluggish at resolving customer service problems, leaving people unable to access health care or finish their taxes.

The statewide Health Consumer Alliance says California's health insurance exchange has been slow to fix enrollment mistakes in its computer system. The group says Covered California's own staff is often unable to update a state computer program that determines whether someone is eligible to enroll.

Covered California's executive director, Peter Lee, says "a very small percentage" of customers file appeals when they are rejected. He told the exchange's board Thursday that officials are committed to resolving problems quickly.

Earlier this year, Covered California apologized for sending out about 100,000 incorrect tax forms to people who purchased private coverage.

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