Question: What if California insurers snub Covered California and try to make it fail?

Answer: California health insurance companies are very keen to participate in Covered California. Thirty-three insurers and other organizations have expressed a nonbinding interest in bidding for business through the exchange. As many as 13 plans may bid in the Los Angeles area, and about 20 plans have signaled interest for the San Francisco market. According to Peter Lee, Executive Director of Covered California, “There will be a lot of competition and interest, which will enable Covered California to be an active purchaser in every region and pick the best five or six plans.” Covered California officials are expected to pick the winning health plans and negotiate rates by June, 2013.