California doing the right thing

Even that strutting plutocrat, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, warns we may face 20 percent unemployment as public health measures shut down so much of the economy. Many of those laid off workers will lose whatever health insurance they received from employers. Heck, small business employers may lose their health insurance.

Covered California, the state health insurance marketplace, has announced it will extend its enrollment period from April 30 to June 30.

“We want to get as many people covered as possible to ensure they have access to the health care they need,” said Peter Lee, executive director of Covered California, in a statement. “Having more people insured is the right thing to do, and this action builds on our efforts to leave no one behind in California.”

Under Covered California, people have access to private health insurance plans with monthly premiums that may be lowered as new federal and state financial help becomes available, according to a news release. Coverage begins on the first day of the following month after a person chooses a plan.

Some people may also be eligible for no-cost or low-cost Medi-Cal, which becomes effective right away after signing up online.

It's not the universal health plan this county needs, but at least our health officials are trying in this moment of need.

UPDATE: March 23. It's not just California. States colored purple here are opening their exchanges to the flood of newly unemployed people who are going to need health insurance. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration is still pursuing its legal efforts to tear down the whole Obamacare edifice.