Puffy Tacos Vs. Gorditas: An Oily Treat That’s Popular On Both Sides Of The Border


By Carlos Ramírez

Veracruz’s people might start their day having picadas, empanadas, or any of their three types of gorditas: white, black, or sweet. They might bathe these snacks with salsa or mole and top them with grated queso fresco.

Gorditas are ubiquitous in Veracruz. Jarochos — Veracruz’s people — can find them anywhere. However, the best places to enjoy these snacks are family-owned businesses called fonditas or patios with an improvised kitchen and a couple of tables. Jarochos and tourists love to have their traditional Veracruz breakfast, accompanied by chocolate milk, coffee or a soda.

As much as Jarochos would like gorditas to be an exclusive treat from Veracruz, Tex-Mex cuisine has a variation of them, the puffy taco. The first step to make either of them is deep-frying a tortilla until it is puffed up and a little golden.

Puffy tacos became popular in the U.S. in the 1940s-1950s. “Claims for having invented this high-cholesterol treat ran from Rosita’s in Laredo to the venerable Dallas chain, El Fenix,” said Jeffrey M. Pilcher in his book, “Planet Taco.

Gorditas may be white, black or sweet. They are a traditional snack of Veracruz. (Carlos Ramírez/Café Words)

“Gorditas are Jarochas, of course,” said Ermelinda Reyes Alemán, the owner of Antojitos Linda in Veracruz. “I’ve been making snacks for 34 years in a business that my mother-in-law and I founded. This snack is from Veracruz. For as long as we can remember, nobody else has claimed it.”

Gorditas and puffy tacos have a lot in common. Corn dough is their main ingredient. Tortillerías [tortilla factories] sell it. A kilo might cost between 10 and 12 pesos [about 50 cents] in Veracruz, and that’s enough to make 14 to 16 pieces.

An essential element in these snacks is salsa. Usually, they have something for everyone: tomato for the children, ranchera or green salsa for those who prefer something mild, mole for a heavier craving or chipotle for those who dare try the spiciest. Queso fresco or ranch cheese typically provide a final touch to these traditional snacks.

“Tourists enjoy the traditional food from Veracruz here at the port. It brings great satisfaction when they recognize our work and leave, saying that everything was delicious. The most sought-after dishes are picadas and gorditas with their mandatory beans,” said Reyes Alemán.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, 60 percent of the restaurants and coffee shops in the Veracruz-Boca del Río area closed their doors, according to Santiago Martínez Dordella, president of Canirac, Mexico’s national chamber of commerce for restaurants. Hundreds of fonditas rescued diners, offering breakfast and food delivery service. Of course, they served gorditas!

Cooks mix corn dough with beans to make black gorditas. (Carlos Ramírez/Café Words)

Interested in making traditional gorditas? Follow these simple steps:

Ingredients: 

5 cups of Mexican cornmeal

Vegetable oil or lard

1 cup minced onion

1 cup grated queso fresco or ranch cheese

For the red salsa:

2 tomatoes

2 morita peppers

1 clove garlic

Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation 

To make the salsa, boil the tomatoes with the peppers for 5 minutes. Blend them with garlic, salt and black pepper.

To prepare the gorditas’ dough, mix the cornmeal with a cup of water and knead by hand. Make small balls with the dough and crush them to create flat cakes.

Heat oil or lard in a non-stick skillet. Cook the corn cakes in it for two minutes and turn them over. They will puff up.

When cooked, pinch the gorditas’ edges with your fingers, creating a sort of plate. On its center, add salsa, onion and grated cheese. Enjoy!

(Translated and edited by Gabriela Olmos; edited by Matthew B. Hall.)



No Cost COVID-19 Antibody Testing Event in Santa Monica on March 31- April 2, 2021

SANTA MONICA, CA—- The Calvary Baptist Church of Santa Monica partners with GUARDaHEART Foundation Partners to present No-Cost COVID-19 Antibody Testing for the Community on March 31 through April 2, 2021(Wednesday- Friday) from 9AM to 4PM at The Calvary Baptist Church located at 1502 20th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404.

There are three Ways to Register for the No Cost COVID-19 Antibody Test in Santa Monica at:

1. GUARDaHEART Foundation website www.GuardaHeart.org

2. Registration Link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1daf38073da34d758a930e7722c6df8f

3. Walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event, but please be prepared to wait.

More Information:

The SARS-CoV-2 serology antibody test being provided has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99.6%.The test being provided is one of the most reliable antibody tests available and far more reliable than many other tests being provided. 

Antibody testing is recommended for asymptomatic individuals, asymptomatic individuals who think they may have had COVID-19 in the past or those who were infected with the virus or anyone who has completed their second dose of the vaccine within the last 2-4 weeks. 

The COVID-19 Serology Antibody Testing is a blood drawn test. Individuals with health insurance are required to bring insurance cards for testing (Testing is covered under the CARES Act to individuals with or without insurance; health insurances are required to pay under the CARES Act).  All patients will have their temperature taken before their appointment.  

Douglas S. Harrington M.D., Fellow of the American Society of Preventive Cardiology, and the American Society of Clinical Pathology, an expert in laboratory diagnostic testing. Dr. Harrington is also the Chairman of the GUARDaHEART Foundation 501(c)3 and can talk about the difference between a COVID-19 swab test vs SARS-CoV-2 serology antibody test, including other topics on the SARS-CoV-2 serology antibody test and the correlation of heart disease and the coronavirus.

Organizations interested in partnering with GUARDaHEART can contact Yvette Morales at (949) 244-9769 or at YMoralesY@YM-PR.com

About GUARDaHEART Foundation

GUARDaHEART Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that provides education to the community, corporations, Native American organizations, unions, and individuals to promote heart disease awareness, detection, and prevention. Our mission is to empower communities through preventative action and to reduce the risk of heart disease worldwide. “LEARN. DETECT. PREVENT.” Website: www.guardaheart.org

GUARDaHEART is the organizer of the community events and all tests provided are performed by two CLIA Certified Laboratories.

About Calvary Baptist Church of Santa Monica

On August 10, 1920, the Calvary Baptist Church Santa Monica California held its first church service and has been a beacon in the Santa Monica community ever since. For over 100 years, Calvary has sought to serve an ever-evolving community and has been involved in the ongoing fight for civil rights for all who have been oppressed, even sponsoring a visit from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1961. To this day Calvary continues a walk-in love and faith to serve the Santa Monica community and beyond. The church motto underscores the unconditional, deliberate, embracing reminder that we are all partakers of God’s love. One Love! One Faith! One Family! One Calvary!  www.calvarysantamonica.org

Nischelle Turner Becomes the 1st Black Woman to Host ‘Entertainment Tonight’

Story reported by By Michael “Ice-Blue” Harris

Rolling Out magazine recently reported that Nischelle Turner has made history after being named the new co-host of “Entertainment Tonight.” Turner is the first Black woman to lead the show and will host alongside Kevin Frazier. The momentous occasion also marks the first time two African Americans have taken the lead together.

“It means everything to me. Make no mistake about it. I believe and have always believed that I was the best person for the job, but it was never lost on me that it was also bigger than just me. I would be representing an underserved group of people who are finally getting a moment in the spotlight — and a well-deserved moment,” Turner explained to Variety.

Turner also joins a small group of women who have co-hosted the entertainment news show. Mary Hart anchored from 1982-2011 and Nancy O’Dell held the coveted spot from 2011 to 2019.

“Nischelle can do it all. She can go from a heartfelt conversation with Oscar winner Viola Davis about the impact of Cicely Tyson to singing karaoke on a balcony with Jimmy Fallon. She is warm, thoughtful and full of energy. Celebrities respect her skills as a seasoned journalist, and our audience has taken notice of her fun chemistry with Kevin [Frazier]. There is no one more deserving to lead ‘ET’ in our history-making 40th season and beyond,” added ET executive producer Eric Johnson to Variety.

Turner believes America is ready for the change.

“If I’m being honest. there was always a thought in the back of my head, ‘Is the audience in America ready for two Black hosts up there together?’ And the answer that America gave us was ‘Yes.’ We have a genuine chemistry. We both care deeply for each other. We both trust each other, fully and completely to have one another’s back when I’m on that stage. You can’t manufacture that,” she said.

Turner’s career spans more than 20 years and she’s won four Daytime Emmys as an “ET” correspondent and weekend co-host since joining the show in 2014.

Black Women Entrepreneurship is WHAT IT DO!

By Lue Dowdy

In honor of National Women’s Month, the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce-Inland Cities East Chapter Monthly Mixer presents – Female Black Entrepreneurs – (‘Oh Yes, WE CAN’) a panel discussion of 7 beautiful and talented Black Female Entrepreneurs! The panel discussion will be held via Zoom on Monday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Female entrepreneurship has steadily increased since the 21st century and women business owners are defiantly in the mix.  How does that look for woman of color? Where do BLACK WOMAN ENTREPRENEURS FIT IN? The panel will be sharing their business experiences and speaking on the following topics: How to start your own business, what type of business to start, How and where to seek to help, and Some of the struggles Black Woman entrepreneurs endured!

The ladies on the panel consist of:  Shari’ah Hrdie – Business GURU; LaToya Tillett – The Broker; Keyona Dawson – The Fashion Designer; Vonshai VonCierge – The Chef; Tania; HairCare DivaAtlas – The Shop Owner; and Kimberly Woods – The Print Shop. In addition to the panelist, there will also be a special musical performance by Merrion Morey.

Make sure to register for this fun, entertaining but informative business networking mixer highlighting female Black entrepreneurs. Registration link can be found on the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce website and Facebook page.

Happy Anniversary: James and Loretta Cousar Celebrate 60 Years of Wedding Bliss

On March 25, 2021, James and Loretta Cousar celebrated 60 years of marriage. They met in 1960 at a card party where it was love at first sight and since then they have been building a legacy for their family in West Covina, California.

Wedding Day

The couple has two children: Andre Cousar (John Cluckie) and Felicia Alexander (Damon Alexander); 5 grandchildren: Kali, Aryriana, Khalil, Todd, Jordan and one great grandchild: Avery Grace. 

James Cousar is a retired Quality Assurance Engineer for Rockwell International and Loretta Cousar was a Pupil Services and Attendance SARB Chairperson for Los Angeles Unified School District.  In addition to their careers, the couple were very instrumental in the community and members of many organizations, such as Murph Chapel AME, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (San Bernardino Alumnae Chapter), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (Pomona Valley Alumnae Chapter), San Gabriel Valley NAACP, West Covina Chamber of Commerce and San Gabriel Valley League of Women Voters.

Currently, Mrs. Cousar is an elected Trustee for the Banning Library District and Mr. Cousar continues to support his wife in all of her endeavors

More COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available for Riverside County Residents

Participants must register and have an appointment to get vaccinated

RIVERSIDE, CA— Riverside County residents who qualify are being encouraged to make an appointment to get their COVID-19 vaccination by signing up through the Riverside University Health System-Public Health website.

Hundreds of appointments are available through Friday at the four county-run clinics and those operated by Curative and OptumServe in Riverside County. Those within Phases 1A and 1B are eligible, including residents 65 years of age and older and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccine eligibility is based on the state’s rollout tiers.

“The supply of vaccine has increased and that allows us to provide more vaccination appointments,” said Kim Saruwatari, director of Public Health for Riverside County. “This is a great opportunity for those who have been waiting to get vaccinated. It is quick and easy – both making the appointment and actually getting vaccinated.”

Among the job categories eligible are healthcare workers; long-term care residents; agriculture and food workers; educators and childcare workers; emergency services workers, transportation workers, utility workers and janitors. The state recently expanded the vaccination eligibility to include those at higher risk for COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions. The underlying health conditions include cancer, Down syndrome, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, pregnancy, severe obesity and heart conditions.

“We are encouraged to see that more vaccine is being sent to Riverside County for our many residents who have patiently waited to get their shot,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor.

More than 800,000 doses – both first and second doses — have been administered to Riverside County residents through the county-run clinics and those operated by the nearly 200 community providers.

To make an appointment or to see a list of eligible jobs categories and underlying health conditions that qualify, click www.rivcoph.org/covid-19-vaccine. Those who need assistance to make an appointment can call 2-1-1.

California Lawmakers Propose Process to Decertify Convicted Cops

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), the chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, and Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) added language with some teeth to Senate Bill (SB) 2, the “Kenneth Ross Jr. Police Decertification Act of 2021.”

The amendments to the police reform bill, first introduced in December last year in the California Assembly, are designed to increase standards of accountability for law enforcement officers. They include a statewide process to revoke the certification of a peace officer convicted of violating a person’s civil rights or engaging in other misconduct on the job.

“If last summer’s nationwide protests and calls for police reform have shown us anything, it’s that Californians want more than just a superficial change,” said Bradford. “If many professionals licensed in the state of California can have their certification revoked for committing serious misconduct or abusing their authority, then why not police officers?”

Ross, after whom the bill is named, was a 25-year-old African American who a Gardena police officer shot two times and killed on April 11, 2018.

According to the police report, Michael Robbins, the officer who fatally shot Ross was the last officer to arrive on the scene. Yet, he was the only officer who perceived a threat sufficient to discharge a weapon. Ross was unarmed and running from officers when he was shot. He died at the scene.

Although he was involved in prior shootings, Robbins was cleared of wrongdoing in the incident.

“It is critical that California’s police officers meet the highest standards of conduct and have the trust of our communities,” said Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), co-author of SB 2.

“The vast majority of officers want to do what’s required to build and keep trust with the communities they serve. I’m proud to co-author SB 2 by Senator Steven Bradford which would bring us closer to achieving that goal.”

California is one of only five states in the nation that does not have the authority to decertify law enforcement officers who have committed serious misconduct.

“On April 11, 2018 my son, Kenneth Ross, Jr. was murdered by a Gardena police officer who shot three other people in previous incidents,” Fouzia Almarou, Ross’ mother said.

“If Officer Michael Robbins had been decertified after the first shooting, Kenneth would likely still be here, with his son, his siblings, and me,” she continued. “I’m going to fight with everything in me to get this bill passed so this doesn’t happen to anybody else.”

Other states, such as Florida and Georgia, have led the nation in police officer decertification by inquiring into misconduct without regard to convictions for certain offenses.

The recent amendments to SB 2 are similar to Senate Bill (SB) 73, which Bradford also introduced last year. That legislation died in committee last November.

Sponsors and supporters of SB 2 say this time they hope the Legislature passes the police reform provisions they have drafted to strengthen the Tom Bane Civil Rights Act. The 1998 bill authored by California State Assemblyman Tom Bane created legal avenues for victims of police shootings to seek compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and civil penalties.

The state’s primary civil rights law that protects Californians against police abuse, the Bane Act has been undercut by bad court decisions, said Carl Douglas, President of Douglas-Hicks Law, and Consumer Attorneys of California Board Member. Once among the most robust laws protecting civil rights in the nation, Douglas says the Bane Act no longer serves as an effective check against police brutality.

It no longer alerts municipalities of harmful policing practices, gives innocent victims of police brutality an effective civil recourse for justice and accountability or holds police accountable to act in good faith, he said.

In California, racial or ethnic minorities account for 3 out 4 people killed by police. And, over the last decade over 1,100 Californians were killed by police officers, according to California Department of Justice data. In 2017 alone, 172 Californians died as a result of police use of force.

The amendments to SB 2 include: strengthening the Bane Act by stripping some of the procedural barriers that afford police officers immunity; changing the composition of the public safety advisory boards to include another member of the public and removing a law enforcement officer; allowing the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to retroactively review certain misconduct related to deadly use of force, sexual assault, or dishonesty for the purpose of decertification.

“The legal standard in California should be that no one — not even police officers — has immunity from the consequences of violating someone’s civil rights,” Douglas said during the virtual news conference. “Bad court rulings have given police a blank check for misconduct without consequence. As long as we are unable to hold officers accountable, our communities will continue to suffer from no recourse to justice. SB 2 will finally end immunity for officer misconduct, and it will ensure officers who use illegal force can’t re-offend.”

SB 2 is sponsored by a coalition of community organizations including Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, ACLU of California, Anti-Police-Terror Project, Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, California Families United 4 Justice, Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice, PolicyLink, STOP Coalition, and Youth Justice Coalition.

“California is a national leader in many efforts, but in this one, we are dangerously behind the curve,” Bradford said. “Californians are urging us to pass meaningful and systemic reform that will improve the relationship between police and the communities they serve for generations to come. Like so many people in our state, I look forward to working with Pro Tem Atkins, our co-authors, and all stakeholders to have this bill signed into law.

Attorney Tracy Sanders Honored by Senator Sydney Kamlager of the 30th Senate District with 2nd Annual Sister Circle Award

Tracy Sanders, Esq., accomplished attorney, author, and speaker was selected by Senator Sydney Kamlager, 30th Senate District to receive this year’s 2nd Annual Sister Circle Award on March 25, 2021. The Sister Circle Award highlights Black women in the 30th Senate District who are making extraordinary contributions in working to improve the community.

“I am greatly honored to be selected for this award by Senator Sydney Kamlager,” said Ms. Sanders. “I enjoy collaborating with powerful women who are making a difference in the Greater Los Angeles area.”

Ms. Sanders established Natural Hair and the Law (NHATL), an organization formed to provide publications, workshops, and events addressing legal issues related to natural hair in the workplace and schools.

Senator Sydney Kamlager

Ms. Sanders has an upcoming new release, The Crown Act Handbook: The Official Guide to Hair Texture Discrimination. Additionally, she is the author of Natural Hair Affirmations and Natural Hair in the Workplace: What Are Your Rights?, which has been featured in Essence Magazine, Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper, and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. These books are available for purchase online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Ms. Sanders received several prestigious accolades and awards. She was honored with the Certificate of Special Recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass for her outstanding community service. Ms. Sanders has been nominated as a recipient of Netflix Business Award and Comerica Bank Los Angeles Lakers Women’s Business Award. She was a featured speaker at the LA Law Library, Corporate Counsel Women of Color Conference, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Leadership Seminar.

Ms. Sanders made appearances on TV networks such as ABC, Fox, MSNBC, TLC, and WE tv. She is founder of the Attorney Tracy Sanders Foundation, a public charity, with the mission to promote liberty, empowerment, and justice.

Ms. Sanders obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of South Carolina, Master of Public Administration degree at the University of South Carolina, Juris Doctorate degree at Syracuse University College of Law, and Women’s Entrepreneurship certificate at Cornell University. She is a member of the American Bar Association, American Society for Public Administration, and Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles. Ms. Sanders is strongly committed to philanthropic endeavors and particularly interested in community service initiatives to help young people achieve their education and career goals.

For more information, contact www.naturalhairandthelaw.com, www.legaltalkwithtracysanders.com, and www.attorneytsfoundation.com.

Two California Women Are Now Leading Efforts to Support State’s 3.9 Million Small Businesses

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he had appointed Tara Lynn Gray, 57, of Fresno, as Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA).

In that role, Gray, who is African American, replaces Isabella Casillas Guzman, who President Biden appointed the 27th Administrator of the Small Business Administration in January. Last week in Washington, with an 81-17 vote, the United States Senate confirmed Guzman’s nomination. She is Latina.

In California, Gray is expected to begin working immediately since the Director of the Office of the Small Business Advocate position does not require State Senate confirmation.

Now, working with similar mandates — one in a federal Cabinet position and the other at the top-level of state government — Guzman and Gray have become the de facto leading advocates for the almost four million small businesses in California, which, in aggregate, hire more than 7 million people and account for more than 99 % of all Golden State businesses. Together, the women will be responsible for directing tens of billions of dollars in emergency and ongoing budgetary funding to California small businesses.

CalOSBA is part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), which serves as the states’ main apparatus leading economic development programs designed to boost job growth and business assistance efforts.

Ashley Swearengin, CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation and former Republican mayor of Fresno, praised Gray’s appointment.

“Tara is a tireless and effective leader in California’s small business community and the right choice at this pivotal time,” she said. “As the State of California continues its recovery, Tara will turn advocacy into action, get results for small businesses, and ensure our diverse small business owners and entrepreneurs are at the table driving towards an equitable and inclusive economic recovery.”

GO-Biz offers a range of growth and support services to California business owners, including permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, international trade development assistance, and more, according to the governor’s office. The governor has also charged the office to manage more than $2 billion in COVID-19 relief funding targeted to small businesses, non-profits and cultural institutions across California.

Guzman earned her bachelor’s at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. As SBA Administrator, she will lead the federal agency with 9,000 employees and represent the interests of the country’s estimated 30 million small businesses. In addition, she will oversee key parts of the Biden-Harris administration’s $1.9 trillion stimulus American Rescue Plan, including

relief funding for small businesses like the Paycheck Protection Program and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program.

“Throughout my public and private sector career, I have been dedicated to helping small businesses grow and succeed,” Guzman said during her Senate confirmation hearing. “Now more than ever, our impacted small businesses need our support, and the SBA stands ready to help them reopen and thrive.”

Before Gov. Newsom appointed Guzman to serve as CalOSBA director in 2019, she served as the SBA’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor during the Obama-Biden Administration.

“I have every confidence that under Ms. Guzman’s leadership, the SBA will help small business owners hold on to their dreams until the economy comes roaring back,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said before voting to confirm the Burbank native’s nomination.

Before Gray accepted the top role at CalOSBA last week, she had been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of YADARI Enterprises for the last 17 years. YADARI is a management consulting firm with headquarters in Vallejo.

Currently, Gray is also president and Chief Executive Officer of Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce (FMBCC), a position she has held since 2017. FMBCC is a community-based organization that advances the interests of African American entrepreneurs in the Central Valley with programs that focus on advocacy and economic development.

Before that, Gray supported small businesses as a counselor at two Northern California small business development centers, taught a small business feasibility and planning class in Stockton, and led a youth entrepreneurship program for nine years with California Black Chamber and Chamber Foundation.

Gray holds a master’s degree in Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University in Arizona and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Saint Mary’s College in Contra Costa County.

“(Gray’s) announcement is yet another proof point of Gov. Newsom’s ongoing commitment to equity and inclusivity as we recover together,” said Mark Herbert, managing director at the California office of the Small Business Majority, an organization that works with entrepreneurs and policymakers.

In addition to her many professional accomplishments, Gray is actively involved in the social, civic and religious life of Fresno as well as the broader African American community across California. She is member of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), Abundant Life Worship Center, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the California Black Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation, and the California Small Business Employer Advisory Council.

Gray, a Democrat, will earn an annual salary of $175,644.

Betty Jo Toccoli, president of the California Small Business Association, said

Gray is qualified for the job she looks forward to working with her.

“Small business has always been integral to the success of California’s economy, which is why today is a very special day for small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state,” said Toccoli. “Tara will bring a longstanding history of understanding the nuances of small business and advocacy for small businesses to this new role. She is extremely well-qualified for this position and we couldn’t be more ecstatic to collaborate with her to ensure an equitable recovery and sustained growth for California’s small business community.”

As for Guzman, working with the SBA’s hardworking employees to create an “ecosystem” that ensures small businesses across the United States are strong is a motivating factor.

“I am excited to return to the SBA and serve as the voice of small business in the Biden-Harris Administration. I am committed to championing the agency’s mission and helping equitably build back the economy,” she said.

American Rescue Plan Provides Big Savings if You Have Covered California Health Plans

More money for more people equals more and better health insurance coverage for millions of Californians and consumers nationwide — especially vital during this age of COVID-19.

That’s the upshot of President Joe Biden’s recently passed $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, with health care provisions containing new and expanded financial help to benefit an estimated 3 million Californians, among the 25 million Americans who qualify.   The new financial help will greatly reduce monthly health care costs, making health care coverage more affordable and generating savings of hundreds of dollars each month.

Covered California is poised to take a leadership role in ensuring that consumers take full advantage of this unique opportunity that expands the federal Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and reap the benefits of these new health care funds.

“The new and expanded financial help provided by the American Rescue Plan is a very big deal for millions of Americans,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “These new subsidies will help more people get covered, lower health care premium costs and put money back into people’s pockets when they sign up for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act.”

Additionally, Covered California announced that its opening its doors to enroll as many uninsured people as possible into health plans between April and the end of December 2021, because of these American Rescue Plan’s health care provisions. Major efforts will also launch to recruit consumers who now have expensive health coverage outside of Covered California and haven’t been able to get financial help in the past.

Answers to some common questions about the new health care provisions in the American Rescue Plan are below.        

https://youtu.be/WwKVucMr5yA

Q. Who benefits from the American Rescue Plan’s health care provisions?

A. There are three key categories of Californians who can benefit from the new health care provisions in the American Rescue Plan. They are:

  • Individuals who are currently uninsured and are eligible for the new financial help through Covered California, with many qualifying for $1 dollar health plans.
  • Individuals who are currently have health coverage directly through an insurer outside of Covered California and are now eligible for financial help for the first time. These consumers may be able to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by switching to the same or similar health coverage through Covered California.
  • Individuals who are currently insured in Covered California health plans and are now eligible for more financial help.

An estimated 1.2 million currently uninsured Californians can get health coverage that is more affordable than ever before. The American Rescue Plan reduces consumers’ monthly health coverage costs so that no one will have to pay more than 8.5 percent of their household income on health care premiums.

The deals don’t stop there. About 1.4 million consumers who are already enrolled through Covered California will get even more financial assistance. These consumers will see their monthly premiums decrease by an average of $119 per household per month.

Another 430,000 Californians who are insured directly through a health insurance company and are not now getting financial help can see dramatic savings if they switch to Covered California health plans.

Q. When will the new financial help and savings be available?

A. Covered California is opening a new special-enrollment period on April 12 that runs through December 31, 2021, and consumers can see savings reflected on their monthly health care bills as soon as May 1 if they enroll by April 30.

Q. What do I need to do to get these savings?

A. Existing consumers in California do not need to take any action since Covered California will automatically apply the savings to their accounts. They will see lower health care bills starting in May.

Those who currently don’t have health coverage through Covered California can enroll through December 31, 2021 to benefit from this round of new financial help.  This includes those consumers who currently are insured through an insurer outside of Covered California and are now eligible to get financial assistance for the first time and switch to more affordable plans.

Q. How long will my health care premium costs stay this low?

A. The reduced health care premiums under the American Rescue Plan will remain in place for all of 2021 and all of 2022, unless Congress extends or makes these provisions permanent.

Q. What are some other benefits of having Covered California health plans?

A. Covered California health plans cover all COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, as well as any medical treatment necessary due to COVID-19 at no charge or minimal co-payments.

In addition, all Covered California health plans must offer essential benefits under the Affordable Care Act that range from maternity care and hospitalizations to preventive and mental health care. Free preventive health care includes annual check ups with your doctor and screenings for diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure.

Q. If you have low household income or no income at all, can you still get health coverage?

A. Yes, you can enroll in quality health plans at no cost or very low cost through California’s Medi-Cal program, if you have lower incomes. Medi-Cal enrollment is year-round.

Q. How do you enroll in Covered California or Medi-Cal?

A. Covered California will launch a new “Shop and Compare” tool on April 12 on CoveredCA.com that will allow consumers to easily see exactly how they will benefit from the new law. People will be able to see how much new financial help they are eligible for in just a few minutes by entering their ZIP code, household income and the ages of the people in the household.

Those interested in learning more about their health coverage options can also: