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California did a better job of enrolling more minorities and young people for health care coverage during the second year of expansion, but a shortfall in overall enrollment could lead to increased fees in the future, according to new state data released Thursday. Covered California released enrollment figures showing the percentage of Latinos and African-American enrollees increased from last year. The state also reported a younger mix of new enrollees, which ensures a good risk pool for insurers. (Lin, 3/5)

The percentage of Latinos and African Americans who signed up for subsidized health coverage through California’s insurance exchange increased modestly during the second annual open enrollment period, officials announced Thursday. About 37 percent of subsidized enrollees are Latino, up from 31 percent during the first enrollment period ending in March 2014, according to data released by Covered California. About 4 percent are African American, up from 3 percent last year. The numbers, released by Covered California during its monthly board meeting, include only those enrollees eligible for subsidies who responded to questions about their race or ethnicity. (Gorman, 3/6)

The state health insurance exchange said Thursday the forecasted budget for its customer service center in fiscal year 2014-15 has increased to $21.1 million, driven by ongoing online enrollment problems. A previous forecast made in early February by Connect for Health Colorado staff had called for $18.1 million. (Draper, 3/5)