Covered California Adds 425,000 Under Obama Health Law

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Covered California says more than 425,000 people signed up for private health insurance coverage during the third enrollment period under President Barack Obama's health care law.

Executive Director Peter Lee says the number released Thursday is within the agency's projection for the year.

Lee says young adults made up 37 percent of the new enrollees this year, up from 29 percent in the first year. Strong enrollment from young people is crucial to the success of Obama's health overhaul because they use less on health care, keeping costs lower for everyone.

The figure reflects the number of people who shopped for coverage and selected a plan during the three-month enrollment window. Coverage isn't effective unless they pay their first month's bill.