Covered California starts producer preregistration

Covered California, the agency running the state’s public exchange, has opened preregistration for agents who want to sell its coverage.

Agents can sign up for training here.

Consumers and eligible small business owners will be able to buy coverage directly through the exchange website. Navigators and other types of non-licensed helpers will be able to give general advice about how the exchange works. But only licensed agents will be able to get the training and certification needed to recommend and sell specific individual or small-group plans, officials say.

To get the Covered California Certified Insurance Agent designation, an agent must have a valid California Accident and Health Agent license and carry what the exchange believes to be adequate errors and omissions insurance coverage.