California's health insurance exchange was the Rookie of the Year in 2013 among the states that created exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. More than 1.1 million Californians signed up with a health plan through Covered California in the first open enrollment period. The exchange hit one out of the park, yet it's the rookie mistakes that bother its leader.

The executive director with California's health insurance exchange promised that problems encountered by the 1.1 million residents who signed up for coverage last year would be fixed when re-enrollment opened Nov. 15.

Peter Lee unveiled in Sacramento in October several initiatives and planned improvements in response to criticism from last year. Lee assured reporters and consumer advocates that the California health exchange has increased website capacity, added call center staff and installed a dedicated line for insurance agents to assist with applications.