When life changes, Covered California can help you get and pay for health insurance. If you’ve lost your health coverage, your family has grown, or you just got married, you have a limited time to enroll. Financial help is available, and you could get a quality plan for less than $10/month.
Covered California enables residents of the State as well as small businesses Enroll in health insurance with many providers. It’s sometimes known as Obamacare, Affordable Care Act, along with ACA. Covered California has an online health marketplace similar to the Federal ACA Health Insurance Marketplace. The health insurance options available for both adults and children include:
1. Health insurance
2. Medi-Cal, designed for low-income Californians
3. Dental coverage
4. Vision coverage
To gain a deeper understanding of Covered California’s functioning, one can delve into topics such as enrollment periods, discounts, qualifications, and penalties at Cindy’s Health insurance services website.
History of Covered California
In 2010, the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly referred to as “Obamacare,” established various health care protections and rights, such as granting states the option to establish their own health insurance marketplaces. California took the lead by launching its own health insurance marketplace, known as Covered California.
The implementation of Covered California seems to have been effective. The percentage of individuals without insurance for a year or longer decreased significantly from nearly 13% in 2015 to 4.5% in 2022, as indicated by data published towards the end of 2023.
How to Get Covered California
You have the option to review and compare different plans and insurance prices before making a decision.
You can seek assistance from our website or ourselves directly with a licensed certified enrollment either in person or by phone, Text, or Email.
The process of applying online typically takes around an hour to complete. Once we have selected a plan, we can opt to make a payment online or be billed by the insurer after your application has been received. Your insurance card will then be sent to you via mail.
“If you qualify for Medi-Cal, your information will automatically be sent to your local county offices for enrollment. “
Who can get Get Covered CA?
Most people under the age of 65 and over the age of 18 and who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States and are residing in California.
You are eligible under age 65 if:
You are not receiving or are not eligible to receive Social Security benefits;
- You are not receiving or are not eligible to receive Social Security benefits;
- You are not receiving disability benefits; or
- Your employer is not offering you affordable coverage; or.
Before age 65, you are eligible for free Medicare hospital insurance if:
- You have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 months; or
- You receive a disability pension from the railroad retirement board and meet certain conditions; or
- You receive Social Security disability benefits because you have Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis); or
- You worked long enough in a government job where Medicare taxes were paid and you have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 months; or
- You are the child or widow(er) age 50 or older, including a divorced widow(er), of someone who has worked long enough in a government job where Medicare taxes were paid and you meet the requirements of the Social Security disability program; or 7
- You have permanent kidney failure and you receive maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant and: —You are eligible for or receive monthly benefits under Social Security or the railroad retirement system; or —You have worked long enough in a Medicare-covered government job; or —You are the child or spouse (including a divorced spouse) of a worker (living or deceased) who has worked long enough under Social Security or in a Medicare-covered government job.
Medical insurance (Part B) Anyone who is eligible for free Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) can enroll in Medicare medical insurance (Part B) by paying a monthly premium. Some beneficiaries with higher incomes will pay a higher monthly Part B premium.
If you are not eligible for free hospital insurance, you can buy medical insurance, without having to buy hospital insurance, if you are age 65 or older and you are—
- A U.S. citizen; or
- A lawfully admitted non-citizen who has lived in the United States for at least five years.
When Is Covered California Open Enrollment?
The enrollment period for Covered California is scheduled from November 1 to January 31. In case you happen to miss this timeframe, you may be eligible for special enrollment due to a significant qualifying life event such as marriage, job loss, or adopting a child.
What Is the Difference Between Medi-Cal and Covered California?
Medi-Cal offers affordable healthcare coverage to low-income individuals in California, regardless of their legal status. It is essentially California’s Medicaid program. Covered California provides financial assistance in the form of tax credits to help with premiums and other expenses, but only legal U.S residents are eligible to enroll in this program.
What Is the Minimum Income for Covered California in 2024?
Enrolling in a Covered California plan does not require a specific minimum or maximum income. The eligibility for federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act is determined by the Federal Poverty Level. Individuals with an income equal to or below 138% of the FPL are eligible for Medi-Cal in California.
Bottom Line
By applying for health insurance with Covered California, you can obtain cost-effective coverage for both yourself and your family. This type of insurance serves as a safeguard against potential financial difficulties caused by unforeseen medical expenses.
Moreover, Covered California insurance plans prioritize preventive care, ensuring the well-being of you and your loved ones in the present and for years to come. Take the time to explore the available options and find a plan that aligns with your financial means and lifestyle. Additionally, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you may also be eligible for insurance discounts, further enhancing the benefits of your chosen plan.
Take aways!
Covered California serves as the platform for residents of California to acquire health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as to meet the eligibility criteria for Medi-Cal. By procuring insurance through Covered California, numerous individuals are eligible for advantageous discounts on their premiums. The open enrollment period spans from November 1 to January 31, although certain life circumstances may warrant a special enrollment period. While Covered California plans share similarities with ACA plans, they do present a selection of distinct options.
Mario Arce
I have been working with Medicare clients since 2016. I serve California members in San Bernardino & Riverside county.
