New to Covered California? Let’s Break It Down
What is Covered California?
Covered California was created to make quality, affordable health insurance more accessible. Through the marketplace, you can:
- Compare Plans from many insurance companies
- See if you qualify for financial help (most people do!)
- Enroll in a plan that fits your income, household size, and healthcare needs.
Plans are available in tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), so you can choose the level of coverage that’s right for you (Covered California, 2024).
Who Qualifies?
Coverage is available to:
- California residents who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawfully present immigrants.
- People who don’t get affordable coverage through an employer or government program (like Medicare or Medi-Cal).
You may also qualify for subsidies to lower your monthly premium, or for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) that help lower your out-of-pocket costs on Silver-tier plans (Covered California, 2024).
What If My Situation Changes?
Life happens, Covered California has you covered. If you’ve experienced a major life event like:
- Losing job-based insurance
- Getting married or divorced?
- Having a baby
- Moving to a new ZIP code
- Turning 26 and aging off a parent’s plan
- Should you consider a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan to cover out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles and coinsurance?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period outside of the regular enrollment window (Covered California, 2024).
When Can I Enroll?
- Open enrollment runs from November 1 to January 31
- Special Enrollment is available year-round for those with qualifying life changes.
It’s a good idea to check in ahead of the fall season to be prepared. Last-minute enrollments can get stressful. We’re here to help you avoid that.
How Can We Help?
Navigating Coverage choices can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Harbor Health Insurance Services is here to help you:
- Understand your options
- See what financial assistance you qualify for
- Enroll in the right plan for you and your family
Questions? Let’s chat. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
- Call us: (888) 411-1095
- Email us: Contact@HarborHealthIS.com
References:
Covered California. (2024). Official Covered California Website. http://www.coveredca.com
