What is Covered California and do I qualify? Here’s what to know during open enrollment

Cortlynn Stark, The Sum
·2 min read
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Open enrollment just started for California’s state-run health marketplace, Covered California.

Here’s what you should know.

What is Covered California?

It’s a free service that helps people find brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Covered California also provides financial assistance when you buy health insurance, meaning you could qualify for a discount through the service or get health insurance through Medi-Cal.

Who qualifies?

If you’re a California resident without access to affordable coverage, you can qualify.

If you’re an immigrant who fits in the following groups, you can also qualify:

  • Lawful permanent residents (green card holders).

  • Lawful temporary residents.

  • Persons fleeing persecution, including refugees and asylees.

  • Other humanitarian immigrants, including those granted temporary protected status.

  • Non-immigrant status holders (including worker visas and student visas).

How long do you have to apply?

Open enrollment for Covered California is from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. That’s the only time you can buy health insurance or change your plan — with some exceptions. Those exceptions include losing your current health insurance, getting married or having a baby. Generally, you have 60 days from the date of the qualifying life event to enroll.

Your coverage starts on the first day of the month after you pick your plan.

If you want coverage for all of 2024, you would need to choose a plan by Dec. 31 (your coverage would start Jan. 1).

How do you apply?

You can apply online.

You need the following information:

  • Social Security number

  • Federal tax information

  • Immigration documents (if you are an immigrant)

  • Employer and income information

It could take about an hour.

If you need help, you can make a free appointment at one of the enrollment centers. You can also sign up for a call from a certified enroller or call the service center at 800-300-1506.

You can also shop and compare plans on the website by entering your coverage year, zip code, total annual household income and number of people in your household.

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