Covered California

Open Enrollment Period: If you enroll during the Open Enrollment Period, which typically occurs between November and January each year, your coverage will generally begin on January 1st of the following year.
Special Enrollment Period: If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, such as experiencing a life event like getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage, your coverage can begin either on the first day of the month following your enrollment or on the date of the qualifying life event.
Medi-Cal: If you qualify for Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, there is no specific enrollment period, and coverage can begin immediately or retroactively, depending on your eligibility.

1. Start by using the shop and compare tool on the Covered California website to get a quick overview of your options and estimated costs.
2. Next, compare the available plans and determine which coverages are essential to keep you and your family protected within your budget.
3. Gather all the necessary documents, such as social security cards, tax returns, and immigration documents, for you and your family.
4. Begin the full application process online, over the phone, or at an enrollment center.
5. Once your application is accepted, you’ll be presented with all the available plan options. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
6. Pay for your chosen coverage option. You can make a direct payment online through Covered California or wait for a bill from your insurance company.
7. Congratulations! You’re now covered and can explore a range of tools on the Covered California website to learn more about your coverage and get the most out of your insurance plan.

Our Covered California agents will guide you at every step of the application process so you will never have to worry about enrolling in the wrong plan or missing essential coverages in your new plan.

If you’re buying a health insurance plan to cover your family members, it’s important to understand who can be included in your coverage. Here are some simple guidelines to follow:

1. If you’re legally married, you can cover your spouse and any tax dependents, such as children or other relatives, that you will claim on your taxes.
2. Even if your spouse or dependents already have coverage, it’s still a good idea to include them in your health insurance application. This can help ensure that everyone in your family has access to the best possible benefits.
3. If you have any questions about who to include on your health insurance application, a Covered California agent can provide you with all the information you need.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your entire household is covered by your health insurance plan, and that you’re getting the most out of your benefits.

Covered California provides support for small businesses to help navigate the process of selecting the right health insurance plan for their employees, while staying within their budget. Here are some ways we can assist you:

1.  Our team can help your employees choose a quality insurance company that meets their specific healthcare needs.
2.  We can also help you find federal tax benefits to lower the cost of your employer insurance program.
3.  With our guidance, you can determine how much you can contribute towards your employees’ health insurance needs, while providing them with the flexibility to choose the plan that’s right for them.

At Covered California, we understand the challenges of selecting a health plan in California that benefits both your company and your employees. That’s why we’re here to provide personalized support and live customer service to help you make informed decisions about your health insurance options.