How much will it cost me to purchase health insurance through Covered California, and will I be eligible for financial assistance?
Health insurance premium costs through Covered California will be based on age, where you live (ZIP code), household size and income, and the health plan and benefit level you select.
What kind of help is available to reduce the cost of insurance?
Starting in 2014, individuals seeking health coverage will be helped to afford coverage in three ways:
- Premium assistance: Premium assistance is available to reduce the cost of health coverage for individuals and families who meet certain income requirements and do not have health insurance from an employer or a government program. When you enroll in a health plan through Covered California, premium assistance can be immediately applied to the insurance premium, which reduces the amount you pay.
- Cost-sharing subsidies: Cost-sharing subsidies reduce the amount of out-of-pocket health care expenses an individual or family has to pay. These expenses might include the copayments for health care services or other costs.
- Medi-Cal assistance: Starting in 2014, the state of California is planning to expand the Medicaid program (called Medi-Cal in California) to cover people under age 65, including people with disabilities, or those with income of less than $15,856 for a single individual and $32,499 for a family of four. You can find out more by clicking here.