Covered California – The Health Insurance Marketplace

Find Plans and Subsidies With Covered California

Finding the right health insurance in California doesn’t have to be complicated. Covered California is the official health insurance marketplace for the state, allowing you to compare private health plans, access government discounts and enroll in plan options that lower your costs.

Let Health for California help you navigate the California insurance marketplace.

What Is a Marketplace Insurance Plan?

The Health Insurance Marketplace is an online platform where Americans can buy health insurance and receive government financial assistance. Think of it as a shopping mall for private insurance, allowing you to browse official insurers online to find the best fit for your needs. You can see all your options at once, select the right coverage, and, if you qualify, apply for government subsidies — financial assistance that reduces your monthly premium.

In 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) created HealthCare.gov, an online federal marketplace for buying health insurance. The ACA also allowed individual states to create their own insurance marketplaces. California’s version is called Covered California.

If you live in California, you must use this marketplace to shop for health plans and access financial help. HealthCare.gov is not available for California residents.

Advantages of Covered CA Health Care Marketplace

Covered California has helped 2 million Californians across the state find affordable, comprehensive insurance that fits their needs and budget, proving it’s a trusted and successful program. Using the marketplace offers numerous advantages.

Easily Compare Insurance Options

At both Covered California and the federal marketplace, you can compare the top private insurance carriers side-by-side. In California, this includes Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente and Health Net.

Access Federal Premium Tax Credits

Individuals and families with incomes below 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) may be eligible for premium tax credits, also called subsidies. That could mean big savings on your monthly health insurance bill.

Financial assistance can also come from Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which lower co-pays or deductibles.

Apply for Low-Income Health Care

The ACA also enabled both the Federal Marketplace and Covered California to process applications for Medicaid and other government programs. In California, Medi-Cal provides medical services to low-income individuals at little or no cost.

You can apply for a subsidized health insurance plan, Medi-Cal and similar programs all on one Marketplace application. This is especially helpful for families in which some members qualify for Medicaid and others for a subsidized plan.

Meet the State’s Required Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC)

Residents of California must maintain minimum essential coverage under the ACA to avoid a tax penalty. The plans offered on Covered California meet this mandate, so you will not be subject to paying the Shared Responsibility Payment or Tax Penalty.

Before tax time, you should receive your 1095-A, 1095-B or 1095-C notice. These statements list which months during the previous calendar year you were covered by a qualified health plan. If you were without medical insurance coverage for less than three months, you should not have to pay the health insurance penalty.

Understanding Your Marketplace Plan Options

The California marketplace makes it easier to shop for and select health insurance. Whether it’s for yourself or your family, you can choose your level of coverage and network type and find out which government subsidies you qualify for.

The 4 Metal Tiers

When you shop on Covered California, each plan falls into a metal tier that reflects how you and your insurer split medical costs. Choose the balance of premiums and out-of-pocket costs that works best for you:

• Bronze: Lowest monthly premium, highest out-of-pocket costs.
• Silver: Balanced cost-sharing. Must select Silver to qualify for CSRs.
• Gold: Higher premium but lower costs for care.
• Platinum: Highest premium, lowest out-of-pocket costs.

Network Plan Types

Choosing a plan is about more than the cost. How you access care matters as well. Finding the right network type determines how you see doctors, specialists and hospitals, with options including:

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
• Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)

Qualifying for California Marketplace Insurance Subsidies

Government subsidies can lower your monthly health insurance bill and out-of-pocket costs. Whether you qualify depends on income limits and household size relative to the FPL. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Under 138% FPL: You qualify for free Medi-Cal, not a marketplace plan.
• 138% – 250% FPL: Premium tax credits and additional CSRs are available, but you must select a Silver plan for extra savings.
• 250% – 400% FPL: You are eligible for premium tax credits, which are government subsidies that lower your monthly premium.

Compare California Marketplace Plans With Health for CA

For more information about quotes or applying for affordable coverage in California, visit the Covered California website or call 1-877-752-4737.

If you feel overwhelmed browsing the California insurance marketplace alone, Health for California is here for you. We are a certified enroller and licensed health insurance agency. Our expert guidance is always free.

Enter your ZIP code and income to see all your California marketplace insurance options instantly. You can check your subsidies and pick the best coverage for your needs. Get an exact Covered California quote to get started.