Covered California Application
Signing up for health insurance through Covered California is quick and easy. For most people, the application process will take 10-20 minutes. Before getting started, it’s important to first get a quote and then select a plan. Once this is done, you are ready to enroll.
Here are some basic Covered California application questions that many people have when starting the process.
Where Can I Apply for Covered California?
If you are a California resident and want to enroll in a health insurance plan through Covered California, we recommend applying online with us at Health for California. After you get a quote, you will be asked to select a plan and then taken to the application. You will need to provide personal and financial information on your application.
Who Can Apply?
Anyone who is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawfully present immigrant can apply for Covered California insurance. A lawfully present individual can refer to:
- A refugee or asylee
- A temporary resident
- A humanitarian immigrant
- A permanent resident or green card holder
- A non-immigrant, such as those with student visas
Adults who are not lawfully present cannot qualify for coverage under Covered California but might be eligible under Medi-Cal or some private plans. If you are an undocumented individual, you can still apply for Covered California on behalf of a documented family member, such as your child.
When Should I Apply for Covered California Insurance?
Generally speaking, you want to sign up during open enrollment. But it also depends on your specific circumstances and when you need coverage to start. For example, if you have a qualifying life event, you have 60 days to enroll in a health insurance plan. Qualifying life events include getting married, having a child or involuntarily losing your health insurance. Check out enrollment periods, effective dates and deadlines to figure out the best timing for you.
What Information Do I Need to Apply?
Speed the process up by having these key pieces of information for you and any person listed on your tax return for the current year accessible. This is regardless of whether they are applying for health insurance or not. You will need:
- Personal information: Your personal information should include your name, address, date of birth, social security number, phone number and email address.
- Immigration information:If applicable, you may need to provide documentation that proves your immigration status, such as a legal resident card or your U.S. passport.
- Correct tax filing status: You also need to provide your correct tax filing status and information, such as whether you are single, married filing jointly or the head of household.
- Current income information: You will also need to provide an estimate for your household’s yearly income. Some financial documents may be helpful in calculating this estimate, such as your current pay stubs.
How Do I Know if I’m Eligible?
Pretty much anyone can sign up and get health insurance. The question has to do with eligibility to receive financial assistance to help pay for your coverage through Covered California. The main factors that play a role in determining eligibility are:
- Citizenship:You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or a lawfully present immigrant.
- Income and household size: Check the Covered California income limitsto see if you qualify.
- An offer of health insurance somewhere else: Do you or your spouse have coverage through your job? Are you eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal, Medicare or the Veterans Health Plan? Those and other health insurance offers could impact your eligibility. Find out more if this is your situation.
If, for some reason, you don’t qualify for the premium tax credit, you can still sign up for health insurance. The health plan would just be full price.
How Do I Pay?
You pay after your application has been submitted. There is a deadline, so make sure you pay on time or your enrollment will be canceled. Specific payment directions will be provided during the enrollment process.
At Health for California, we receive our commissions from carriers, so you can enjoy our services for free.
Is There Anything Else I Need to Know?
Sometimes, Covered California is unable to verify information on an application through electronic sources, so they may ask you to provide a document for proof. Providing a current pay stub to show proof of income would be a good example of this. Generally, they give you 90 days from when you complete your Covered California application to submit this information. These requests are common, so don’t be alarmed if this happens.
Get a Quote for Covered California Health Insurance
You can easily navigate your health insurance options and understand what each plan covers when you choose to work with us at Health for California. The right health plan will fit in your budget and meet your medical needs, and with us, you can better compare the rates and benefits each plan offers.
We can help you determine what metallic tier may be the right choice for you and whether you can get a discounted rate by qualifying for government assistance. We can provide quotes that include how much you can expect to pay, the carrier’s name, your plan category and your plan type, along with any subsidies you qualify for.
Even if you’re not a U.S. citizen or you have a pre-existing condition, you can get coverage in California. If you are interested in applying for Covered California, get a Covered California quote from us at Health for California.