​​

• How do I figure out my income?

  • Covered California looks at your Adjusted Gross Income for your tax household. For more information, read here. ​

• I am not sure how much we will make this/next year, can't I give you a range?

  • No, unfortunately not. Covered California does not allow us to plug in an estimated income range. It will only accept a solid number.

    • For example, if you think you will be making $65,000-$75,000 for the next tax year, we would suggest erring on the side of caution and going with a higher number, either $70,000 or $75,000.

    • The reason for this is because if you underreport your income, and you make more, at tax time Covered California can and will take back the overpayments they have made on your behalf. Read more about this reconciliation here. ​

• What does or does not count as income? 

  • ​Go here.​

• I am self-employed, I don't know what my income will be. 

  • We do need to have a solid income figure to report. Read more here.​

• Can I change plans during the year?

  • No. You can only make changes during the Open Enrollment period or if you have a qualifying life event.​

• Who is included in my tax household? 

  • A household includes the tax filer, the spouse and/or tax dependents. Read more here. 

• But my spouse or children are not applying for Covered California, do I still have to include them in my household on my form?

  • Yes. For more information, go here.​

• What exactly is a subsidy that comes from Covered California?

  • This assistance comes in two forms, the Premium Tax Credit and Cost-Sharing Reductions based on your tax household income and where you fall on the Federal Poverty Level Chart. This is why reporting your best guess on your income is so very important. Read more here. ​

• How does Covered California determine how much I need to pay for my monthly premium?

  • There are many factors that go into determining your monthly premium- such as your location, age and tax household size. Read more here. ​

• Why do I pay more monthly than my friend does? We have the same plan.

  • ​Covered California premiums are based on your age, your zip code, your household monthly income, and your number of tax household dependents.

• If something changes in my household, do I need to let you know?

  • Yes! Any changes that could effect your Covered California should be reported to them (or us) right away. Income changes, getting married, getting divorced, losing a tax dependent, having a baby, and more! These changes must be reported within 30 days. For a more detailed list on what you need to report, go here. ​

  • You can report your change by calling Covered California at 1-800-300-1506 , by logging into your Covered California account here or by filling out a change form and sending it to our office.

• What if I choose to not get insurance?

  • Beginning in 2020, most Californians are required to to have health insurance or they will be subject to a penalty, unless they qualify for an exemption. Read more about the penalty and exemptions. ​

• I am not currently enrolled in health insurance, but I need some right away. Can I just apply?

  • Unfortunately, no. You must either be experiencing a Qualifying Life Event or Covered California must be offering their Open Enrollment Period. ​

• I am currently on COBRA, but it is too expensive for me. Can I cancel it and create a Qualifying Life Event to enroll in Covered California?

  • No. You can only enroll in Covered California within 60 days of being offered COBRA. You would only qualify outside of this time period if you move out of your plan coverage area, someone other than you forgets to send in your payment (like your former employer) or you reach the plan's lifetime limit for benefits. Read more about "Canceling COBRA to Enroll in Covered California".​

• What if I decide to cancel my Covered California during the year? Can I enroll later?

  • ​You can only enroll during the Open Enrollment period, which generally runs between November and December. Your effective date would be the following January. For example, if you decide to cancel your insurance in March, you would not be able to apply again until Open Enrollment in November, unless you have a Qualifying Life Event. If you do, enrollment must be done within 60 days of the event.

​

Additional FAQ Information Found Here.