On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law.

Since its implementation, the law has helped millions of Americans: children with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage by insurers, young adults can remain on their parents plan up to age 26 and seniors are saving thousands of dollars annually through the closing of the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage gap.

California was the first state in the nation to enact legislation under the Affordable Care Act. Covered California™ was created to develop an organized marketplace where legal residents of California can buy health coverage that cannot be denied or canceled if you are sick or have pre-existing health conditions.

To learn more about the marketplace in California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

FAQs

On this page:

• How do I get help enrolling in Covered CA?
• Where and when can I enroll for a health insurance plan?
• If I have Medicare, do I need to change anything?
• I’m a Veteran, how am I affected by the health care law?
• What kind of help is available to help lower the cost of insurance?
• What is Medi-Cal?
• Who can qualify for Medi-Cal?
• How do I apply for Medi-Cal?
• Will I be penalized if I do not have health insurance? 

 

How do I get help enrolling in Covered CA?

In California there are people trained and certified to help you understand your health coverage options. Click here to find help near you. You can use Covered California's “Shop and Compare” tool to explore different plans and find out about eligibility for financial assistance. These forms of assistance depend on your family size and income.

 

Where and when can I enroll for a health insurance plan?

All methods of application are FREE.You may apply at www.coveredca.com, via phone at 800-300-1506 in 13 different languages, in person through a certified enrollment counselor, or by mail.

 

If I have Medicare, do I need to change anything?

No. No matter how you get Medicare, whether through original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll still have the same benefits and security you have now. You don’t need to do anything with the Marketplace during open enrollment.

 

I’m a Veteran, how am I affected by the health care law?

If you are enrolled in VA health care, you don’t need to take additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standards. The health care law does not change VA health benefits or Veterans’ out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about the VA benefits available to veterans and their family members, use the VA Benefits Explorer. 

 

What kind of help is available to help lower the cost of insurance?

 

You may qualify for financial help, such as federal tax credits to reduce our monthly premium costs. 

• Tax credits: Tax credits are available to lower 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, tax credits can be immediately applied to the insurance premium, which reduces the amount you pay each month. To find out more about tax credits, click here.
• 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. To find out more about cost-sharing subsidies, click here.

What is Medi-Cal? 

Medi-Cal is California's no- or low-cost health coverage program. Enrollment is available year-round. 

 

Who qualifies for Medi-Cal? 

Medi-Cal covers low-income adults, families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, children in foster care as well as foster youth up to the age of 26, pregnant women, and individuals with DACA status. Single individuals with income less than $16,242 and a family of four with a household income less than $33, 465 may qualify for Medi-Cal. 

 

How do I apply for Medi-Cal? 

All methods of application are at no-cost. You may apply at www.coveredca.com, via phone at 800-300-1506 in 13 different languages, by calling 211 to find your local Medi-Cal office, or in person through a certified enrollment counselor. 

 

Will I be penalized if I do not have health insurance? 

Individuals who do not sign up for health coverage in 2016 may be subject to a penalty. To find out more, click here. 

 

If you need further assistance, please call the district office at (213) 481-1425.