Individuals & Families

Beginning on January 1, 2014, all individuals will have new access to affordable private health insurance coverage.  The new Marketplaces will serve Americans who buy their own coverage or currently have no coverage at all.  The Marketplaces will provide individuals and families a choice among numerous quality private health insurance plans; and will also make premiums affordable through sliding-scale premium tax credits.  Every health insurance plan in the new Marketplaces will offer comprehensive coverage, from doctors to medications to hospital visits. 

• If you are insured and already have a "qualified" health insurance plan through your employer, nothing changes.  You can keep your plan.  You can keep your doctor.  You can also shop for a new plan through the Marketplace, if you so choose.
• If you are uninsured, you will have the opportunity to purchase quality, affordable health insurance through the Marketplace.  If you do not purchase insurance, you may have to pay a fee.

In California, the Marketplace is called "Covered California."  Covered California has made it as easy as possible to apply for enrollment.  You can apply by:

• Visiting Covered California online at www.CoveredCA.com.  They have put together an easy-to-use, comprehensive website that provides information about the health insurance plans offered.
• Requesting assistance from Covered California through their online form.  If you fill it out, a qualified individual working with Covered California will contact you to provide application assistance.
• Calling the Covered California Customer Call Center at (888) 975-1142.
• Filling out an application in person through a Covered California Certified Insurance Agent or a Certified Enrollment Counselor.  These individuals can be found throughout the community and will be able to provide advice and assistance.  You can locate the one closest to you by calling (888) 975-1142 or online through www.CoveredCA.com. 
• Mailing in an application to: Covered California Service Center, P.O. Box 3530, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670-5667.

Should you choose to enroll in health insurance through Covered California, there are a few things you will need.  When you are ready to start enrolling, make sure you have:

• The number of people who are being enrolled and the birth date for each person
• The social security number(s) for each individual being enrolled
• Your home zip code
• Your most recent income tax filings, including dependent tax information and head of household status (if any)
• Legal immigration information, such as your immigration number (if applicable)
• Information about your status as a member of a federally recognized tribe (if applicable)