California Marketplace Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

If you live in California and need health insurance, you have probably heard about the California Marketplace Insurance. This is the state’s health insurance exchange, created as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to provide affordable health insurance to individuals and families.

What is California Marketplace Insurance?

The California Marketplace Insurance, also known as Covered California, is an online marketplace where California residents can shop for and purchase health insurance plans. The exchange was established in 2010 as a result of the ACA, which requires that every American have health insurance coverage. The marketplace offers a variety of health insurance plans from different insurance providers, which must meet certain requirements set by the state and federal government.

One of the main benefits of California Marketplace Insurance is that it offers financial assistance to eligible individuals and families. This can help to make health insurance more affordable for those who are struggling to pay for it.

Who is eligible for financial assistance?

Financial assistance is available to California residents who meet certain income and other eligibility requirements. To be eligible for financial assistance, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • Live in California
  • Not have access to affordable health insurance through your employer
  • Meet certain income requirements

Income requirements vary depending on your household size and other factors. You can find out if you are eligible for financial assistance by filling out an application on the Covered California website.

What types of health insurance plans are available?

California Marketplace Insurance offers a variety of health insurance plans from different insurance providers. These plans fall into four categories, based on how much they cover and how much they cost:

  • Bronze: These plans cover 60% of medical costs and have the lowest monthly premiums.
  • Silver: These plans cover 70% of medical costs and have moderate monthly premiums.
  • Gold: These plans cover 80% of medical costs and have higher monthly premiums.
  • Platinum: These plans cover 90% of medical costs and have the highest monthly premiums.

In addition to these four categories, the California Marketplace Insurance also offers Catastrophic health insurance plans for individuals under the age of 30 or those who qualify for a hardship exemption. These plans have low monthly premiums but high deductibles.

How do I enroll in California Marketplace Insurance?

To enroll in California Marketplace Insurance, you can visit the Covered California website and fill out an application. The website will guide you through the application process and help you find a health insurance plan that meets your needs and budget.

Open enrollment for California Marketplace Insurance usually takes place from November to January, but you can apply for coverage at any time if you have experienced a qualifying life event, such as the loss of health insurance coverage or a change in income.

What if I need help enrolling?

If you need help enrolling in California Marketplace Insurance, you can get free assistance from a certified enrollment counselor or a licensed insurance agent. These professionals can help you understand your options and guide you through the enrollment process.

You can find a certified enrollment counselor or licensed insurance agent in your area by visiting the Covered California website or calling their toll-free number.

Conclusion

California Marketplace Insurance is a great option for California residents who need affordable health insurance coverage. With a variety of health insurance plans to choose from and financial assistance available to eligible individuals and families, it’s easier than ever to get the health insurance coverage you need. Make sure to visit the Covered California website and explore your options to find the best health insurance plan for you and your family.

FAQ

What is the cost of California Marketplace Insurance?

The cost of California Marketplace Insurance varies depending on the health insurance plan you choose, your income, and other factors. However, financial assistance is available to eligible individuals and families to help make health insurance more affordable.

Can I keep my current health insurance if I enroll in California Marketplace Insurance?

If you have health insurance through your employer or another source, you can choose to keep that coverage instead of enrolling in California Marketplace Insurance. However, if you are not satisfied with your current coverage or need to find a more affordable option, California Marketplace Insurance may be a good choice for you.

What happens if I don’t have health insurance?

If you don’t have health insurance, you may face a penalty when you file your taxes. The penalty for not having health insurance varies depending on your income and other factors, but it can be significant. Additionally, without health insurance, you may have to pay full price for medical care and may not be able to get the care you need when you need it.

Annual Income (Based on 2020 Guidelines)
Household Size
Qualifying for Financial Assistance
$17,609 to $25,520
1
Yes
$23,792 to $34,480
2
Yes
$29,974 to $43,440
3
Yes
$36,156 to $52,400
4
Yes
$42,338 to $61,360
5
Yes
$48,520 to $70,320
6
Yes
$54,702 to $79,280
7
Yes
$60,884 to $88,240
8
Yes