With new coronavirus cases on the rise in California, health insurance is more important than ever before. If you don’t have insurance, you are likely worried about getting sick and having to pay huge medical bills, and that has caused you to wonder: “When does enrollment end for Covered California?”
To help with the health care demand, Covered California has announced that it’s extending the special enrollment period through August 31st. The California open enrollment extension will allow more residents to get much-needed health insurance during the pandemic.
Covered California Enrollment Deadline Extended: What Does That Mean?
Typically, people must experience a qualifying life event to enroll in a new health plan during a special enrollment period. That can include losing your employer-sponsored coverage or turning 26, meaning you cannot stay on your parent’s health insurance plan. However, you do not need a life qualifying event to get coverage during this special enrollment period. Anyone who does not have insurance and is not eligible for employer-sponsored coverage can enroll. You just need to do so by the Covered CA extended deadline of August 31st.
Is Covered California Free While Open Enrollment Is Extended?
Covered California offers financial help for many Californians who need health insurance. If you make up to $17,237, you will qualify for a free or low-cost MediCal plan. If you make more than $17,237, you can still be eligible for a subsidy as long as your income doesn’t exceed $49,960.
Even if your plan isn’t free, you will enjoy some free features. Once you are covered, if you require coronavirus screening or testing, your plan will pay 100 percent of the costs.
How to Sign up During the Covered Enrollment Period
It is easy to enroll for coverage during the special period. You can apply on Covered California’s website or call Covered California’s service center. However, the extended open enrollment period means that the call center is dealing with more customers than usual. Fortunately, you can also call a licensed insurance agent to enroll for coverage. The agent will determine if you are eligible for a cost-sharing subsidy.
Before you apply, you’ll need to gather some information:
- Social security number or immigration documents if you’re not a citizen
- Federal tax information
- Employment information
- Income information
Once you have the documents, reach out to an insurance agent.
Other States Extend Deadlines
California is one of 12 states that run their own health insurance exchanges, and 11 of them have extended the special enrollment period:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
If you live in any of these states, use the extended enrollment period as an opportunity to purchase coverage.
Get a Quote for Coverage Today
The California open enrollment extension provides the perfect opportunity to get health insurance. With coronavirus cases increasing by the day, you’ll want to have coverage in case you get the virus. Also, you will benefit from coverage well after the virus is under control.
Freeway Insurance can help you get the health insurance coverage you need in California. We are still open to serve you in person, call us today or start your free California health insurance quote today!
