We’ve all experienced enormous changes in a short period of time, due to the coronavirus situation. With many Californians facing economic changes and possible loss of health insurance, Covered California has extended the Open Enrollment period for health insurance. Now, you have until June 30 to enroll in a healthcare plan or make changes to your existing plan.
Who is eligible? Anyone who is eligible to enroll through Covered California can take advantage of this extended enrollment period. Those who do not qualify for a employer-provided health insurance plan can create an account through Covered California and begin to shop for plans.
What about premium subsidies? It might relieve you to hear that yes, healthcare plans offered through Covered California qualify for a subsidy to help with the cost of your premiums.
Individuals who earn less than $17,237 annually can qualify for Medi-Cal.You can submit an application to Medi-Cal at any time.
Those earning between $17,237 and $49,960 qualify for subsidies through Covered California to cover part or most of their premiums, but you must submit your application by June 30.
Those income limits change for households of more than one person. You will need to create an account and input your personal information in order to receive an estimate of your subsidy amount.
Has the coronavirus outbreak prompted any changes to healthcare plans? Yes! For one thing, those enrolled in Medi-Cal or a Covered California plan should be able to obtain testing for coronavirus free of any charges such as a copayment.
Also, Medi-Cal and many Covered California plans are beginning to offer telehealth appointments, so that you can schedule a virtual appointment with a physician in the event that you don’t want to leave the house. This option provides a terrific way to access quality healthcare without unnecessarily exposing yourself to viruses that can lurk in waiting rooms.
Hopefully, the extended deadline will help more Californians to obtain healthcare when we all need it most. Give us a call if you have any questions about health insurance plans, and we will be happy to assist you in making this important decision.