Can I get Covered California if I am unemployed?

Asked by: Laverne Jast  |  Last update: August 16, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (15 votes)

People who are unemployed may be able to get a health plan through Covered California that includes savings based on your household size and income. You or your family members could also qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medi-Cal. Start by using the Shop and Compare Tool.

Can you have Covered California with no income?

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Covered California, was created under healthcare reform to help the uninsured and people with low to moderate incomes get health insurance. Low or No-income? Medi-Cal covers comprehensive health benefits including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, vision care, and hearing care.

Do I still qualify for Covered CA with unemployment?

Losing health insurance coverage — no matter if you were laid off, let go with cause, you quit, or any other reason — qualifies you to apply through Covered California 60 days before and after the date your coverage stops. This period is called special enrollment.

Does everyone qualify for Covered California?

California residents who don't have an offer of affordable coverage can get a health plan through Covered California. In addition, most immigrants qualify for health coverage, including the following groups: Lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Lawful temporary residents.

What happens if you don't qualify for Covered California?

If you are uninsured and are not eligible for Medi-Cal or a plan through Covered California, you may qualify for limited health services offered by your county. These programs are not insurance plans and do not provide full coverage.

2021 Unemployment Benefits and Covered California

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Does Covered CA verify income?

How will Covered California check my income? Covered California will check the income you reported on your application and compare it to what the IRS has on file for you.

What is the minimum income for Covered California?

So according to the Covered California income guidelines and salary restrictions, if an individual makes less than 47,520 dollars a year or if a family of four earns wages less than 97,200 per year, they will qualify for government assistance based on their income.

Can I get Covered California if I have a job?

You may have coverage as a current worker or retiree. You can shop for health coverage through Covered California, but you won't qualify for financial help in the form of premium tax credits if your employer offers a health plan that meets minimum value standards and is considered affordable.

When am I eligible for Covered California?

Low-Income Families: Those with an annual household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, who are not eligible for Medi-Cal, can enroll in coverage through Covered California any time of year.

What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Covered California?

What is the difference in coverage between Medi-Cal and Covered California?​​​​ Medi-Cal is health coverage, just like the coverage offered through Covered California. Medi-Cal provides benefits similar to the coverage options available through Covered California, but often at lower or no cost to you or your family.

Who does not qualify for unemployment in California?

The Employment Development Department (EDD) might not approve your unemployment claim if you did not work long enough, if EDD says you did not verify your identity, or if your employer says you quit or were fired because you did something EDD thinks is “misconduct”.

What is CA unemployment income limits?

The EDD will compute your weekly benefit amount based on your total wages during the quarter in your base period when you earned the most. For all but very low-wage workers, the weekly benefit amount is arrive at by dividing those total wages by 26—up to a maximum of $450 per week.

How much does California unemployment cover?

Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) ranges from $40 to $450. To get an estimate of what you will receive, use the unemployment benefit calculator. For more information about how we calculate benefits, review the following resources: How Unemployment Benefits are Computed (DE 8714AB) (PDF)

Who is exempt from having health insurance in California?

Citizens living abroad or residents of another state. Members of a health care sharing ministry. Members of federally recognized tribes including Alaskan Natives, or other individuals eligible for services through an Indian health care provider or the Indian Health Service.

How much do you pay if you don t have health insurance in California?

For tax year 2022, Californians without coverage for the entire year will likely pay a minimum penalty of $850 per adult and $425 per dependent child under the age of 18. A family of four who goes the whole year with no coverage will owe a minimum of $2,550 come tax time.

Is Obamacare and Covered California the same?

Obamacare health insurance plans are available through the Covered California insurance marketplace and Health for California. If you sign up for insurance through Covered California, you are covered by Obamacare. Since these two options are the same, you do not have to worry about choosing between the two.

How is income determined for Covered California?

You can start by using your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your most recent federal income tax return, located on line 11 on the Form 1040. Add any foreign income, Social Security benefits and interest that are tax-exempt. Then, add or subtract any income changes you expect in the next year.

Can I get Covered California for one month?

Cobra or Covered Ca for 1 to 3 months of health insurance

If you're losing employer health insurance, you may be eligible for Cobra. You can take Cobra for 2 months of coverage as well.

Can I get Covered California if I make too much money?

Even if your income is too high to get help paying for a health plan, you can still buy a plan through Covered California. You can also sign up for a plan on your own. You can apply through the insurance company directly, through an insurance agent or broker, or through another online marketplace.

Can I decline my employers health insurance and get Covered California?

Also, if you turn down your offer of affordable employer-sponsored coverage and enroll in a plan through Covered California with financial help, you may have to pay back some or all of the premium tax credits when you file your federal taxes.

Is Cobra cheaper than Covered California?

Covered California can be priced much lower and you can change plans. If you qualify for a Covered Ca tax credit, it's hard to justify paying full premium for Cobra. Again, our services as Certified Covered California agents is free to you. Call us at 800-320-6269 to look at your situation.

Can I switch to Covered California?

You may be eligible for health coverage through Covered California if you are no longer eligible for Medi-Cal due to an income increase or change in household size. In order to avoid a gap in your health coverage, Covered California can help you select a new plan before your Medi-Cal coverage ends.

Do you have to renew Covered California every year?

Medi-Cal members must renew their coverage each year to keep their health care benefits. For most members, coverage is renewed automatically.

Will Covered California affect my taxes?

If you receive a tax credit through Covered California, you must file taxes for that benefit year. You will receive a 1095-A form, which shows how much Covered California paid to your insurance company to help with the cost of your health coverage. You will use the information on your 1095-A to fill out IRS Form 8962.