Can I get Covered California if I don't have a job?

Asked by: Dr. Helmer Schinner DVM  |  Last update: August 27, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (1 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.

Can you have Covered California with no income?

Get Coverage

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.

What are the requirements for Covered California?

Documents to Confirm Eligibility
  • Social Security Number.
  • Identity.
  • Citizenship.
  • Immigration Status.
  • Income.
  • Not Incarcerated.
  • Minimum Essential Coverage.
  • American Indian or Alaskan Native.

What if I can't afford Covered California?

If you or anyone in your tax household has offers of health coverage from a job or through Covered California that you cannot afford, you can apply for an affordability hardship exemption.

What are the salary requirements 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.

Health Insurance After Quitting Your Job

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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.

Is Covered California available to everyone?

Any Californian can get health insurance through Covered California if he or she is a state resident and cannot get affordable health insurance through a job. Applicants may qualify for a free or low-cost health plan, or for financial help that can lower the cost of premiums and co-pays.

What is the penalty for no health insurance in California?

The penalty for not having coverage the entire year will be at least $850 per adult and $425 per dependent child under 18 in the household when you file your 2022 state income tax return in 2023. A family of four that goes uninsured for the whole year would face a penalty of at least $2,550.

Can I get Covered California instead of work insurance?

You can still sign up for a health plan through Covered California. You will have to pay full price unless your employer-sponsored coverage is considered not affordable and does not meet minimum value standards.

Can you join Covered California at any time?

Open enrollment for Covered California starts in the fall. Even when open enrollment is over, individuals with qualifying life events can enroll at any time of the year. Medi-Cal enrollment is also year-round.

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.

Can I get Covered California instead of Medi-Cal?

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.

Can I apply for Covered California if I haven't filed taxes?

What if I didn't file taxes last year? If you didn't file taxes last year, you can still apply for health insurance and get premium assistance or Medi-Cal. We will use your income to help us find the health insurance that is most affordable for you and your family.

What happens if you don t have Medi-Cal insurance in California?

The individual mandate means that Californians must either have qualifying health insurance, or pay a penalty when filing their state tax return unless they qualify for an exemption. How much? For tax year 2022, the penalty will cost at least $850 per adult and $425 per dependent child under 18 in your household.

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.

Does California require employers to provide health insurance?

Health insurance in California

While health insurance isn't required by state law, federal law requires employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) to provide health insurance benefits with minimum essential coverage (MEC).

Does Covered California cover out of state employees?

Covered CA

The Blue Shield Bronze PPO 60 plan, with out-of-state coverage through the Blue Card, is available to out-of-state (OOS) employees IF the employer is located in the service area where the plan is offered. Below is the list of counties and/or partial counties where the Blue Shield Bronze PPO is offered.

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.

Does IRS know if you have health insurance?

Companies report to the IRS whether or not employees participate in their health plans. They also send employees Form 1095-C to keep as a tax record. As with Form 1095-A, individuals who receive Form 1095-C do not need to attach it to their tax return.

Can you have no insurance in California?

Insurance (also referred to as financial responsibility) is required on all vehicles operated or parked on California roads. You must carry evidence of insurance in your vehicle at all times and it must be provided when: Requested by law enforcement. You are renewing the vehicle registration.

Can a non US citizen get Medi-Cal insurance?

Lawfully present immigrants can purchase coverage through the ACA Marketplaces and may receive tax credits for this coverage. Like citizens, they can get tax credits to help pay for premiums and cost sharing that vary on a sliding scale based on income.

What is high income for Covered California?

Covered California high income limit

In terms of figures, in 2022 an individual in a one-person household is eligible for some degree of Covered California subsidies if they earn up to 51,520 dollars. Meanwhile, that limit rises to 106,000 dollars for a household size of four.