Effective Immediately: Our agency will no longer be able to assist new enrollees into the Covered California system (also known as “on exchange”). However, if you are looking for an “off exchange” plan (buying directly from the insurance company) where you won’t have to provide household income information, tax returns, bank statements, etc., we are here to assist you. Call us today at (800) 560-2443

Effective January 1, 2014 health insurance became mandatory according to the federal law called, the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (PPACA). With a few exceptions, all California residents will be required to show proof of health insurance or pay a tax. Each year that goes by, the tax will increase. 

New purchasers of health insurance, will be required to have Essential Benefits defined as doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency care, maternity care, pediatric services including (dental and vision), prescriptions, medical tests, mental health care and substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation and more. The plans must also include no charge preventive benefits such as mammograms and colonoscopies. This would also include any annual physical exam for everyone. All available Insurance Plans will have 4 basic levels of coverage which are platinum, gold, silver and bronze. The platinum level will offer the most benefit and the bronze the least amount of benefit. Click here to view a snapshot of the standard plan benefits for individuals.

The goal of the new health care system is to provide everyone across the country with access to health care that meets their needs and budget. They will no longer be denied because of their pre-existing conditions or charged a higher premium because of health status. Low to moderate income earners that purchase plans through Covered California may even qualify for premium assistance that could reduce their health insurance
premiums. The only way to qualify for premium assistance is to purchase your coverage through Covered California.

It is important to know that you can only buy health insurance during open enrollment unless you have a qualifying event (marriage, divorce, loss of employer coverage, adoption, etc.). Open enrollment dates are from mid November through mid February the following year. This is the time to make changes to your policy or to buy a new policy.