IS COVERED CA AN INSURANCE COMPANY?

No. Covered California is where Californians can get brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and see if they qualify for financial subsidies from the federal government to help them pay their monthly premiums.

WHEN CAN I SIGN UP FOR COVERED CA?

Open enrollment is Oct.15, 2019, to Jan. 31, 2020. Individuals with qualifying life events can enroll at any time of the year. Medi-Cal enrollment is also year-round. Medi-Cal and Covered California use the same application. After you enter your information, you will find out whether you qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered California.

COVERAGE LEVELS

Most health insurance newly sold to individuals and small businesses must now be classified as one of four levels of coverage: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. In addition to those four levels of coverage, a minimum coverage plan is available to those who are younger than 30 or can provide certification that they are without affordable coverage or are experiencing hardship.

ESSENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS

All health insurance plans offered in the individual and small-group markets must provide a comprehensive package of items and services, known as essential health benefits. These benefits fit into 10 categories and include services like prescription drugs, mental health care, and emergency services.

VISION COVERAGE

Covered California offers consumers a pathway to quality vision care. Vision care benefits for children are included in all health plans purchased through the exchange. Vision care for adults is not offered in Covered California health plans, but Covered California works with certain vision insurance companies to offer vision coverage directly to consumers.

DENTAL COVERAGE

All Covered California health insurance plans offer embedded pediatric dental coverage. This means that dental insurance for children is included in the price of all health plans purchased in the exchange. In addition, Covered California now offers supplemental dental coverage for adults, through optional family dental plans.