Frequently Asked Questions About Covered California

Covered California is the state's official health insurance marketplace where individuals, families, and small businesses can compare and purchase quality, affordable health coverage. As California's implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Covered California helps eligible residents access health insurance plans and financial assistance to make coverage more affordable.

On-exchange plans are purchased through Covered California, the state's official health insurance marketplace. These plans may qualify for federal and state subsidies that can significantly reduce your monthly premiums—sometimes to $0. Off-exchange plans (also called direct carrier plans) are purchased directly from insurance companies like Blue Shield, Kaiser, or Health Net. While off-exchange plans don't qualify for subsidies, they can sometimes offer lower premiums for those who don't qualify for financial assistance. Cover Health California is unique in showing you BOTH on-exchange and off-exchange options side-by-side, so you can compare and find the lowest rate for your situation.

To apply for Covered California, simply complete the online application form above. The application process takes about 10-15 minutes and requires basic information about your household, income, and current health coverage. After submitting your application, you'll receive instant quotes showing available health plans and any financial assistance you qualify for. You can then compare plans and enroll in the coverage that best fits your needs and budget.

Covered California has an annual Open Enrollment period, typically running from November 1 through January 31 each year. During this time, anyone can apply for coverage or make changes to their existing plan. Outside of Open Enrollment, you can still apply if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to life events such as losing other health coverage, getting married or divorced, having a baby, or moving to California. Additionally, you can apply for Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) year-round if you meet income eligibility requirements.

To be eligible for Covered California, you must be a California resident, a U.S. citizen or lawfully present immigrant, and not currently incarcerated. You cannot be enrolled in Medicare or most other government health programs (except TRICARE). Covered California serves individuals and families at all income levels, though those with lower incomes may qualify for premium subsidies or Medi-Cal. Use our application tool above to check your eligibility and see if you qualify for financial assistance.

To complete your Covered California application, you'll need Social Security numbers for all household members applying for coverage, immigration documents (if applicable), employer and income information (recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, or tax returns), and information about any current health insurance coverage. While you can start the application without these documents, having them ready will help you complete the process faster and more accurately.

The initial Covered California application typically takes 10-15 minutes to complete online. Once submitted, you'll receive instant eligibility results showing what health plans and financial assistance you qualify for. If you decide to enroll in a plan, the enrollment process usually takes an additional 10-15 minutes. Your coverage can start as soon as the first day of the following month, depending on when you complete your application and make your first payment.

Yes! Cover Health California provides free assistance throughout the application and enrollment process. Our certified enrollment counselors can help you understand your options, complete your application, compare plans, and select the best coverage for your needs. All assistance is provided at no cost to you, and our team is trained to ensure your application is accurate and complete. You can also call Covered California's Service Center at 1-800-300-1506 for additional support.

After submitting your Covered California application, you'll immediately see your eligibility results, including any premium tax credits or subsidies you qualify for. You'll then be able to browse and compare available health plans in your area, viewing detailed coverage information, costs, and provider networks. Once you select a plan and complete enrollment, you'll receive a confirmation email with your coverage details. Your insurance carrier will send you welcome materials and your member ID card before your coverage start date.