California Health Insurance Quotes
One in Five Californians* Qualify for Free Health Insurance
California offers its residents several options for finding low-cost or free health coverage. Besides having a robust Affordable Care Act Health Marketplace, the state also administers its own version of Medicaid, called Medi-Cal. Both of these are run through Covered California. We can help you find out if you qualify for free healthcare.
California Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment
As 2025 approaches, now is the time to start thinking about your California health insurance options. Whether you’re renewing an existing plan or exploring new coverage, it’s important to understand your choices through Covered California and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.
Covered California is the California marketplace for health plans, offering a variety of options tailored to your income and household size. California Open Enrollment 2024-25 runs from November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025. To get coverage starting January 1, 2025, be sure to enroll by December 15, 2024. If you miss that, you can still sign up by January 31, 2025, for coverage starting on February 1, 2025.
California’s health insurance mandate requires you to have coverage or face tax penalties. Enrolling during this window ensures you avoid extra costs and secure affordable protection for you and your family. One in five (20%) Californians can enroll for $0 per month, so be sure to explore your options with Freeway Insurance today.
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Affordable Health Plans for You and Your Family with Covered CA
Under the ACA, you have access to affordable health plans through Covered California. Obamacare’s core goal was to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone, which is especially important in California, where the cost of living and healthcare can be expensive. The ACA offers subsidies based on your income and family size, meaning that even if you think California health insurance might be out of reach, you may qualify for financial assistance. Some plans are available for as low as $10 per month or even less than $1 per day*.
Heath Coverage Levels: Metal Tiers
Covered California provides access to health plans in four categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These metal tiers offer different levels of coverage:
- Bronze Plans: Lower monthly premiums, and higher out-of-pocket costs.
- Silver Plans: Moderate premiums with cost-sharing reductions for those who qualify.
- Gold and Platinum Plans: Higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs, ideal for those who require more frequent medical care.
In line with Obamacare, Covered California offers subsidies that lower the cost of your monthly premiums. These subsidies can make health insurance much more affordable for individuals and families who meet certain income thresholds. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, which provides free or low-cost health coverage.
Having a Health Plan in California Makes Sense
In California, having health insurance is required by law under the ACA. If you don’t have coverage, you may face tax penalties. But more importantly, having insurance brings real benefits:
- Free Preventive Services: Things like wellness check-ups, vaccines, and screenings are included at no extra cost.
- Financial Protection: Health insurance shields you from the high costs of hospital visits, surgeries, and emergencies.
- Peace of Mind: You’re covered in case of unexpected illness or injury, and many Californians qualify for affordable plans—or even $0 per month coverage.
Freeway Health Experts Can Help You:
While Obamacare has done a lot to improve healthcare and make it more accessible, figuring out your coverage options can still be a bit confusing. That’s where Freeway Insurance comes in. Our experts can help you understand what’s available, see if you qualify for subsidies, and guide you to the plan that fits you best – all for free!
California Special Enrollment
If you miss the Open Enrollment window, don’t worry. You may still qualify for health insurance through Special Enrollment. Under Obamacare, you’re allowed to enroll in health coverage outside of Open Enrollment if you experience a qualifying life event, such as:
- Losing health coverage due to job loss
- Moving to a new state or county
- Getting married, divorced, or having a child
- Turning 26 and aging out of your parent’s plan
In California, you have 60 days from the date of the qualifying life event to sign up for a health plan. This ensures that even outside of Open Enrollment, you won’t be left without access to affordable health insurance.
Understanding Different Health Plan Options in California
When selecting a health plan through Covered California, it’s important to understand the different types of plans available and how they compare. The three primary types of health insurance plans you’ll encounter are HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), and EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization). Each plan has unique features, costs, and flexibility, and choosing the right one depends on your healthcare needs and budget.
Compare Types of Health Insurance Plans: HMO, PPO, EPO
It’s important to know the differences between health insurance plans, as they can affect your costs and access to care. Some plans require you to pick a Primary Care Physician (PCP) for referrals, while others let you see specialists directly. Certain plans limit you to in-network providers, while others let you see out-of-network doctors for a higher cost. The table below breaks down these and other features to help you find the right plan.
| Feature | HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) | PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) | EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Care Physician (PCP) | Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| Specialist Referrals | Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| Network Restrictions | Must use in-network providers | Can use in-and-out-of-network providers | Not covered (except emergencies) |
| Out-of-Network Coverage | Not covered (except emergencies) | Covered, but at a higher cost | Not covered (except emergencies) |
| Premiums | Lower premiums | Higher premiums | Moderate premiums |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Lower costs, but limited flexibility | High costs, more flexibility | Lower costs, but limited flexibility |
| Ideal for | Individuals looking for affordability | Individuals seeking more provider options | Individuals seeking flexibility without high premiums |
Maximizing Your Health Plan Benefits
Once you’ve enrolled in a health plan through Covered California, it’s essential to make the most of your coverage. One of the benefits of Obamacare is the availability of cost-sharing reductions (CSRs), which lower the amount you pay out-of-pocket for healthcare services if you qualify.
Learn How to Use Cost-Sharing Reductions Effectively
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR) are discounts that lower the amount you pay for healthcare services, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. These reductions are available if you enroll in a Silver plan and meet certain income requirements. CSRs make it more affordable to access necessary medical services by lowering your out-of-pocket costs.
To use CSRs effectively:
- Select a Silver plan: If you qualify for CSRs, they only apply to Silver plans under Covered California.
- Understand your income eligibility: The amount of cost-sharing reduction you receive depends on your household income, so it’s important to check if you fall within the eligible range.
- Take advantage of preventive care: Many preventive services are covered at no additional cost, but by using CSRs, you’ll also pay less for other services like doctor visits, prescriptions, and emergency care.
By maximizing these reductions, you can make your healthcare more affordable and ensure you’re not paying more out of pocket than necessary.
Let Us Help You Sign Up for California Health Insurance for Free
Health insurance isn’t just a legal box to check in California; it’s your safety net for unexpected medical costs. Make sure to sign up during Open Enrollment 2024-25, or if life throws you a curveball, there’s always Special Enrollment.
Feeling unsure about your options? That’s where Freeway Insurance comes in. Our bilingual agents will walk you through everything, help you see if you qualify for subsidies, and find you affordable health coverage in California. One in 5 Californians are eligible for free coverage. To see if you qualify, snag a free quote online or give us a call at 866-951-0476!
*Disclaimer: Eligibility for California residents centered on American Rescue Plan expanded Marketplace subsidies based on federal poverty level. Restrictions apply. Freeway Insurance Services America, LLC. Licensed as Accident and Health Broker (CA License #6002326). Other rates, service fees, restrictions and charges may apply.