How Freeway Insurance Can Help You Find Affordable Covered California Health Plans
Did you know one in five Californians is eligible for free or very low-cost health insurance? Keep reading to find out if you qualify! Getting a policy through the Covered California marketplace is one of the best ways to secure affordable medical care. However, the process of picking out a plan and applying for it can seem daunting and overly complex. Luckily, Freeway Insurance has qualified brokers waiting to guide you through the process and select the perfect health insurance plan for you and, best of all, this service is free to you.
What Is Covered California and How Does It Work?
Covered California is the name of California’s state-sponsored healthcare marketplace for people who don’t have employer-sponsored insurance, such as independent contractors. It works in accordance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), so every plan on the marketplace is guaranteed to cover certain essential health benefits, such as mental health support. Several major insurers offer policies on the marketplace, all with different premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maxes, co-pays, and more.
Explanation of the Four Coverage Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum
The marketplace uses a tiered system to categorize different types of health insurance, ranging from Bronze to Platinum. Bronze plans offer the lowest level of coverage, but also have the lowest premiums, while Platinum plans provide the most coverage and have the highest premiums. Essentially, the more the plan pays when you need care, the more expensive your monthly premium.
How to Determine Eligibility for Subsidies and Medi-Cal
Are you curious if you are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance? If you earn below a certain income, you may be eligible for health insurance subsidies that help offset the cost of your ACA plan premium. This threshold is linked to the federal poverty level, so you can enter your information during the application process to find out if you qualify.
You may also qualify for state insurance through Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid, if you meet certain requirements. Medi-Cal eligibility requirements include factors like being over 65, having certain disabilities, or being below a certain income threshold.
When you apply for a plan through Covered California, if you are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance, you’ll find out. We can help you navigate through the system.
Why Choosing the Right Health Plan Is Crucial
You can sign up for health insurance during a special period known as Open Enrollment, usually from early November thorough January. If you have health coverage through an employer and lose your job at another time during the year, you can enroll during a period known as Special Enrollment.
Events that qualify you to take advantage of Special Enrollment include losing a job, moving, or going through another qualifying life event, such as birth or adoption. The health plan you choose can impact what doctors you can see, what procedures are covered, and how much you spend on medical care throughout the year. As a result, it’s important to choose wisely.
How Freeway Insurance Can Assist You in Finding Affordable Coverage
Finding an affordable health insurance plan that meets your needs can be overwhelming if you’re navigating the process on your own. However, you can make the process easier by working with an insurance broker at Freeway Insurance. These professional agents are experts in everything there is to know about getting covered through Covered California and beyond. And best of all – it’s completely free.
Personalized Support from Experienced Agents
When you work with an agent, you get one-on-one, individualized support. Any time you have a question, you can go directly to your agent to get answers and guidance.
Access to a Wide Range of Health Plans From Various Providers
Freeway providers can help you explore all of your options on the marketplace. They understand the ins and outs of each plan from each different provider, so you can find the best policy for your needs. They’ll also be able to ensure that any current providers are in-network with your chosen plan.
Assistance With Comparing Plans and Understanding Benefits
If you’re torn between two options, your agent can help you compare benefits and play out different scenarios to pick the best choice. They know all of the jargon and other details, so they can break down your benefits in a way you understand.
Key Enrollment Periods to Remember
Every year, the healthcare marketplace has an open enrollment period where anyone can sign up for a new plan or make changes to their existing coverage. Typically, the Covered California enrollment period lasts from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 of the following year. For example, if you wanted to get a plan for the 2026 calendar year, you could start signing up on Nov. 1, 2025, and your final day to apply would be Jan. 31, 2026.
Keep in mind that these dates are subject to change from year to year, so it’s important to double-check the timeline. You can also sign up after open enrollment in certain situations that qualify you for a special enrollment period.
Steps To Take Before Enrolling in a Health Plan
Your Freeway agent will walk you through the entire process of signing up for a medical plan, but you can do some basic preparation to streamline the process even more. Here are the main steps to take as you get ready to apply.
Gather Necessary Documents and Information
To sign up, you’ll need a few key documents to verify your identity, eligibility, and income. Depending on your situation, you might also need extra documents outlining your immigration status, lack of access to other coverage, incarceration status, or tribal enrollment.
Assess Your Healthcare Needs and Preferences
Think carefully about what kind of coverage fits in with both your budget and your healthcare preferences. If you have complex medical needs that require regular, ongoing care, you may prefer a Gold or Platinum plan with a higher premium in exchange for a low deductible and more affordable co-pays. However, if you simply want insurance for worst-case scenarios and yearly checkups, a Bronze plan with low deductibles may be enough.
Consult With a Freeway Insurance Agent for Guidance
Once you’re ready to apply, reach out to your Freeway agent to kickstart the application process and answer questions about health plans. They can help verify that you have the right documents and even help you decide what level of coverage you need if you’re unsure.
Contact Freeway Insurance Today to Find the Best Affordable Health Plan for You Through Covered California!
There are several California health plans available on the state marketplace, ranging from low-premium Bronze plans to more expensive Platinum plans with extensive coverage. Instead of having to analyze each plan on your own, you can work with Freeway health insurance agents to find a policy that works for you and submit your application with ease.
By signing up for Freeway Insurance health coverage support, you can effortlessly compare health insurance quotes for free and sign up for a plan that fits your exact needs. Start preparing for open enrollment today by calling 877-423-1508.
