{"id":10514,"date":"2024-10-07T20:42:06","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T20:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=10514"},"modified":"2025-01-28T14:10:01","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T14:10:01","slug":"2024-2025-covered-california-open-enrollment-faq-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/health-insurance\/2024-2025-covered-california-open-enrollment-faq-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"2024-2025 Covered California Open Enrollment FAQ Guide\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Did you know one in five Californians are eligible for free health insurance? Are you one of them? There\u2019s an easy way to find. At Freeway Insurance, we have bilingual agents standing by to help you sign up for health insurance for next year during Covered California\u2019s Open Enrollment from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2025. This service is free to you. Call us at 866-951-0476<\/a> so we can help you today \u2013 for free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Covered California<\/a> is the state’s health insurance marketplace where Californians can compare and purchase affordable health plans. It also helps residents determine if they qualify for financial assistance or Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Obamacare is the federal law that mandates California health insurance<\/a> coverage, and Covered CA is the state’s implementation of Obamacare. Covered California provides access to ACA-compliant health plans and financial assistance to help reduce costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No, Medi-Cal is a separate program that provides free or low-cost healthcare for low-income residents. When you apply for health insurance, if you qualify for Medi-Cal, your application will automatically be rerouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, many Californians qualify for $0 premiums based on their income*. One in five residents can enroll in Covered CA at no cost per month\u2014click here to see if you qualify<\/a> or call us at 866-951-0476<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cost of Covered CA varies based on your income, family size, and the plan you select. Many people qualify for reduced premiums, with some paying as low as $10 per month or less than $1 per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you receive more financial assistance than you’re eligible for, you may have to repay part of it when you file your taxes. This is determined based on your final income for the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can qualify for free healthcare<\/a> through Medi-Cal<\/a> if your income falls below a certain threshold. Covered CA also offers financial assistance for those whose incomes exceed Medi-Cal limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, you need to renew or update your plan during the annual open enrollment period<\/a> to ensure your coverage continues and your financial assistance remains accurate. You can also make changes during this time if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approval times can vary, but you typically receive confirmation of enrollment within a few weeks. Once approved, your coverage can begin as soon as next month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In California, there is a penalty for not having health insurance in 2024-2025<\/a>. If you don\u2019t have coverage, you may face a tax penalty when you file your state taxes. Here’s how it works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you move out of California, you’ll need to cancel your Covered CA plan and apply for coverage in your new state. You may qualify for a Special Enrollment<\/a> period when you move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, you can cancel your Covered California plan at any time. However, re-enrolling may only be possible during open enrollment<\/a> or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The financial assistance you receive is based on your estimated income, and when you file your taxes, it\u2019s reconciled with your actual income. If you received too much or too little assistance, your tax return will reflect the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, one in five Californians qualify for financial assistance to lower their monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. See if you qualify here<\/a> or call us at 866-951-0476<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can apply online through the Covered CA website or by reaching out to a Freeway Insurance agent. We\u2019ll help you determine if you qualify for free or low-cost health insurance<\/a>. Call us at 866-951-0476<\/a>. You won\u2019t be charged for this service.<\/p>\n\n\n Covered CA open enrollment period begins Nov. 1, 2024 and ends Jan. 31, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the 2024-25 period, important dates are the open enrollment period. You must enroll during this time to ensure your coverage starts at the beginning of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Changes to your health plan can only be made after open enrollment if you qualify for a Special Enrollment period. Qualifying events include major life changes like getting married or losing other health coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To apply, you’ll need proof of identity, California residency, and income documentation, such as pay stubs or tax returns. This helps verify your eligibility for financial assistance or Medi-Cal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can qualify for a Special Enrollment period if you experience life changes such as moving, getting married, having a baby or losing other health coverage. You\u2019ll typically have 60 days from the event to make changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you miss the open enrollment period, you won\u2019t be able to get coverage until the next year unless you qualify for Special Enrollment. Without coverage, you may also face tax penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can get help from Covered California’s customer service or from Freeway Insurance to learn about understanding your options in California. Call our bilingual agents at 866-951-0476<\/a> for free help finding out if you qualify for free health insurance or signing up for a plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Almost everybody qualifies for health insurance with Covered CA if they do not receive their insurance from another source, such as an employer or through Medicare<\/a>. Many Californians are eligible for free health insurance, which is based on income, household size, and other factors. You should call our bilingual agents for free help finding out if you qualify at 866-951-0476<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eligibility is generally for individuals and families with incomes between 138% and 600% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Income limits depend on your household size and location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other documentation to verify your household income. This helps determine your eligibility for financial assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Income includes wages, salaries, tips, unemployment benefits, self-employment income, and taxable Social Security payments. This information is used to determine eligibility for subsidies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Covered CA uses your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) to determine your eligibility for financial assistance. MAGI includes taxable income and certain deductions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you overestimate your income, you may receive back part of your monthly premium. If you underestimate your income, you may have to pay back some of the financial assistance you received when you file your taxes. It\u2019s important to provide an accurate estimate to avoid this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no age limit for Covered California. However, younger children may be eligible for Medi-Cal or Children\u2019s Health Insurance<\/a> (CHIP), a plan that offers low- or no-cost health insurance to children, and seniors can get coverage through Medicare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Undocumented immigrants cannot apply for Covered California, but some may qualify for Medi-Cal or other health services, such as emergency and pregnancy care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, you can get Covered CA even if you have a job, as long as your employer doesn\u2019t offer affordable, minimum value coverage. You may also be eligible for financial assistance based on your income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may have been denied for reasons such as having access to employer-based coverage or missing the open enrollment period. You can contact Covered CA to learn more about your eligibility or call our bilingual agents at 866-951-0476<\/a> for free help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Covered CA plans offer essential health benefits like doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, maternity care, mental health services, and preventive care. These benefits meet ACA requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n Yes, dental coverage is available as an optional add-on for adults, and vision care is included for children. Adults can purchase separate vision coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, preventive services such as annual checkups, vaccinations, and screenings are covered at no additional cost under Covered CA plans. This includes services for both adults and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, mental health and substance use disorder services are included as part of the essential health benefits in every Covered CA plan. Coverage includes counseling, therapy, and inpatient services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, all Covered CA plans include prescription drug coverage. The specifics of coverage depend on your chosen plan and formulary.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCovered California General Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is Covered CA?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is the Difference Between Covered California and Obamacare?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is Covered California the Same as Medi-Cal?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I Get Covered California for free?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Much is Covered California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you Pay Back Covered California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Do You Qualify for Free Healthcare in California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do You Have to Apply to Covered California Every Year?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Covered California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Penalties for Not Having Health Insurance in 2024-25?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What Happens if I Move Out of California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can you Cancel Covered California at Any Time?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How will Covered California Affect my Tax Return?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I Receive Financial Assistance to Help Pay for My Health Insurance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Do I Apply for Covered California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Open Enrollment for Covered California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When is the Next Covered California Open Enrollment Period?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Important Dates for Health Enrollment in 2024-25?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I Make Changes to My Health Plan After Open Enrollment Ends?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for During Open Enrollment?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Do I Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period Outside of the Standard Dates?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Happens if I Miss the Open Enrollment Period?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where Can I Get Help if I Have Questions About Choosing a Plan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Covered California Eligibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Can I Determine if I’m Eligible for Covered CA Coverage?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Income Qualifies for Free Covered California or Medi-Cal?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Proof of Income is Required for Free Covered California Eligibility?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Counts as Income When it Comes to Covered California Income Eligibility?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does Covered California Use Gross or Net Income?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What if I Overestimate My Income for Covered California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is There an Age Limit for Covered California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can Undocumented Immigrants Apply for Covered California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I get Covered California if I Have a Job?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why Did I Get Denied Covered California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefits and Coverage Options for Covered California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Benefits are Included in Covered California Plans?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Does California Cover Dental and Vision Care?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are Preventive Services Covered Under Covered California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does Covered California Cover Mental Health Services?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are Prescription Medications Covered?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Types of Health Plans are Offered Through Covered California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n