SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With time running out, Covered California announced new enrollment data and encouraged consumers to enroll in coverage before the end of this year’s open enrollment period.
As of January 29, more than 240,000 consumers had recently signed up for health insurance through Covered California during the current open enrollment period. Additionally, more than 1.5 million Californians have renewed their coverage for another year.
“Open enrollment is coming to an end, and while we have thousands of people signing up every day, we know there are more who need to take action,” said Jessica Altman, CEO of Covered California. “Californians have until midnight on January 31 to enroll in health coverage and get the protection and peace of mind they deserve.”
Open enrollment runs through January 31
Open Enrollment is the only time of the year that consumers can sign up for coverage through Covered California without having to experience a qualifying life event. People who sign up before the deadline will have their plan starting February 1.
“We urge anyone who needs health insurance to look at the options available to them,” Altman said. “Coverage is more affordable than ever this year because of the greater and broader financial help now available. Regardless of your income, it only takes a few minutes to find out how affordable a health plan can be and what options are available in your area.”
Two out of three members can get coverage for $10 or less per month
As a result of increased and expanded financial assistance available through the federal Reduction of Inflation Act, two-thirds of Covered California members can get comprehensive coverage for all of 2023 for $10 or less per month.
Get Covered and Avoid a Tax Penalty
In addition to gaining the peace of mind that comes with having quality health care coverage, enrolling in health insurance could help people avoid paying a penalty when filing their state tax returns. People who can afford health insurance but choose to go without it could face a penalty when they file their taxes with the California Franchise Tax Board in 2024. The penalty can be as low as $2,550 for a family of four.
“Californians shouldn’t have to worry about paying a tax penalty for not having health insurance, when they can get coverage that’s cheaper than they think,” Altman said. “You can find out in just a few minutes what plans are offered in your area and how much financial help you can get, so don’t leave money on the table.”
Californians can still enroll
Consumers can easily find out if they are eligible for financial help and see what plans are available in their area by entering their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage in Covered California’s Shop & Compare tool.
Those interested in learning more about their coverage options can:
About Covered California
Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace where Californians can find high-quality, affordable insurance from the best insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where people who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to lower premium costs.
Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that best meets their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the free or low-cost Medi-Cal program. Covered California is an independent part of state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the Governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, visit www.CoveredCA.com.
