How Do I Choose A Health Plan
It can be overwhelming to find the right health plan for you and your family. Starting in 2014, all health insurance newly sold to individuals and small businesses must be classified as one of the four levels of coverage: Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum. In addition, a minimum-coverage plan will be available to those who are under 30 years old or can provide a certification that they are without affordable coverage or are experiencing hardship.
This system will make it easier for you to compare plans.
- You can choose to pay a higher monthly premium for a Platinum or Gold plan so that when you need medical coverage you pay less.
- Or you can choose to pay a lower monthly premium for a Silver or Bronze plan, but when you need medical coverage, you pay more.
It’s up to you.
If you need help understanding the levels of coverage and making a choice that works for you and your family, visit Covered California online or contact them at .
How Much Is Health Insurance In California
- Premium: what you pay your insurance company each month for coverage.
- Deductible: a set amount you must pay to providers before your insurance company starts paying its share of the bills. Your deductible resets each plan year.
- Copayments and Coinsurance: Copays are a flat fee . Coinsurance is a percentage of costs .
What Is The Average Cost Of Health Insurance In California
The average cost of health insurance in California is $537 per month for a 40-year-old purchasing a Silver plan. However, rates may vary depending on your location, age and the plan’s metal tier. For example, a 40-year-old would pay 28% more than a 21-year-old, and a 40-year-old could save $98 by choosing a Bronze plan.
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When Will The Parent Healthcare Act Go Live/become Effective
Parent Healthcare Act, which will allow adult children to claim their parents and stepparents as dependents has been signed into law in California. This is expected to go live on January 1, 2023. This new law will be effective for individual health care coverage issued, amended or renewed beginning January 1, 2023.
What If I Already Have Health Insurance
If you already have coverage through your employer or directly through an insurance provider but are eligible for lower premiums, you can switch to Covered California. But you may not qualify for tax credits if you opt out of your employers plan unless those premiums exceed a certain portion of your household income. The premiums would need to be more than 9.61 percent of your household income for individual coverage to qualify for the tax credits. If you lose coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 , you may be able to sign up for a Covered California plan during a 60-day special enrollment window. Try to apply and select your plan before your COBRA coverage ends to make sure there’s no gap in coverage. If youre not sure about whether making this switch makes sense for you, you can ask for free advice from a certified enroller or insurance agent. If you already have a marketplace plan and want to adjust your coverage, youll need to wait until the renewal period opens this fall. If you dont take action during the renewal period, youll automatically be reenrolled in your existing plan.
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Keep Tabs On The Latest California Policy And Politics News
Lea este artículo en español.
Millions of Californians could lose or transition into new health coverage as two federal programs that helped many keep or afford insurance are set to expire this year.
Two to three million Californians could lose their Medi-Cal coverage, some as soon as this summer, after the federal governments COVID-19 public health emergency ends, now scheduled for next month. In addition, 150,000 Californians might not be able to afford their Covered California health plans unless federal subsidies from the American Rescue Plan, which are set to expire at the end of this year, are renewed, according to a report released Wednesday.
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered investments and protections that increased the number of people with health insurance. In California, close to 14.5 million people are enrolled on Medi-Cal the most ever and a record 1.8 million people bought a health plan through Covered California during the latest sign-up period.
But those federal protections are temporary. And state health officials are now preparing for when they expire, examining how to keep the most Californians covered.
Health Insurance Rate Changes In The Largest California Counties
Health insurance rates are set by insurance providers and then provided to state regulators for approval. Therefore, it is vital to compare costs each year to find out how plans have changed.
For 2022, the cost of insurance remained fairly stable in the seven largest California counties. The biggest cost increase for 2022 compared to 2021, just 1%, occurred in Riverside and San Diego counties. In Alameda County, there was a 3% decrease in overall costs.
| County |
|---|
Monthly premiums are for a 40-year-old adult purchasing a Silver plan.
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How Many Americans Are Uninsured
The number has fluctuated over the past few years, but the number of Americans without insurance has generally been trending lower since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act . Put simply, the ACA has made it much easier for uninsured Americans to obtain health insurance. In 2010, when the ACA was enacted, 48 million Americans were without health insurance. In 2018, that number had decreased to 30 million.
Penalty For No Health Insurance 2020 In California
There are lots of reasons to consider investing in health insurance. Health insurance can:
- help pay for expenses from unexpected accidents and injuries
- make regular and long-term care more affordable
- promote well-being as trips to the doctor are often covered
But this year Californians have a new reason to add to that list the upcoming health insurance penalty. 2020 marks a change in Californias laws that could impact you if you dont have health coverage. Know your options to avoid facing a penalty for not having insurance.
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Fine They Can Go Up To The Silver Gold Or Even Platinum Level Coverage
The employer’s contribution remains based on the Bronze and the employee pays the difference with pre-tax money.
Of course, they’re only going to do this if it makes sense financially tothem.
This is the best of both worlds.
Employer caps exposure for health care costs while the employee can pickaccording to his/her health care needs and budget.
If an employer has to offer health insurance, this is the way to do it!
We can offer this mini-cafeteria plan for small and large companies.
Final Thoughts For Health Insurance For People Without A Social Security Number
We hope that you now know you can get health insurance even if you dont have a social security number.
As we discussed, the options include:
- Indemnity plan
- Short-term medical insurance
- Temporary travel medical insurance
Wed like to work with you. We have helped many individuals who have contacted us before.
But, here is the thing: We only work with people who are serious about their healthcare. It can be very time-consuming for us when people dont have an interest in helping themselves or family. As I mentioned, if you are NOT serious or NOT ready to spends $300 to $500 per month could be more or less, depending on your situation then do not contact us.
If you are serious about health insurance, then contact us. We would love to work with you. You can use the form below, too.
However, if you are fishing to get some information, there is an easier way. Just go onto any of the websites for alternative health insurance to find what you need. Or, just email us. We would be happy to help, and are serious about helping you, but only if you are serious about helping yourself and family, too.
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Third Option Temporary Travel Medical Insurance
If you have a VISA or will soon obtain a VISA, temporary travel medical insurance works as well. We work with all the major carriers here. There are options for every state. However, this is available for people with VISAs. Why? If you submit a claim, your VISA is supporting documentation and proves your lawful presence in the US.
However, travel medical insurance is temporary. Moreover, carriers explicitly state they do not cover chronic or pre-existing medical conditions.
What If I Am A Us Citizen But I Dont Have A Social Security Number Can I Purchase Health Insurance
We receive a few phone calls every year from Americans who were born in the United States, but for one reason or another, they do not have a social security number. They ask if they can purchase health insurance.
Unfortunately, I do not have a defined answer. As I said to these people, because you are a US citizen, not having a social should not preclude you from an ACA plan. You are lawfully present you just dont have a social for your own reasons.As I tell these people, you should contact your states health insurance exchange to find out more.
However, the plans we describe below are available to you. As you will read, however, these plans do not possess the ACA protections. They are still solid options, but just dont have the same requirements or protections as the ACA has.
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Buying California Individual Health Insurance
Before purchasing individual health insurance, you need to think about your health care needs and budget. Then, compare various plans to find the most suitable fit. Here are some questions you need to consider.
- How is the plan structured?
- Which providers are in the network?
- What is covered by the plan?
- How much out-of-pocket costs do you pay?
- How much does the plan pay for your coverage?
Think about your budget as well as your health care needs, and find out how much it will cost you in insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs for every plan you consider. Covered California makes it easier to compare different plans and choose the one that fits your individual health needs and budget.
Making a smart choice in health insurance isnt easy, but the research you do now will pay off later when you need health care for yourself and your family. Take advantage of our online services at Health for CA Insurance Center to get free, instant quotes on California health insurance plans for individuals. Just fill out our confidential form to get started.
What Is The Penalty For Not Having Health Insurance
Under the new California state law, the failure to obtain minimal coverage before January 1, 2020 will result in penalties of: $695 per each adult in a household as well as $347.50 per each childOR 2.5% of the households annual income
The fee would be determined when an individual files their 2020 income taxes and would be paid in 2021.
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Cheapest Health Insurance Coverage By Metal Tier
The average cost of health insurance in California is $537 per month for a 40-year-old purchasing a Silver plan.
We researched and compared health plans offered on the Covered California marketplace to identify the most affordable health insurance option at each level of coverage.
| Metal Tier | ||
|---|---|---|
| L.A. Care Bronze 60 HMO | $250 | |
| L.A. Care Silver 70 HMO | $311 | |
| L.A. Care Gold 80 HMO | $326 | |
| L.A. Care Platinum 90 HMO | $369 | $4,500 |
Monthly cost for a 40-year-old
For example, if you are self-employed and need health insurance, you may be able to purchase an individual plan through the health insurance marketplace. Keep in mind that an HMO plan is typically a great way to get a more affordable rate on coverage.
The higher tiers have the most expensive premiums along with the smallest deductibles, while lower tiers like Bronze and Silver or even Catastrophic health insurance have high deductibles but cheap monthly premiums. For example, the monthly rate for the Gold plan is 30% more expensive than the price of the Bronze plan.
Health Insurance Penalty Exemptions
The main exemption from the state-level individual mandate is the affordability exemption. If the least expensive plan premium is greater than around 8% of your household income in 2021, there is no tax penalty for being uninsured.
There are several other exemptions which include:
- Low income
- Religious conscience exemption
- Hardship exemption: homelessness, eviction, natural disaster, domestic violence, bankruptcy, or other disrupting life events
- Short coverage gap
- Part of a federally recognized Native American tribe
You can file for a hardship exemption here. To find out more about state-specific exemptions, you can visit the state website:
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Are There Exemptions For The Tax Penalty For No Health Insurance 2020
There are some unique circumstances in which you can avoid the new health insurance penalty. Some exemptions include:
Individuals who do not file state income taxes Non-U.S. citizen or undocumented residents Members of federally recognized American Indian Tribes Individuals under incarceration Some instances of financial hardship Those with religious objections Individuals enrolled in restricted-scope Medi-Cal coverage U.S. citizens who live abroad during a tax year
How To Find Your Best Health Insurance Coverage In California
The best health insurance coverage for you will depend on the availability of plans in your county, as well as your medical and financial situation. For example, California has approved expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act . Therefore, anyone with a household income equal to or below 138% of the federal poverty level would likely be better served by Medicaid.
When evaluating plans and your needs, you should carefully review the premiums and deductibles for private health insurance to determine what’s affordable. Typically, if you expect moderate to high medical costs, choosing a higher metal tier plan with more expensive premiums but better cost-sharing benefits would make more financial sense.
Gold and Platinum: Best if you expect high medical costs
Platinum and Gold are the highest tiers offered by the Covered California exchange, with health plans covering about 80% to 90% of your health care costs. These policies have the highest monthly premiums but come with the best benefits, including lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Because of this, Gold and Platinum plans can be the most cost-effective for those with higher medical bills, as you would reach the deductible quickly and then have access to coinsurance through your provider.
Silver: Best for people with low incomes or average medical costs
We recommend a Silver plan for most people because these plans balance cost-sharing benefits with affordable monthly costs.
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Understanding The Rules For Health Insurance Can Be Confusing
Do you have to have health insurance? The Affordable Care Act , signed into law in 2010, was designed to make health insurance coverage more affordable for Americans through the creation of tax subsidies, while also opening up Medicaid eligibility to more low-income individuals and families. The ACA effectively made having health insurance mandatory not having it meant that you would incur a tax penalty.
But what about now? What is the penalty for not having health insurance today? If you dont have it, does the rule still apply?
Heres what you need to know about mandatory health insurance coverage.
Student Health Insurance In California
If you are a student, you can purchase individual health insurance through the Covered California portal. But students in California have other options for obtaining health insurance, including:
- Stay on your parents’ plan: You have the option to stay covered under your parents’ health insurance policy until the age of 26.
- School-sponsored plan: Some colleges offer their own health insurance plans, although they may not cover off-campus services, and you could lose your coverage if you become a part-time student or transfer schools.
- Student health plan: These health insurance plans are designed for full-time students between the ages of 17 and 29. Policies can be purchased through the same insurance providers that offer marketplace coverage. Student health plans are paid through an annual or semiannual premium and can be a good option because they travel with you wherever you study in the U.S.
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California Insurance Requirements For Rideshare Drivers
California requires TNC drivers to carry rideshare insurance as soon as they flip on the rideshare app. The minimum auto insurance requirements vary according to which “period” you are in.
Period 0:When the rideshare app is off, the driver’s personal insurance is active, which should meet California’s minimum auto insurance requirements. These are:
- $15,000 bodily injury coverage per person injured in an accident
- $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
- $5,000 of property damage coverage per accident
Period 1:If the rideshare app is on but you haven’t been paired with a passenger, you must have:
- $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person injured in an accident
- $100,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
Your personal rideshare insurance policy may cover you, or your TNC may offer enough coverage. We recommend confirming with your rideshare company whether you need to purchase this insurance for yourself, otherwise you may not be driving legally in California.
Uber
Periods 2 and 3:Once you’ve been paired with a passenger and they’ve entered your vehicle, the rideshare company is required to carry a $1 million liability insurance policy in California. This covers you and your passengers during Periods 2 and 3. Depending on your TNC, it may offer additional coverage during these periods as well.
Uber
