5 Ways Covered California Works for You

Health insurance doesn’t just protect you from unexpected medical costs. Research shows that better access to insurance may help people live longer, healthier lives. But navigating your options to find the best health insurance for yourself and your family can be complicated. Thankfully, California residents have a not-so-secret weapon to help them understand the ins and outs of health insurance and make smarter choices: Covered California.

Covered California is a free service from the state that helps people get and pay for brand-name, quality health insurance. In fact, we’ve already helped millions of Callifornians get covered and 90% of enrollees receive financial help. Here are five ways that Covered California can make a difference for you.

1. Better information — right at your fingertips

Our website lets you browse brand-name health plans to make an apples-to-apples comparison of monthly premiums, copays, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs. Plus, you can get one-on-one help every step of the way..

2. Your health comes first

When you purchase a health plan through Covered California, you can be sure that you are getting brand-name quality insurance. That’s because all health insurance companies with plans available through Covered California are required to maintain strict standards. Covered California also works with insurance companies, as well as doctors, hospitals and other providers, to promote patient safety and quality care. Here are the benefits covered by all plans.

3. More competition means improved options

Covered California helped reduce the rate of uninsured people in the state from 17.2 percent in 2013 to 7.4 percent in 2023. This decrease makes a big difference for California residents: The more people shopping for health plans, the more insurance companies need to compete for your business, making monthly premium costs as low as possible. This competitive health insurance marketplace saves Covered California enrollees an average of $6,000 every year.

4. Even more financial help

Beyond competitive rates, Covered California offers financial help to lower the cost of health insurance. As of 2021, more financial assistance is available for both low- and middle-income residents, making health insurance plans more affordable than ever. Many people who didn’t qualify for aid in the past can now receive financial help.

Lower-income families have even more opportunities to begin receiving financial help. Starting in 2022, people with annual household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, who are not eligible for Medi-Cal, can enroll in coverage through Covered California any time of year.

Our interactive calculator can let you know immediately how much financial help you can get towards your health insurance coverage and estimate your monthly premium.

5. Support every step of the way

Above all, we are invested in you maintaining your best health and are here for you as a resource, guide, and advocate. Have more questions? Covered California‘s online assistance and free expert advice can help you determine the best health care coverage options for you and your family.

Learn more about Covered California, and explore your health insurance options. Once you’re covered, we’ve still got your back. Here’s what to expect after you enroll.