Should I Enroll On/Off the California Health Insurance Exchange?
Posted: July 25, 2016
by John Hansen
Consideration #1: There’s government money on the Health Exchange.
The big question is, “Do you qualify for a subsidy?” If yes, then you go where the money is, and that’s on health benefit exchange through Covered California. If you make less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), then you qualify for government assistance if you enroll on the California Health Insurance Exchange.
Consideration #2: Enrollment is easiest off of the Insurance Exchange.
If you make too much money, usually you want to enroll off of the California health insurance exchange. When you enroll in health insurance in California through an agent or directly through a carrier, there are three main benefits:
- Easier application
- No financial/tax questions
- Less hassles
- Cost is the same on like plans
- Additional plan options
As an agent, I enrolled a family with a household income of over $250,000 per year through the Covered California marketplace. My client had extra red tape and hassles to deal with because I enrolled him through the California Health Insurance Exchange. In hindsight, I would have enrolled him directly through the carrier, and that would have saved him some frustrations.
Other Considerations: Native Americans, Medi-Cal and the Special Enrollment Period
Are you a Native American or are you Medi-Cal eligible? If either of these apply to you, you may enroll through the Covered California health insurance exchange for lower prices and better benefits. Also, you may enroll any time of the year, and you will not have to wait for the Open Enrollment Period.
During the Special Enrollment Period, there has been an advantage to enrolling on the state benefit exchange because Covered California has not required document proofs for life events. However, that changed this month, so whether you apply through the California health insurance exchange or outside the exchange, you will still have to submit documentation to prove that you have a legitimate life event.
Not sure how Obamacare affects your health care plans in California? Learn how the ACA works in California, including benefits, costs and enrollment.
Covered California is the Golden State’s official health exchange marketplace where individuals, families and small businesses can find high-quality, low-cost California government health insurance.
Learn about Obamacare income guidelines in California using our income limits chart, and see if you’re eligible for government assistance.
Learn about the Covered California website. Find easy online enrollment. Set up your account, log in, buy insurance and more on the California health marketplace website.