Covered California insurance deadline nears. When and how to sign up for health benefits [The Sacramento Bee]

The clock is ticking if you still haven’t signed up for the state-run health marketplace, Covered California.

If you want coverage for all of 2024, you have even less time.

Open enrollment for the state’s service that helps you find affordable health care ends in January.

Here’s what you need to know as the deadline approaches:

What is Covered California?

It’s a free service that helps people find brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Covered California also provides financial assistance when you buy health insurance, meaning you could qualify for a discount through the service or get health insurance through Medi-Cal.

You can qualify if you’re a California resident without access to affordable coverage.

Or if you’re an immigrant who fits in the following groups, you can also qualify:

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders).

Lawful temporary residents.

Persons fleeing persecution, including refugees and asylees.

Other humanitarian immigrants, including those granted temporary protected status.

Non-immigrant status holders (including worker visas and student visas).

When is the Covered California deadline?

Open enrollment for Covered California is from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31.That’s the only time you can buy health insurance or change your plan — with some exceptions. Those exceptions include losing your current health insurance, getting married or having a baby. Generally, you have 60 days from the date of the qualifying life event to enroll.

Your coverage starts on the first day of the month after you pick your plan.

If you want coverage for all of 2024, you would need to choose a plan by Dec. 31 (your coverage would start Jan. 1).

How do you apply for Covered California health insurance?

You can apply online.

You need the following information:

Social Security number

Federal tax information

Immigration documents (if you are an immigrant)

Employer and income information

It could take about an hour.

If you need help, you can make a free appointment at one of the enrollment centers. You can also sign up for a call from a certified enroller or call the service center at 800-300-1506.

You can also shop and compare plans on the website by entering your coverage year, zip code, total annual household income and number of people in your household.

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