If you want health insurance coverage starting on January 1, 2025, through Covered California, you need to act quickly! The open enrollment period for the 2024-2025 plan year ends on December 31, 2024. After this date, your coverage won’t begin until February 2025, so it’s crucial to get your application in before the deadline.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing your coverage, here’s what you need to know about Covered California and how to ensure you’re covered in 2025.
What Is Covered California?
Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It helps Californians who don’t have affordable insurance through their employer and aren’t eligible for programs like Medicare or Medi-Cal. This marketplace connects you with health plans that offer financial assistance to make healthcare more affordable.
For residents of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, around 80,000 people are currently enrolled in the program. This is part of a broader trend in California, where more than 1.8 million people had enrolled or renewed their coverage by mid-December 2024—a record high.
Important Deadlines: Why December 31 Matters
To have your health insurance coverage begin on January 1, 2025, you must complete your enrollment by December 31. If you wait until after this date, your new coverage won’t kick in until February. This could leave you without health insurance for the month of January, so it’s crucial to finalize your application now.
Remember, open enrollment runs through January 31, 2025, but if you don’t act by December 31, you could face a coverage gap.
If you’re already enrolled in a Covered California plan, you don’t have to do anything for your coverage to renew, as long as there are no significant life changes like income or household size. However, reporting any changes is essential to ensure you continue to receive the correct amount of financial assistance.
How Much Will Coverage Cost in 2025?
In 2025, premiums for Covered California plans will increase by an average of 7.9%. This rise is due to factors like increased healthcare usage, labor shortages in healthcare, and inflation in medical costs. However, in the three-county region that includes Ventura County, the increase is expected to be slightly lower.
Even with this price hike, the good news is that financial assistance is available to help offset some of the extra costs. Federal subsidies, which were expanded in recent years, continue to provide assistance to those who qualify based on income. Plus, Covered California has introduced a new program to reduce out-of-pocket costs—some plans will even eliminate deductibles.
To estimate your monthly premiums and any potential subsidies, you can use the “Shop and Compare” tool on the Covered California website. This tool allows you to input your details and get an estimate of what your premiums might be, along with how much financial help you could qualify for. You can also check out the Kaiser Family Foundation’s online calculator for further assistance.
What Happens if You Don’t Enroll?
California law requires all residents to have health insurance, with some exceptions. If you don’t carry health insurance for the entire year, you could face penalties. The minimum fines are $900 per adult and $450 per child. For this reason, it’s important to take action before the deadline to avoid gaps in coverage and potential fines.
If you miss the December 31 deadline, you won’t have coverage until February, and that could mean you’re paying out-of-pocket for any medical services you need in January.
How to Apply for Covered California
Applying for health insurance through Covered California is easy, but you’ll need to have the right documents ready. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Important Documents: Gather your Social Security number, recent federal tax information, income details, and—if applicable—immigration documents.
- Choose Your Method: You can apply online, over the phone, or in person. If you prefer in-person assistance, Covered California has a network of certified insurance agents and enrollers who can help you for free.
- Get Help When You Need It: If you have questions, you can call 1-800-300-1506 or use the online chat tools on the Covered California website. You can also find a local agent or enrollment center to guide you through the process.
Why You Should Act Now
The deadline for enrollment may be just around the corner, but you still have time to get everything sorted out. Whether you’re new to Covered California or renewing your coverage, the resources and support available make it easier than ever to navigate the enrollment process.
Not only will you avoid any gaps in coverage, but you’ll also ensure you’re taking advantage of any subsidies or programs designed to help lower your premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Remember, healthcare premiums are rising, but Covered California is here to help you find the best plan that fits your needs and budget.
Final Thoughts
If you want health insurance starting on January 1, 2025, don’t wait until the last minute—complete your application before December 31, 2024. Take advantage of the tools, resources, and financial help available to you through Covered California, and make sure you’re covered for the year ahead.
It’s your health and your peace of mind—take action now to ensure that you have the coverage you need in 2025!
For more information and to get started with your application, visit the Covered California website or call 1-800-300-1506 today.
Also, Read about our blog on common financial mistakes and how to avoid.
