Covered California launched its 2022 open–enrollment period Monday for Californians to sign up for or renew their health coverage through the Affordable Care Act.
According to Covered California officials, there are 73,000 Central Coast residents still uninsured.
For those enrolling, there are some new things to know about this year.
“In 2021, Congress passed something called the American Rescue Plan which added substantial new subsidies and changed the game. So 2022 is a full year of coverage under those new rules,” said Peter Lee, Covered California Executive Director.
A subsidy is a type of financial aid to help you pay for health insurance. In California, more than 70 percent of consumers who get subsidies could choose health coverage for less than $10 per month.
If you think you can’t afford health insurance, you may want to check again. Through the American Rescue Plan, financial help is now available for middle-income consumers who were previously ineligible for federal assistance. This means families earning more than $100,000 a year can be eligible for financial help.
“If you are on the Central Coast and you think you can’t afford it, think again, because the subsidies and the American Rescue Plan are bigger than ever. Now isn’t the time to go without health insurance,” Lee said.
One way to sign up is online. All you need is your name, your zip code, and information as to how much money you make. Other ways include going in-person to your local health agency or by phone.
“We are quadrupling the number of navigators. The people who help you understand what the plans offer and which one to select,” said Xavier Becerra, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary.
Navigators are available to help in different languages including English, Spanish, Hindu, and Korean. in addition, the individual has control over what insurance plan and provider works best for them.
“It’s you in the driver’s seat. You pick which plan you want and within that plan, you pick what benefits you want,” Lee said.
This time around, open enrollment in California will be 30 days longer, from November 1 to January 31.
To enroll, visit the Covered California website.
