SUBMITTED ARTICLE
CALIFORNIA — Though Covered California’s annual open-enrollment period has ended for 2017 health coverage, having a newborn or adopting a child are among the circumstances that can make one eligible for special enrollment.
An analysis by Covered California shows that its households received an average of $5,300 per year in tax credits to help pay for the cost of their coverage in 2016. Additionally, 12 percent of Covered California households receive more than $10,000 per year, and 16 percent of individuals receive more than $6,000 per year to help bring health coverage within reach.
Through Oct. 31, eligible consumers can sign up for coverage outside of open enrollment as long as they do so within 60 days of a qualifying life event occurring. The following are among the more common reasons that make people eligible for special enrollment:
• They have a baby, adopt a child or place a child for adoption or in foster care.
• They lose their health care coverage because they have lost or changed jobs.
• They get married or enter into a domestic partnership.
• They move and gain access to new Covered California health insurance plans that were not available where they previously lived.
• They become a citizen, national or lawfully present individual.
If you qualify for special enrollment, you can get yourself covered with a plan that best fits your needs and budget. Nearly half of all Covered California consumers, 49 percent, can get a Silver plan costing less than $100 per month. More than half of all Covered California consumers receiving a tax credit, 59 percent, can get a Bronze plan for less than $10 per month.
A new survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that California’s uninsured rate has fallen to a new record low of 7.1 percent, which is significantly lower than the 17 percent the CDC found in 2013.
Those who qualify for Medi-Cal may enroll through Covered California year round.
For more information, visit CoveredCA.com.
