Covered California, ACA Health Insurance & Subsidy Help

Start here if you need individual or family health insurance in California. Covered California is California’s official ACA marketplace where many people can qualify for premium tax credit subsidies, compare Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum metal levels, and enroll in coverage with no medical underwriting or pre-existing condition exclusion.

Steve Shorr Insurance can help you review your options at no extra charge. You can get instant health insurance quotes and subsidy estimates, schedule a Zoom meeting, or email [email protected] with your questions.

What This Page Helps You Do

Find out whether you qualify for help paying your premium. Subsidies are generally based on household size, income, tax filing status and access to other coverage. Start with the MAGI income rules, then review the Advance Premium Tax Credit page if you want more detail.

Compare plan levels before you enroll. The metal levels explain the difference between lower-premium plans and richer-benefit plans. If you qualify for extra help, the Enhanced Silver 94, 87 and 73 plans may be especially important.

Check doctors, hospitals and networks. Before enrolling, review the provider finder, especially if a specific doctor, medical group or hospital matters to you. Network issues can also affect narrow network plan choices and possible continuity of care rights.

Know when you can enroll. Most people enroll during open enrollment, but a move, loss of coverage, marriage, birth, adoption or other qualifying life event may create a Special Enrollment Period.

Understand tax reporting. If you receive subsidies, you may need your 1095-A tax form and may need to reconcile your subsidy on IRS Form 8962.

Common Situations

Self-employed, 1099, gig worker or no employer coverage? Individual and family coverage may be the right place to start. You can compare plans using the instant quote and subsidy calculator.

Turning 65 or Medicare eligible? Covered California subsidies usually do not work the same way once Medicare is available. Start with the Medicare enrollment section, compare Medigap options, or review Medicare Advantage.

Low income or Medi-Cal questions? Some people belong in Medi-Cal instead of Covered California. If you are dealing with disability, aged and disabled Medi-Cal, or share of cost issues, review the Medi-Cal section and the Medi-Cal Share of Cost page.

Employer coverage, COBRA or group insurance? If you are comparing individual coverage against employer coverage, start with the employer group section. Small employers can also request small group special enrollment information.

Mental health, substance abuse treatment or appeals? ACA plans include essential health benefits, including mental health coverage. If a claim, treatment request or prior authorization is denied, review appeals and grievances and prior authorization.

Why Use Steve Shorr Insurance?

You do not pay extra to use a licensed agent. Steve Shorr has been licensed since 1975 and helps California consumers compare plans, understand subsidies, review provider networks and avoid common enrollment mistakes. See 17 reasons to use Steve Shorr Insurance, read testimonials, or learn more on the biography page.

Helpful Next Pages

Plan basics: ACA / Obamacare introduction | 10 Essential Health Benefits | Pre-existing conditions | Out-of-pocket maximums

Money and taxes: MAGI income | APTC subsidies | Form 8962 | 1095-A

Enrollment help: Special enrollment | Applications online and paper | Instant quotes