The open enrollment deadline for applying for Individual health insurance through Covered CA (Affordable Care Act) is March 31, 2014.
You must enroll before March 31st, 2014 for a May 1, 2014 effective date or face a financial penalty. The fine increases over three years. In 2014, the fine will be 1% of your annual income for $95 per person whichever is greater. By 2016, the fine will be 2.5 percent of personal income or $695 per person, whichever is greater. The fine will be assessed based on the number of months each individual is without health coverage. For adults with children the fine for lack of health insurance coverage for the child is $47.50.
If you fail to apply for coverage before March 31, 2014 you must wait until the next open enrollment period, which begins in October 2014 for coverage that will take effect in 2015.
EXCEPTIONS
Californians who experience a life-changing event such as a birth of a child, death of a spouse or loss of employer-sponsored insurance may qualify to enroll outside the open enrollment period.
Medi-Cal enrollment continues year-round.
If you have not yet turned 26 years old, and your parents have health insurance you can be added to your parents plan.
If you are 65 or older or have certain disabilities you can receive coverage under Medicare.
If you have questions, need assistance or for free quotes contact our office.
