These are unprecedented and challenging times for the nation and the state of California, as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has altered the course of our lives for the foreseeable future.
As job loss claims hit record-highs, more and more Californians will be dealing with a loss of in-come and their health insurance coverage. Covered California and MediCal are providing a path to coverage for those affected by this pandemic.
Covered California recently announced a special-enrollment period related to the crisis. Anyone who meets Covered California’s eligibility requirements, which are like those in place during the annual open-enrollment period, can sign up for coverage from now through June 30.
“The goal is to have as many people covered as possible to ensure they have access to vitally needed health care,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “This is the right thing to do and we to make sure no one is left behind in California during this pandemic.”
Those signing up through Covered California will have access to private health insurance plans with monthly premiums that may be lowered due to federal subsidies and new state financial help that became effective in 2020. Once a plan is chosen, coverage begins on the first of the following month — meaning individuals losing job-based coverage will not face a gap in coverage.
That was the case for Jose Gonzalez Fernandez. The 60-year-old Bay Area resident lost his construction job and health insurance at the end of February, but in March he heard on the local news that Covered California’s special-enrollment period would apply to his circumstances.
“I have always had health insurance through my union,” Gonzalez Fernandez said. “It was scary to think that I would not be able to go to the doctor if I got sick or if I catch the coronavirus. I can’t imagine getting sick, not having health insurance and not having money to pay for the medicine and medical services. That truly is scary.”
Gonzalez Fernandez is thrilled to be enrolled in Covered California plan for just $2 a month for him and his wife, Luz. “The best thing ever is that I get to keep my same coverage. I get to keep my doctors.”
Also, consumers who sign up through CoveredCA.com may find out that they are eligible for no-cost or low-cost coverage through MediCal, for which they can enroll in online. Those eligible for MediCal can have coverage that is immediately effective, because California has put a 90-day hold on MediCal renewal reviews, ensuring those already enrolled can continue their coverage and freeing up resources to quickly process the expected new enrollments.
All medically-necessary screening and testing for COVID-19 is free of charge. This includes tele-health or doctor’s office visits, as well as network emergency room or urgent care visits, when necessary for the purpose of screening and testing for COVID-19. In addition, MediCal covers costs associated with COVID-19 in both its managed care plans and with fee for service providers. Covered California health plans will help cover costs that arise from any required treatment or hospitalization.
In addition, all health plans offered through Covered California and by MediCal will provide tele-health options for enrollees, giving individuals the ability to connect with a health care professional by phone or video without having to personally visit a doctor’s office or hospital.
“A core part of our mission is improving access to high-quality health care, and that has never been more important than it is right now in California,” Lee said. “Covered California will help you find a path to the coverage you need for you and your family.”
Consumers can easily find out if they are eligible MediCal or other forms of financial help and see which plans are available in their area by using the CoveredCA.Com Shop and Compare Tool and entering their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage.
To enroll in Covered California or MediCal health plans:
- Visit www.CoveredCA.com.
- Get free and confidential assistance over the phone, in a variety of languages, from a certified en-roller.
- Have a certified enroller call you and help you for free.
- Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.
Angie Blanchette