Will There Be Covered California in 2023?

Covered California is the health insurance marketplace in California established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It has played a pivotal role in increasing access to health coverage for Californians over the past decade.

As we head into 2023, Covered California will continue serving individuals, families and small businesses, providing a range of health plan choices, financial assistance and support.

Covered California Will Operate as Usual in 2023

• Yes, Covered California will remain fully functional in 2023 and beyond.

• It will continue to offer comprehensive medical insurance plans from leading health insurance companies during the annual open enrollment period and throughout the year.

• Covered California will still be the main pathway for Californians to get financial assistance to reduce their monthly premium costs.

• All the core functions like online shopping and enrollment, in-person help, consumer support etc. will continue uninterrupted.

So Californians looking to get new health insurance or renew existing coverage can depend on Covered California in 2023 like they have over the past 10 years.

What Health Plans Will Covered California Offer in 2023?

Covered California will continue featuring health plans at four metallic tiers – Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The levels reflect the generosity of coverage and cost-sharing.

• Bronze plans – These have lower premiums but high deductibles and copays. Good option for healthier individuals.

• Silver plans – The middle ground with balanced premiums, deductibles and copays. Many enrollees choose Silver.

• Gold plans – Higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs. Good for people who use healthcare services regularly.

• Platinum plans – Highest premiums with the lowest deductibles and copays. Best for people with chronic conditions or disabilities.

The exact health plan offerings will be finalized leading up to open enrollment. But Covered California aims to provide choices from multiple insurers (at least 2) in every region.

In 2023, Covered California will feature plans from as many as 12 health insurance companies:

• Anthem Blue Cross
• Blue Shield of California
• Chinese Community Health Plan
• Health Net
• Kaiser Permanente
• L.A. Care
• Molina Healthcare
• Oscar Health Plan
• Sharp Health Plan
• Valley Health Plan
• Western Health Advantage

When is the Open Enrollment Period for 2023?

The open enrollment period for Covered California’s 2023 health plans runs from November 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023. During this time, new consumers can sign up for coverage and existing enrollees can renew or change plans.

Some key open enrollment dates:

• October 1: Window shopping and preview of 2023 plans starts
• November 1: Open enrollment begins; first effective coverage date for new subscribers
• December 15: Enrollment deadline for January 1 coverage start
• January 15: Deadline for February 1 coverage start
• January 31: Open enrollment ends; last day to enroll for 2023 coverage

Outside of open enrollment, signing up is restricted to special circumstances like losing employer coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby etc.

Will Financial Assistance Continue in 2023?

One of the pillars of Covered California is providing financial assistance to make premiums more affordable. This financial help will remain available in 2023:

• Premium tax credits: These subsidize monthly premium costs to limit the percentage of income spent. Most enrollees qualify for tax credits.

• Cost-sharing reductions: These lower out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays for Silver plan enrollees based on income.

Eligibility for financial