Say ‘I Do’ To Affordable Health Insurance With Covered California

India-West Staff Reporter

Getting married is one of the most joyous moments in life, when you make a commitment to building a life together with your partner.

It’s also a time to show you’re taking your future seriously, by planning for your health and financial well-being by getting quality health insurance coverage.

“After walking down the aisle, getting or upgrading your health insurance is a beautiful way to start your new life together as a couple,” said Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman. “Accessing healthcare with your partner ensures a healthier and more financially secure future. If you’re getting married or just got married, you may qualify to enroll during Covered California’s ongoing special-enrollment period.”

Planning and paying for a wedding can be stressful—and expensive. Plus, when you’re in the thick of wedding planning, it can be hard to remember to plan for what happens after the big day. Covered California makes that easy with online shop and comparison tools to help you find the right plan. And, you could qualify for subsidies to help reduce your monthly premiums, helping you offset some of those wedding expenses.

“Start this new chapter by making sure you have access to the quality doctors and specialists you need,” said Covered California’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Monica Soni. “Health insurance doesn’t just protect you from unexpected medical costs. Research shows that better access to insurance may help you live a longer, healthier life.”

While marriage may be a lifetime commitment, your options for health coverage don’t have to be. If you just got married, you may be able to switch your plan during Covered California’s ongoing special-enrollment period. And as your needs change over time, or maybe children are added to the mix, your coverage is there when you need it.

“All plans offered through Covered California include preventive care, mental and behavioral health, emergency services, maternity and newborn care and prescription drugs,” Dr. Soni said “So, when you’re thinking about your future, make sure getting quality health insurance is at the top of the list.”

You can change your plan during the annual Open Enrollment period at the end of the year, and those who qualify for Medi-Cal may enroll on CoveredCA.com year-round. But there are also several ways you can switch coverage throughout the year. In addition to getting married or entering a domestic partnership, the following circumstances are among the more common reasons people become eligible for special enrollment:

•                 Losing or changing jobs

•                 Graduating from college

•                 Turning 26 and coming off your parent’s health insurance plan

•                 Having a baby or adopting a child

•                 Losing health care coverage

•                 Moving and gaining access to new health plans through Covered California that were not available where you previously lived

•                 Becoming a citizen, a U.S. national or a lawfully present individual

If you qualify under any of these conditions, learn more about your options by visiting CoveredCA.com. From there, you can easily find out if you qualify for financial help and see the coverage options in your area.

Those interested in learning more can also:

•                 Get free and confidential assistance over the phone, in a variety of languages, from one of more than 14,000 certified agents and community-based organizations throughout the state that provide free, confidential help.

•                 Have a certified enroller call you and help you for free.

•                 Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.