Open enrollment period for affordable health coverage has begun

November 15, 2017

SOLANO COUNTY – The 2018 enrollment period for Californians to sign up for affordable health insurance is from November 1 – January 31, 2018. Solano County residents may join over four million people who now have affordable health coverage through Covered California, the State's health insurance marketplace. More than 10,000 Solano County residents have successfully signed up for or renewed qualified health insurance plans with Covered California during last year’s enrollment period.

Solano County makes the enrollment process as simple as possible for residents — whether they are completing the process online on their own, or with the help of an enrollment counselor by phone or in-person. Solano County offers a "no-wrong-door" approach with enrollment counselors available to talk through the best cost and coverage with each plan and find the right one for each person and family.  Solano County also provides free and low-cost health coverage programs for people who are low income and do not qualify for Medi-Cal or tax credits through Covered California. This includes working families and immigrants regardless of immigration status.

“Everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care,” said Dr. Bela Matyas, Solano County Health Officer. “Having health insurance helps people get preventive care and treatment for illnesses to maintain their health without having to worry about high, unexpected medical costs.”

Medi-Cal, California’s free health coverage available to those with limited income, takes applications year-round. Children in low-income families are eligible for Medi-Cal regardless of their immigration status. As Medi-Cal requires annual renewal, the Health & Social Services agency assists customers year-round in maintaining their benefits.

“We are committed to successfully renewing and enrolling those who are eligible for Medi-Cal so they have access to medical care,” said Angela Shing, Deputy Director for Health & Social Services, Enrollment & Eligibility.

For those with incomes above the limits for Medi-Cal, they can purchase health plans such as Kaiser, Blue Shield, Health Net and Western Health Advantage through Covered California. Many residents are eligible for significant tax credits to help pay the cost of these insurance plans. Due to larger tax credits, nearly four out of five people will see their monthly premiums stay the same or decrease.

To avoid any gaps in health coverage or a tax penalty, residents must enroll by December 15, 2017 for coverage beginning on January 1, 2018. The deadline to renew or enroll in Covered California health insurance is January 31, 2017.

There is no wrong door in applying for health coverage. Here are several ways to apply:

1) Apply through Covered California by calling 1-800-300-1506 or online or by visiting www.coveredca.com. To find a list of enrollment centers, visit https://storefronts.coveredca.com/  

To preview health plans, visit: https://apply.coveredca.com/apspahbx/ahbxanonym.portal?_nfpb=true&_st=&_nfls=false&_pageLabel=previewPlanPage#  

2) Apply with the help of Certified Enrollment Counselors from Solano Coalition for Better Health. To schedule for enrollment assistance at various sites throughout the County, call Solano Coalition for Better Health at 1-800-978-7547.

3) Apply through Health & Social Services (H&SS) over the phone, online or in person. Call Solano County CHOICE Center at 707-784-8555 or visit www.mybenefitscalwin.org. To apply in person, visit this link for a list of local H&SS offices: http://solanocounty.com/depts/hss/ees/offices/default.asp.