Axis Can Help You Enroll in Covered California

Open Enrollment for Covered California health plans has begun. As of October 15th, anyone can enroll in a Covered California medical plan at www.CoveredCA.com. The enrollment period ends January 31, 2020.

“Health insurance can be confusing. If you have questions or concerns about enrolling we can help,” says Paula Barriga, Community Relations Manager for Axis Community Health. “An Axis Enrollment Counselor can help determine if someone is eligible for Medi-Cal, Covered California, or CalFresh during a free enrollment assistance appointment.”

Covered CA offers plans from private insurance companies for U.S. citizens and documented immigrants. Applicants cannot be denied coverage due to preexisting conditions, and eligible applicants can receive financial assistance to help cover the cost of plans and services. For individuals, an income of $74,940 or less qualifies; for a family of four, an income of $154,500 or less qualifies. For coverage starting January 1, enroll by December 15. Plans purchased during the current open enrollment period will be honored through the end of 2020.

“It’s important that consumers not miss the open enrollment window for Covered CA or they may not have another opportunity to enroll,” says Barriga. “Remember, you must now have coverage or potentially face a state tax penalty.” Medi-Cal enrollment is year round.

Axis counselors also assist people in enrolling in Medi-Cal or renewing Medi-Cal coverage. To qualify, an individual must meet income and other eligibility requirements. For individuals, an income of $17,237 or less qualifies; for a family of four an income of $35,535 or less qualifies.

In-person assistance at Axis is free and available in English and Spanish during business hours Monday through Friday, at locations in Livermore and Pleasanton. To make an appointment, call Axis at (925) 462-1755.

Axis is also holding Covered CA information sessions at these locations:

• Information Table at Las Positas College: November 19th and December 17th, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 3000 Campus Hill Drive, Livermore, CA 94551.
• Covered CA and Medi-Cal Basics Presentation at Livermore Library- Civic Center: December 3rd, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 1188 South Livermore Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550.
• Information Table at Pleasanton Library: December 6th and January 3rd, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, 400 Old Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94588.
• Information Table at Dublin Library: December 9th and January 13th 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568.

For more information, please visit us online at www.axishealth.org.

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Axis Community Health provides quality, affordable medical, dental, and behavioral health services that promote the well-being of all members of the community. A non-profit organization founded in 1972, Axis provides services for 15,000 local residents. For more information, call 925-462-1755 or visit www.axishealth.org.