California to Expand Access to Health Coverage in 2020

October 1, 2019

In 2020, California will help more people get health coverage:

• New state subsidies for private coverage will help people pay for private insurance plans on Covered California. These new subsidies will especially help families that make between 400% and 600% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) and are unable to get insurance through their employers. People in this income range won’t qualify for federal subsidies, but may qualify for California subsidies. Read more about getting coverage through Covered California.
  • Examples: For 2020 coverage, 600% of FPG will be $74,940 for an individual; $154,500 for a family of four. If they meet other eligibility requirements, households below these income levels may qualify for California subsidies for health coverage. The subsidy amount will depend on the household income and the cost of insurance.
• Medi-Cal will become an option for undocumented young adults who are 19-25 years old and meet other eligibility requirements. Undocumented children who are 18 or younger can already qualify for Medi-Cal. In 2020, the age limit will go up. Read more about Medi-Cal.
• If you don’t have coverage during 2020, you might have to pay a tax penalty on your 2020 California taxes (due in April of 2021). If you have to pay it, the penalty will be 2.5% of your income or $850, whichever is greater.

Note: DB101 articles and calculators will be updated for these changes on January 1, 2020.

These changes may affect your decisions during Covered California open enrollment for 2025, which starts on November 1, 2024 and ends on January 31, 2025. For help, call 1-800-300-1506 or 1-888-889-4500 (TTY) or get local help.

Learn more about these changes on the Covered California website.