California health insurance - Covered California Questions - Exchange subsidies

Covered California Subsidies

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We're starting to get into the grist of the new health reform changes coming to the California health insurance market and none are bigger (perhaps outside the mandate) than the subsidies available from purchasing coverage within the exchange.

Back in June (2012), the Exchange gave some guidance on what these subsidies might look like and it's pretty telling and incredibly important to anyone who qualifies.

Let's take a look.

You can always run your quote with tax credits here:

A Quick Explanation of the Subsidies

Part of the health reform bill established that people would receive help paying for their insurance premium based on income levels.

Up to 138% of the Federal poverty level, a person can enroll on Medi-Cal fully paid.

That's about $35K annual income for a family of four.

From the 138% to 400% of the poverty level, people would receive subsidies up front when purchasing their health insurance plan on a sliding scale.

As your income goes up from 138% to 400%, the subsidy goes down.

400% is about $93K annual income for the same family of four mentioned above.

The subsidy can only be received inside the Exchange (called Covered California).

So What Are the Subsidy Amounts?

Let's break down 4 different expected situations to look at subsidies based on a family of 4 (two adults age 45).

Keep in mind that family size and age will affect pricing and these are just estimates (but State estimates).

138% poverty level or $35K annual income
Expected monthly total premium of $1200; Monthly subsidy of $1100; Monthly premium of $100

200% of poverty level or $47K annual income
Expected monthly total premium of $1200; Monthly subsidy of $950; Monthly premium of $250

300% of poverty level or $70K annual income

Expected monthly total premium of $1200; Monthly subsidy of $630; Monthly premium of $570

400% of poverty level or $94K annual income

Expected monthly total premium of $1200; Monthly subsidy of $450; Monthly premium of $750

The best way to get your exact subsidy amount is to call 800-320-6269 so we can go through your situation. It can be complicated do on your own.

As Certified Covered California agents, our services are completely free to you.

You can access the online application here:

Beyond 400% of poverty level (over $93K for family of four), there is no subsidy and you would pay the full premium amount.

There may also be plans available off the exchange and we fully expect that the only reason a person would buy in the exchange would be due to subsidies.

We'll have to see how this plays out. So what do we make of all the numbers?

Our main concern has always been affordability.

We're hearing rumors of a "rate shock" with rates increasing 30-50% depending on age bands (higher increase for younger people due to 3/1 banding requirement).

We think the Silver rate will be closer to $1300. Based on this, $200 will be out of a pocket per month for a family that earns roughly $3K monthly.

This is definitely more manageable but still a concern at almost 10% of take home pay.

At the other end, the monthly premium will be almost $1000/monthly which is a big hit.

If you receive no subsidy at all (roughly $46K annually for an adult), the costs are going to be very high.

Obviously, some changes will have to be made so people can afford the new rates and we'll update this site as that information comes in.

You can run your Health Plan Quote with tax credits here to view rates and plans side by side from the major carriers...Free.

Again, there is absolutely no cost to you for our services. Call 800-320-6269 Today!