COVERED CALIFORNIA VERSUS SHORT TERM HEALTH INSURANCE
UPDATE: California Banned All Short Term Health Insurance Plans Eff 9/1/2018.
In California we now only have AlieraCare health sharing InterimCare plans.
You can quote AlieraCare short term plans here.
Learn about AlieraCare plans for short term health here.
Notes on AlieraCare InterimCare plans:
- Coverage can start midnight following enrollment
- We can cancel month to month with blocks of coverage up to 11 months
- AlieraCare is now the only short term plan in California as short term health insurance plans have been banned eff 9/1/2018.
- The rates quoted are the best available on the market
- Short term works best for injury/illness but does not cover pre-x conditions
- AlieraCare does not decline based on health
- There is no cost for our services!
Quote and online application available here:
Information below is for States that still have short term health carrier options.
Many people call us and want to compare two options:
Short term health insurance and Covered California.
They quickly realize that there some very important distinctions between the two.
We’re talking about very different types of plans with pros and cons depending on your situation.
We’re going to give you a top level comparison of the two but then we’re going into the weeds.
We’ll try to address all the issues and situations are commonly come up.
Definitely check with us on your situation since taking one plan can mean the other one is no longer available.
Let’s get into it.
First, a top level description of the two!
Make sure to read below on when to go with one or the other.
You can always quote Covered Ca plans or short term plans
Short Term Health Insurance Overview
Short term plans are exactly that.
They are designed to cover a fixed period of time and then they go away.
Or you have to re-enroll.
Currently, we can get up to 3 months blocks but you’re able to cancel month to month.
We’ve lost many of the short term health plan options on the market.
UPDATE: California banned all short term health insurance plans eff 9/1/2018.
In California we now only have AlieraCare health sharing InterimCare plans.
You can quote AlieraCare short term plans here.
IHC partnered with Anthem Blue Cross and uses the extensive MultiPlan doctor network which is a good thing.
We’re lucky to have access to that doctor network for short term coverage.
Here are the bullet points of short term coverage:
- Can purchase month to month coverage up to 3 months.
- Coverage can start as early midnight following enrollment
- Quoting and enrollment are all online HERE
- Application is simplified issue…if we can answer NO to the health questions, we generally can qualify.
- These plans are not ACA qualified. If they enforce the penalty (questionable now), you may be subject to it.
- Short term plans work best for catastrophic injury/illness. They are not designed for preventative, maintenance medications, and day to day medical.
- You have a choice of deductible, coinsurance percentage, and max out of pocket to choose from.
Those are the key points of Short term.
You can find more info on short term health here.
You can quote Short term health plans here:
Let’s look at Covered California (or individual/family coverage off-exchange for that matter).
Covered California Overview
Covered Ca is the marketplace for ACA compliant plans.
You can quote Covered Ca plans and off-exchange options here:
We’ll use Covered Ca to include all the individual family plans available on the market since the law mandates that benefits, rates, and networks need to be identical on and off exchange!
Here are the highlights of Covered California plans:
- These are guaranteed issue…you can’t be declined based on health
- You must enroll during open enrollment or have a special enrollment trigger (usually marriage, birth, move, or loss of coverage)
- These are comprehensive plans with benefits for rx, preventative, and 10 essential health benefits
- These plans are guaranteed renewable which means you can continue indefinitely as long as you pay the premium
- The effective date available is based on when we enroll and what our trigger is. Check with us on your situation here.
- Finally…there may be tax credits available to you for these plans based on income!
Okay…let’s get into the comparison of Covered California versus Short term health insurance.
Roll up your sleeves…this is the important part.
Comparing Covered California Versus Short Term Health Plans
Let’s try to make this easy.
We’ll look at three main criteria that would point to Covered Ca over Short term:
- Eligibility – Can you enroll
- Tax Credit – Is it cost advantageous to enroll
- Length of time needed if no tax credit
Let’s start with the black and white question – Eligibility
Covered Ca Eligibility Versus Short Term Enrollment
Here’s the deal…there are only certain times we can enroll in Covered Ca OR off-exchange (same rules).
Covered Ca Open Enrollment
Covered Ca open enrollment starts Nov 1st of each year for a Jan 1st eff date (earliest available).
This usually runs through Jan 31st (latest eff date is March 1st)
If we miss this open enrollment, we can only enroll in Covered Ca with a Special Enrollment trigger (must be within 60 days of enrollment).
The most common triggers are:
- Marriage
- Birth
- Involuntary loss of coverage (usually employer or medi-cal)
- Move that affects health plans options
There are less common triggers such as changes in legal status but definitely check with us on your situation here.
So:.
If we’re outside open enrollment and we don’t qualify for a special enrollment trigger AND we don’t qualify for medi-cal (based on income)…
Short term health plans may be our only option!
For example…a person lost employer coverage March 1st. It’s now Jun 1st (past 60 days).
If our income isn’t low enough for Medi-cal, we may only have short term health as option.
You can quote and enroll in short term health coverage here.
So that’s the eligibility question between Covered Ca and short term health coverage.
Let’s look at affordability.
Covered Ca Cost Versus Short Term Plans
Here’s the deal.
Short term plans are generally less expensive than Covered Ca plans but they are not as robust in coverage.
They’re mainly designed for catastrophic coverage during a short, fixed period.
However, if you qualify for a tax credit based on income and size of household, that can swing things to Covered Ca very quickly.
Run your on-exchange (Covered Ca) quote below and make sure to enter income estimate for this year and household size (everyone that files together on a 1040 tax form)
At the top, you’ll see your estimate tax credit. The rates will reflect this amount taken out already.
Here are the income levels:
If you think you might qualify, contact us and we make sure you get the most tax credit available.
We’re certified Covered California agents and our assistance is 100% free to you.
If you qualify for a tax credit, Covered Ca probably makes the most sense.
It may be much cheaper than short term and offer more flexibility.
Contact us at 800-320-6269 or by email if you want to discuss your info…especially the income and tax credit piece.
Finally, how do we compare Covered Ca versus Short term if we don’t have a tax credit?
Covered Ca Or Short Term Comparison
So here’s the breakdown so far:
If you can’t enroll in Covered Ca due to lack of open or special enrollment window, it’s short term by default
If are eligible to enroll AND you get a tax credit, it’s probably Covered Ca
Finally, if you are eligible to enroll but you don’t get a tax credit…then what?
First run your quote for both:
Covered California quote
Short term health quote
The quote will pop up in two separate windows so you can see them side by side.
If we have health issues or need more comprehensive coverage, it’s probably Covered Ca.
If we need coverage for a longer period of time (or indefinite amount of time), it’s probably Covered Ca.
If we just want the lowest priced plan to cover a gap in coverage, it might be short term.
Here are the common reasons people use short term over Covered Ca:
- Not eligible for Covered Ca due to open or special enrollment windows closing
- Need to cover till Open Enrollment
- Less expensive to cover till group health plans starts
- Less expensive to cover till Medicare starts
- Need immediate coverage to show proof (such sports or school requirement)
- Want lowest cost catastrophic plan
Important Note:
If you take a short term plan and get outside your 60 day window, we will likely lose the Covered Ca option (unless you’re in Open Enrollment)
Final Notes On The Covered Ca And Short Term Health Coverage Comparison
Everyone’s situation is different.
The comparison of Covered and Short term can be a critical one.
Some quick questions can point one way or the other:
- CAN you enroll in Covered Ca now?
- Can you qualify for a tax credit?
- Can you qualify for short term plans based on health?
- Do you need/want more comprehensive coverage with Covered Ca plan?
- What period of time do you need coverage for?
With those questions, we usually have a pretty good indication of which way to go.
Of course, we’re happy to walk through these two options as there can be wrinkles in the decision to consider.
Our services are 100% free to you and we have enrolled 1000’s of Californians in Covered Ca and Short term health plans.
If you only need health insurance for 1, 2, or 3 months, short term can be useful.
If you have a Cobra option, make sure to check out our Short term versus Cobra page as well.
How can we help?
Please call 800-320-6269 or email us with any questions on how these plans work.
You can run your Short term health plan quote or Covered Ca quote to view rates, plans, and even enroll online instantly!
Your Calhealth Advantage
Our online tools, free quotes and licensed agents are here to help you find a plan.

ON THE BLOG
Featured Articles
California Individual Vision Insurance
California Health Reform Subsidy
California Health Insurance Resource List
California Health Insurance Rate Increases
California Health Insurance Office Copay
California Health Insurance Maternity and Individual
California Health Insurance Individual Versus Cobra
California Health Insurance Individual Underwriting
California Health Insurance Group Value Dental Vision
California Health Insurance Group Kaiser
California Health Insurance Definitions
California Health Insurance Coverage Rescission
California Health Insurance Continuing Education
California Health Care Rights
California Blue Shield Vital Shield
Best California Health Insurance Plan
Affordable California Health Insurance
Understand Senior California Health Insurance
Covered California for Small Business
Individual California Health Insurance If Declined
Individual California Health Insurance Application Questionnaire
Health Net California Application Center
GURU Which Plan Should I Go With
GURU Subsidy If Offered Group Coverage
Do HSA Funds Roll Over
Compare and Contrast Alieracare Health Sharing Plan Benefits
California Vision Insurance Group
California Individual Dental Insurance
California HSA Plans and Health Reform
California Health Insurance Simplified
California Health Insurance Hospital Plans
California Health Insurance College Plan
California Health Insurance Cancel Individual Group Insurance
California Health Exchange Platinum Plan
California Health Exchange and Non Exchange Plans
Bronze California Health Plan
Covered California Open Enrollment How To
Covered California Open Enrollment
Covered California Early Pre Enroll
Small Business Tax Credits Covered California
GURU What If I Miss Open Enrollment Period
Free Assistance Covered California Enrollment
Covered California Enrollment After Open Enrollment
Comparing Deductible and Out of Pocket
California PCIP Health Insurance
California Medi-cal
California Health Insurance Group How to Choose
Avoid Bad Health Insurance Plan
Anthem Blue Cross California Application Center
How to Quote United Health National Restaurant Association
Hold On to Grandfathered Health Plans
Health Insurance for Engineering Firms
GURU What Income Period Do They Look At
Carriers
California Health Subsidy Calculator
California Health Reform Penalty
California Health Insurance Group Guaranteed Issue
Are Health Care Sharing Ministry Plans Worth It
Travel Medical Insurance
Term Life Insurance in California
Health Reform Rebates California Health Insurance
GURU Do I Use Business or Personal Gross Income
Guide Continuation of Coverage
Federal Poverty Level and California Health Insurance
California Individual Family Delta Dental
California Health Insurance Exchange
California Health Insurance Discount Plans
California Health Insurance Coinsurance
California Health Insurance Agencies
California Family Health Insurance
Obamacare Health Insurance for Gig Economy
Complaints California Health Plan
California Health Insurance Copays
Anthem Blue Cross Covered California Plans Rates Networks
Short Term Health Insurance
Short Term Insurance
Kaiser Covered California Rates Plans
California Health Insurance Individual Split Policy
Blue Shield of California
HSA Versus PPO Health Plans California
GURU What Effective Date Can I Pick
California Individual Family VSP Vision
California HSA HRA Health Insurance
California Health Insurance Dental Networks
California Health Insurance Concept
Pros and Cons of Health Sharing Plans Like Alieracare
Health Sharing Plans for Short Term Health in California
Embedded Deductibles in California Health Plans
United Health Group Rates Save Employers
Sharp Health in Covered California Reviews Plans Rates
Senior Supplement Best Value
California Health Insurance Negotiated Rates
AlieraCare CarePlus Advantage Catastrophic Health Sharing Plan Review Quote Comparison
Kaiser Through Covered California
TrumpCare HSA and Obamacare Covered California
Guide High Risk Pools
Common Questions Pre-existing and Options
California Restaurant Association United Health Plan
California Health Insurance Payment Options
California Group Health Insurance Eligibility
Current Individual HSA Health Insurance Options
Critical Illness Insurance Review Rates Plans
California Special Enrollment Periods SEP
California Health Insurance Life Time Max
California Health Insurance Claims Processing
Understand Group California Health Insurance
Student Health Insurance California
GURU Whats Difference Between In Out Exchange Plans
Are Health Sharing Plan Payments Deductible
Small Business Penalty Paying Individual Plans
Small Business Penalty Paying Individual Plans
California Health Insurance Primary Care Physician
Moving to California Covered California
California Small Business
California Health Insurance Sick Rates Change
Aetna Leaves California Individual Health Market
Covered California Tax Penalty
What is Best Health Sharing Ministry Plan
United Health Insurance National Restaurant Association Employees
Pacificare of California
La Care Health Plan Review Rates Networks
Covered California Compare Bronze Silver Plans
California Medicare Supplement Center
Basic PPO Blue Cross California
Critical Illness Insurance California
California Small Group RAF
Health Net In Covered California Reviews Rates Plans
California Insurance and Alternative Health Care
What Is Health Sharing Ministry And Plan
Covered California Versus Short Term Health Insurance
California Health Emergency Urgent Care
Smart Sense Blue Cross California
Kaiser Short Term Health Insurance
California On Exchange Application Terms Conditions
Guide Group Health Insurance
Free Assistance Covered California Enrollment
By Major Insurance Company
Blue Shield California Plans Rates Reviews
California Health Insurance Group New Company
Covered California Tax Credit
Health Insurance by State
California Health Insurance Out of Network
Anthem Blue Cross Leaving California Market 2018
Losing Health Insurance After Divorce
Cobra
California Health Insurance Max Out Of Pocket
United Health versus Anthem Blue Cross California
Short Term Health Insurance Between Jobs
Cheap California Health Insurance
California Health Insurance Group Size
California Health Insurance Broker Agent
Anthem Blue Cross Covered California
California Health Insurance Group Premium Only Plan POP
California Health Insurance Deductibles
Alternative to Obamacare Health Insurance
Health Sharing Versus Covered California
Current Catastrophic Health Insurance Options
California Health Insurance Rates Based On
Covered California Open Enrollment Changes
California Health Carrier Comparison
Missed Health Insurance Open Enrollment Deadline
What are Medicare Excess Charges
How to Apply for Aliera Care Health Sharing Plans
Medicare Supplement versus Medicare Advantage Comparison
Major Medical California Insurance
Immediate Health Insurance In California
Individual Health Insurance Between States
How to Pay Covered California Premium
Already Pregnant California Health Insurance
Health Insurance for High Earners California
Obamacare Health Insurance Versus Health Sharing Comparison
California On Exchange Application
Is Western Health Advantage PPO or HMO
Health Insurance Between Retirement And Medicare
California Retirement Health Insurance Options
California Health Insurance Group 1099
California Health Insurance Blue Card
California Health Insurance Acupuncture
Are Health Sharing Plans Like Alieracare Tax Deductible
Guide California Health Doctor Network
Health Savings Account
GURU What If I Move To California
Blue Cross Blue Shield Short Term Health Insurance
Calcobra Extension
Oscar California Health Insurance Review Rates Plans
Losing Health Insurance at Age 26
California PPO POS Health Insurance
California Health Reform 400 Poverty Level
Covered California Login Issues
California Health Insurance High Deductible Plan
GURU Medi Cal for Children
California Health Pre Existing Condition
Obamacare Income Guidelines in California
How to Designate Covered California Agent
How to Quote AlieraCare for Short Term Coverage
California Health Insurance Full Time Student
Do Health Insurance Plans Cover CBD
Catastrophic Health Insurance California
California Health Insurance Out Of State Employees
Covered California Marketplace Tax Credit
Health Insurance For Larger Family Of 4 5 6 Or More
Common Questions Individual Contract
Can You Have HSA Account With Health Sharing Plans
Blue Cross Senior Smart Choice
GURU What If My Income Changes
California Health Insurance Carrier Comparison
Self Employed Health Insurance California
Health Insurance for 1-2-3 Months
How to Apply for Covered California
Kaiser Versus Western Health Advantage Comparison
California Health Insurance Chiropractic
Covered California Versus Cobra Comparison
California Los Angeles Medi Medi Anthem Mediblue Health Plan
How to Quote Aliera Care Health Sharing Rates
California Health Insurance Dependent Children
GURU Tax Filing Status and Covered California
California Health Insurance HMO Versus PPO
GURU Difference Between EPO And PPO
California Health Insurance Group Part Time
Comparing Covered California Plans
Covered California Self Employment Income
Health Net Versus Anthem Blue Cross Comparison
Common Questions Time to Process Application
GURU What Type Of Income
Kaiser Versus Sharp Health Plan Review Comparison
How To Pick Best Covered California Health Plan
Do HSA Funds Roll Over
Anthem Blue Cross Versus United Health Comparison
Kaiser Versus PPO
Aliera Care Health Sharing Plan Review Rates Plans
Health Care Sharing Ministry Comparison Review
Emergency Health Insurance California
Secular Non Religious Health Sharing Plan
Blue Shield California Versus United Health Comparison
Kaiser Versus Health Net Comparison Reviews
Health Net Versus Blue Shield California
Blue Shield Versus Anthem Blue Cross California
Blue Shield California Individual Rate Increase
Does A Company Have To Offer Health Insurance California
Kaiser Versus United Health Comparison Reviews
Kaiser Versus Anthem California
Blue Shield California Versus Kaiser Comparison Review
Blue Shield California Individual Rate Increase
Holiday
California Health Insurance Law
Blue Cross Smart Sense Individual
Blue Cross May Focal Renewal Group
Blue Cross Group Rates
Blue Cross California Individual Rate Increase
Blue Cross California Individual Rate Increase
Blue Cross Anthem Name Change
SCHIP Status
Immunizations
HSA Guideline Update
Blue Shield HIPAA Approach
Blue Cross Urgent Care Network
Blue Cross Small Group Rate Increase
Blue Cross Rate Increase Individual
Blue Cross Rate Increase Client
Blue Cross New Consumer Driven Plan
Blue Cross Healthy Living
Antibiotic Power
Holiday
California Mental Health Parity Bill
California Mental Health Parity
Blue Shield Rate Increase Individual
Blue Shield of California
Blue Cross Transfer To Colorado Nevada
Blue Cross Lawsuit
Blue Cross Billing Fee
Blue Shield New Individual Plans
Blue Cross Core 5000
Two Decades Of Helping Californians Find Affordable Health Insurance
Kaiser Versus Blue Shield Of California
See All Reviews on the Blog
See All Reviews on the Blog
- Over 500,000 Quotes
- 10’s of 1000’s Enrolled
- Guaranteed Best Rates
- Referenced for finding affordable
- California Health Inurance

20 years of experience in the California health insurance market has taught us one thing… Competent and experienced guidance is INVALUABLE
We are licensed Covered Ca agents with in-depth knowledge of their plans, process, and tax credits.
This website is owned and operated by Goodacre Insurance Services, which is solely responsible for its content. This site is not maintained by or associated with Covered California, and Covered California bears no responsibility for its content. The email address and phone numbers that appear throughout the site belong to Goodacre Insurance Services, and cannot be used to contact Covered California.