March 31, 2020
On March 20, 2020, Covered California – California’s state health insurance exchange – announced that any uninsured Californian can enroll in Covered California health coverage through June 30, 2020. The new enrollment window is effective on March 20, 2020. Californians do not need a special enrollment event to enroll; the window is open for all Californians. The announcement also confirms that all medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19 are free of charge, and that all health plans available through Medi-Cal and Covered California offer telehealth options.
For employers, the announcement does not bring new compliance obligations. However, if an employee wants to drop employer coverage because they intend to enroll in coverage through the exchange (Covered California), it may be a section 125 qualifying event (even if the employee remains eligible for the employer’s plan). So, employers should be aware of a potential qualifying event that would allow an employee (including a furloughed employee) to drop employer coverage if the employee intends to enroll in Covered California coverage (proof of actual enrollment is not necessary).
Covered California Announcement »