On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The new law provides a temporary boost in the amount of premium assistance (government tax credits) available and removes the “cliff” that makes people ineligible for subsidies if their income exceeds 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for 2021 and 2022. Members who qualify will not have to pay more than 8.5% of their household income for the second lowest cost silver plan. 

Federal premium assistance is only available for medical plans purchased through Covered California. If you purchased your plan through Blue Shield and you didn’t qualify for a subsidy when you renewed into your 2021 plan, use our subsidy calculator* to check again – you may now qualify. If you qualify, you can re-enroll in a Blue Shield plan sold through Covered California to obtain your subsidy. 

Members who purchased their Blue Shield plan through Covered California and didn’t qualify for a subsidy previously may now qualify. Members who already obtain a subsidy through Covered California will be eligible for higher tax credit amounts to help with the cost of their health plan premiums, making your Blue Shield plan even more affordable.

If after using our calculator you still have questions, contact your broker, or a Customer Care Representative at (855) 836-9705.

*The new American Rescue Plan Act is fluid and pending ongoing updates from the federal government and Covered California. Blue Shield of California is committed to helping you and your clients stay updated as information gets released. Please continue to check back for updates.

**The results from this tool are based on the information you provide. If you decide to apply for a plan through Covered California, then Covered California will determine your eligibility and actual subsidy amount based on the information you enter in your application.

Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC), also called a subsidy, is federally funded financial assistance for medical premiums. For those who are eligible, it sets a limit on how much one pays based on a percentage of their annual income. The amount of premium assistance that one can qualify for depends on age, household income and size, and the cost of affordable health care coverage in their region. Premium assistance is only available for medical plans purchased through Covered California.

A simple way to find out if you qualify is by using our subsidy calculator*. If you learn that you may be eligible, contact your broker to see your options. You can also contact us at (855) 836-9705.

*The results from this tool are based on the information you provided. If you decide to apply for a plan through Covered California, then Covered California will determine your eligibility and actual subsidy amount based on the information you enter in your application.

Learn more about how subsidies are calculated.

A health insurance policy determines the types of medical services or benefits you are covered for, which doctors you can see, and what hospitals you can visit. Your plan also determines what you pay for care and services. 

After purchasing a health plan, you can then visit a doctor or hospital in the Blue Shield of California network. A network is a group of doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers that work with a health plan like Blue Shield. That means you only have to pay a certain amount for healthcare services instead of the full cost. By using in-network doctors and hospitals, you can keep your costs lower. 

Health insurance is for preventive and event-based care – meaning you don’t have to wait until you’re sick to see a doctor. Preventive services like annual exams and flu shots are available to you at no additional cost. 

Having continuous coverage ensures you have access to care when you need it and protects you from unexpected healthcare costs, among other benefits. Having health coverage also helps you avoid the California tax penalty. 

In other words, if you do not have health coverage, you may have to pay more in taxes.  

We are not tax professionals and cannot provide tax advice. If you need help, please get advice from a professional tax preparer or adviser. 

What is the California tax penalty?

California enacted legislation to restore the individual mandate and tax penalty starting in 2020. Those who choose to go without coverage may be subject to a penalty as part of their annual state tax filing if they have access to affordable coverage within the cost limitations set by the state. There can be penalties of up to nearly $2,250 per family, which is based on 2.5 percent of household income or a minimum of $750 per adult and $375 per dependent child under 18 in the household, whichever is greater. The California Franchise Tax Board, which administers the state mandate, will assess the penalties for the coverage year when consumers file their taxes.

Californians can file for an exemption due to financial or other hardship. Visit Covered California to learn more or, for additional information, visit the California Franchise Tax Board.

If the federal individual mandate penalty is reinstated at any point, the state tax penalty will be adjusted.

The medically necessary services and supplies covered by Blue Shield.

The approved amount Blue Shield will pay for a service or benefit. If your doctor charges more than what’s allowed by your health insurance policy, you may be responsible for the difference.

A fixed percentage of the cost of your services that you’re responsible for. This is usually after you’ve met your deductible.

A fixed amount you pay for benefits such as doctor’s visits or any wellness services. This is usually after you’ve met your deductible if your plan has one.

The amount you pay each calendar year for most benefits before Blue Shield begins to pay. Some benefits, such as preventive care, are covered before you meet your deductible.

A health plan where you choose a primary care physician (PCP) who treats you regularly. This includes preventive visits and referrals to specialists. You’ll need to see only other doctors or specialists in your PCP’s medical group. There is no coverage for services received from doctors who are outside your PCP’s network. 

A group of providers – including hospitals, doctors, specialists and other healthcare providers – that have agreed with Blue Shield to provide benefits for a specified amount.

A health plan in which members can choose to see any provider in the PPO provider network without a referral. Members also have the freedom to use non-network providers for most services if they are willing to pay a higher share of the cost.

The most you are required to pay in combined deductible, copayment, and coinsurance amounts for all of the covered services each year.