2023 Open Enrollment has ended.
The next Open Enrollment period is November 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024.
Give yourself a better experience this year. Learn how to find a doctor, access plan documents, and access billing resources.
See if you qualify by using our subsidy calculator and learn more about subsidies.
Californians are required to be enrolled in and maintain minimum essential coverage throughout the year. This is known as the individual mandate.
In other words, if you do not have health coverage, you may have to pay more in taxes. Staying covered can help you to avoid this tax penalty.
What is the California tax penalty?
California enacted legislation to restore the individual mandate and tax penalty 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.
The penalty will be the higher of either a flat amount based on the number of people in the household, or a percentage of the household income.
The California Franchise Tax Board, which administers the state mandate, will assess the penalties for the coverage year when consumers file their taxes. To find out how much your penalty could be, please use the Individual Shared Penalty Estimator tool. We are not tax professionals and cannot provide tax advice. If you need help, please get advice from a professional tax preparer or adviser.
In 2021, a law was passed that increased the dollar amount of premium help available to existing Covered California consumers and provided subsidies to those consumers who may not have qualified before.
The amount of federal premium help (federal advance premium tax credits (APTC), also referred to as subsidies) that Californians can qualify for depends on age, household income and size, and the cost of affordable healthcare coverage in their region. Premium help is available only for medical plans purchased through Covered California.
Use our quick and easy-to-use subsidy eligibility calculator to find out if you might qualify and get an estimate of your potential premium help amount. If you find out you may be eligible, contact your broker or a Blue Shield Customer Care agent to learn about your options.
If you qualify for a subsidy and you need a 2023 effective date, you can begin your enrollment process into your new plan today. For a plan effective in 2024, open enrollment will begin November 1, 2023.
If you purchased your plan through Covered California, there are certain situations when you should contact Covered California and other situations when you should contact Blue Shield of California directly. Please review the list below to help you understand whom to call when you need help:
Contact Covered California at (800) 300-1506 or visit CoveredCA.com if you need to:
Contact Blue Shield at the number listed on your ID card, or log in to your online account at blueshieldca.com if you need to:
Family Dental Plans are available exclusively through Covered California. With Blue Shield Family Dental PPO and HMO plans, you get a first line of defense for your family's overall health and well-being. From additional pediatric dental benefits for children, to in-network dentist savings to easy, online access to benefits, our Family Dental Plans have something for everyone. Contact your broker to learn more.
Have other questions regarding renewal or open enrollment? Find your answer in our Frequently Asked Questions.
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* Underwritten by Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company (Blue Shield Life).
* This is for informational purposes only. * Underwritten by Blue Shield Life & Health Company
