Covered California Deadline to Sign-up Approaches

Seaside, California – Open enrollment for the Covered California health insurance program is slated to end on February 15th. Open Enrollment is the one time during the year when most Californians who need insurance cannot be denied by a health plan and the program offers all individuals – sick or healthy – the opportunity to get the health insurance coverage and medical care they need. Certified Enrollment Counselors for the Covered California Health Care program are available through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Monterey. Counselors are able to determine eligibility of applicants and to assist with applications at Catholic Charities’ offices located in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties.

Catholic Charities has now extended hours in three of its offices: Seaside, Watsonville, and San Luis Obispo, to serve those interested in signing up for Covered California. Certified Enrollment Counselors are also available on Wednesdays, from noon until 8:00 p.m.

For information about outreach events, appointment availability and special extended hours,
residents are encouraged to call the office closest to where they live or work:

Santa Cruz: (831) 431-6939
Watsonville: (831) 722-2675
Salinas: (831) 422-0602
Seaside: (831) 393-3110
San Luis Obispo: (805) 541-9110

Financial assistance is available through Covered California in the form of a tax credit to people
who qualify, based on household size and income. The amount is based on a sliding scale, which means
the lower your income, the more help you can receive. Nine out of 10 applicants are eligible for financial
assistance. Those without health insurance, or with an exemption, will have to pay a penalty when filing
their taxes.

Since January 2, 2015, Catholic Charities has reached over 1,000 households (in its four-county
service area), determining eligibility, assisting with sign-ups for those who qualify for the Affordable
Care Act health insurance program in California, and providing outreach and education about the
program.
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