You have 3 main options when it comes to personal health coverage (beyond Cobra): CovereCA (the CA exchange), going direct to a carrier (known as off exchange), or going to a healthshare organization. Our quoting system can calculate if you qualify for a subsidy and provide you on and off exchange rates. There is a separate link for healthshares.
Many people are misled to believing that CoveredCA is the only place a person or family can purchase health coverage in CA. That is wrong. The main reason anyone goes to CoveredCA is to see if they qualify for a state or federal government subsidy to lower their medical premiums. The government calculates this based on your projected income for the year, where you live and the number of people/dependents living under your roof. If you have a low to middle income or lose your job, this can be a very affordable option for you.
Your second option would be to purchase a plan off exchange directly with a carrier. This is the main option for those whose income is too high to qualify for a subsidy. Purchasing your coverage through us directly with a carrier does allow us to better service your account and is one less layer between you and the service provider/carrier. Rates are the same on and off the exchange. Some carriers will offer additional plans off exchange giving you more options going direct.
Currently, the most popular health coverage program is the HealthShare. DISCLAIMER… HealthShares are NOT insurance, but they work very similarly. HealthShares gained popularity when the Affordable Care Act was passed. Many religious organizations did not want to pay for abortions or other things not aligned with their beliefs. As a result, through the Freedom of Religion Act, HealthShares gained in popularity. HealthShares can save you up to 50% off of your monthly medical premiums, but you need to read the fine print and know the limitations and exclusions before you decide to join a HealthShare organization. There are waiting periods for pre-existing conditions and many things are not covered or excluded.