Question: When I purchased my health insurance through Covered California I did not apply for financial assistance. However I think I do qualify, how can I find out and how do I apply for past months.
Answer: You can find out if you qualify for premium assistance by using Covered California's Shop and Compare Calculator. If you discover that you are eligible for a subsidy, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period which would allow you to apply for assistance right now. You cannot recover assistance for past months when you did not request it. This is not a change you can make online. You will have to call Covered California at 800-300-1506.
” You cannot recover assistance for past months when you did not request it. This is not a change you can make online. You will have to call Covered California at 800-300-1506. “
Don’t misunderstand this response. While you cannot receive a lump sum payment for the premium tax credits you did not receive, you will receive credit for them when you “reconcile” your premiums and premium tax credits at tax filing time next year since your health insurance was purchased through CoveredCA. But you can get them turned on beginning July 1 if, as was said, you call CoveredCA Customer Service … assuming you can get to a live person. Their new voice response system sucks.