Question: I am 65 years old next month, but I have to pay a premium for Part A because I have not worked long enough to qualify. Can I sign up for a Covered California plan?

Answer: Yes, People age 65 or older who are not entitled to premium-free Medicare can purchase health insurance coverage in Covered California (except undocumented immigrants). If you sign up for a Covered California plan, you may be eligible for premium tax credits to make the coverage more affordable depending on your income.

Keep in mind that if you are able to continue working, you may be able to earn enough work history to qualify for premium-free Medicare in the future. So another option for you to consider would be to sign up for Part A and Part B coverage when you turn 65 (you will have to pay a premium for both Part A and for Part B), and when you become eligible for premium-free Part A through your work history, you will then only have to pay a premium for Part B.