Question: Covered California took my monthly premiums for 8 months. When I went to the doctor, they cut my benefits. When I asked them why they said because the law had changed in January 2019 and insurance was no longer mandatory. Then I asked for a refund for a refund of my premiums and they said no because I saw the doctor once!

Answer: Apparently your Covered California coverage did not renew on January 1, 2019. Most likely causes include non-payment of the monthly premium or loss of eligibility due to an income change. The premiums you paid prior to that date was to pay for coverage before January 2019, that’s why you can’t get a refund even though you only “saw the doctor once”. Do you get a refund of your auto insurance premiums when you don’t have an accident or your home insurance when your house doesn’t burn down? Health insurance works the same way. You pay for the protection against a major financial loss. Health insurance is mandatory in California in 2020. Now’s you chance to get it right, Sign up during Open enrollment October 15m 2019 to January 31, 2020.