The public insurance marketplace Covered California is preparing its consumer assistance strategies for what will be one of the largest, most diverse insurance markets supported by the Affordable Care Act.
Covered California is eventually hoping to enroll about 5.3 million Californians, in pursuit of sustainable risk insurance pools in 19 regions across the state. Ahead of open enrollment in October, Covered California released a draft version of its application, a 33-page informational document with a four-page application for individuals and available in English and 11 other languages.
A key demographic sought by Covered California, and the insurers selling plans, is California’s young working adults, and a key to attracting — and retaining — those consumers will be offering a smooth navigation of the tax and financial requirements.
Explaining and accurately documenting income, deductions and work history is going to be a challenge for the insurance exchange working with federal agencies, and for the navigators and consumer assisters on the ground.
In the so-called gig economy, some young people are working multiple jobs that may be subject to fluctuation in hours or workload, and their advanced premium tax credit subsidy might vary from year to year. Young people may also be prone to want to self-complete the application without seeking assistance, making verification another important area of focus for Covered California and other HIXs.
A draft version of the section on income sources:
