By Melanie Slone
Individuals who do not meet the income requirement for Medi-Cal may be eligible for Covered California. This program helps individuals pay for part of their health care plan costs, based on their income.
This year, you must renew your plan under Covered California. Unlike in past years, it will not renew automatically. Also, because the enhanced assistance programs are set to expire on December 31, 2025, many enrollees will pay more for their coverage in 2026 (unless the federal government extends the benefits). Check and make sure the numbers work for you.
You can shop for health coverage at CoveredCA.com to find a plan for you and your family.
To prepare for the upcoming renewal, you can report any changes to your income, household size or contact information in your online account,
To sign up for Covered California, you will need:
- Social Security Numbers of all family members if you have them.
- Federal Tax Information if you file taxes.
- Immigration Documents if applicable.
- Employer and Income Information if you earn money.
There are several ways you can sign up for Covered California.
Apply online: https://www.coveredca.com/
Call 800-300-1506
If you call, someone will help you navigate the website and choose your provider. Once you have a provider, your healthcare will be managed through it (Kaiser Permanente, Molina, Scripps, etc.), but you should keep your data updated on the Covered California site, such as income, family size, address, and more.
Help signing up for Health Coverage
The assistance is completely free.
760-736-6734
760-736-6767
https://truecare.org/programs-resources/health-insurance-assistance
TrueCare assists both TrueCare patients and anyone else that needs the assistance.
Free transportation to appointments.
844-308-5003
1000 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista
833-867-4642
- Anareida Torres: 760-294-0687
- Marlene Cruz: 760-294-4174
- 2085 Montiel Rd., San Marcos
- 1001 Grand Ave., Escondido
- Fallbrook Regional Health District
760-691-6285
https://www.fallbrookhealth.org/2025-08-11-enrollment-assistant-services
Enrollment Dates
- Medicare: Open enrollment: October 15–December 7, 2025
- Covered California: November 1, 2024–January 31, 2026
- During this open enrollment window, individuals can apply to one of the programs or change or review the one they already have and make any changes.
- For Medicare, individuals can start applying three months before they turn 65 and can do so up to 3 months after they turn 65.
Medi-Cal
This program helps cover health insurance costs for individuals whose income is lower than a specified amount. Under some Medi-Cal plans, individuals pay nothing for health coverage.
To qualify, they must meet requirement of family size and income guidelines.
Individuals can apply all year round. Still, they need to renew their Medi-Cal in the month that they are due for that renewal.
Medicare
This coverage is for individuals 65 years and older. Individuals sign up beginning three months before they turn 65. If they miss this timeline, they have to sign up during open enrollment.
TrueCare team and VCC have partnerships with Medicare brokers who assist you in enrolling in Medicare at the TrueCare and VCC locations.
