Plain English Breakdown
The bill states coverage must be as similar as feasible given existing federal law, meaning some differences may remain.
Covered California Expansion
This law removes the requirement for Covered California to seek a federal waiver and instead creates a new state-funded program to help people with certain immigration statuses get health insurance.
What This Bill Does
- Removes the rule that requires Covered California to ask for a special waiver from the federal government.
- Requires Covered California to run a new program starting no earlier than January 1, 2027, if lawmakers provide money for it.
- Allows people who cannot get insurance because of their immigration status to enroll in health plans similar to other Californians as much as possible under current federal rules.
- Starts outreach and marketing efforts on October 1, 2028, to help these individuals sign up for coverage.
- Creates a new fund called the Covered California for All Fund to hold money used to run this program.
Who It Names or Affects
- People in California who cannot currently get health insurance through Covered California due to their immigration status.
- Covered California, which must manage the new program and report on its progress.
- The Legislature and Department of Finance, which receive reports and control funding for the program.
Terms To Know
- Appropriation
- Money that lawmakers officially set aside to pay for a specific purpose or program.
- Federal Waiver
- Special permission from the federal government to change how state rules follow national laws.
Limits and Unknowns
- The new program cannot start before January 1, 2027.
- The program only begins if lawmakers provide money for it through an appropriation.
- Enrollment efforts do not begin until October 1, 2028.
- Coverage must be consistent with federal guidance and existing federal law.