The California Health Insurance Exchange was created as the result of the Affordable Care Act. In fact, California was the first state to set up the required exchange once the bill was passed and became law. The purpose of the exchange is to help individuals, families, small business owners, and others gain access to a variety of comprehensive and affordable benefit plans available through both private and federally funded programs.
The California Health Insurance Exchange is free to use and helps you quickly compare coverage available from multiple providers, all in one place. All plans featured on the exchange have to satisfy the requirements as outlined in the Affordable Care Act, such as including all 10 Essential Health Care Benefits. In addition, the exchange helps people of all income levels and conditions determine what plan would be best for their situation.
You will want to take the time to review your options through the exchange, if you currently do not have coverage, are not able to afford an employer-sponsored program, are currently paying more the 9.5% of your income for an employer-sponsored program, or if your employer-sponsored plan does not meet the necessary requirements under the Affordable Care Act. Further, small business owners, who are looking for affordable coverage for their employees, should use the exchange to discover what options they have available. Many of the new plans include tax incentives and subsidies to help pay for coverage, as well as to offset the costs incurred by small business owners to provide employer-sponsored plans.