By law, most people are now required to have health insurance or pay a penalty when they file their taxes. Through Covered California, a program from the state of California, qualified legal residents of California and their families can compare health insurance plans and enroll in the one that works best for their needs and budget. Financial assistance is available to qualifying individuals and families to help them pay for health insurance premiums. This means the federal government may pay a portion of the health insurance premium. Individuals and families may also qualify for Medi-Cal benefits.

Visit CoveredCA.com to learn more, compare health insurance plans, choose the one that best fits your needs and enroll online. For free, confidential, in-person help, in your area, visit Covered CA or call (800) 300-1506.

The open-enrollment period to enroll in Covered California health insurance plans happens once a year. Once the open-enrollment period closes, you may enroll in a Covered California health plan only if you have a qualifying life event that makes you eligible to apply. Some examples of qualifying life events are: losing your health coverage, getting married, moving outside your plan's coverage area, having a baby and turning 26. To see if you qualify, visit Covered CA. To enroll during this time, you must apply within 60 days of your qualifying life event. For more information and to find free, confidential, in-person help in your area, visit Covered CA or call (800) 300-1506.

Undocumented and non-citizen or permanent-resident parents should not fear that applying on behalf of their children or dependents, who may be eligible for health coverage, will result in deportation or other immigration-related actions. For more clarification, read the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement memo on health enrollment and immigration at ICE Memo in English and ICE Memo in Spanish.