What are the Best Covered California Plans for 2024?

Covered California is the state-run ACA exchange offering Californians affordable health insurance options. Open enrollment is near, spanning the months of November 1 2023-January 31, 2024. This article will highlight the most affordable Covered California plans using the persona of a 30-year-old female who does not smoke, has no disability, and makes $70,000. 

What are the Best Covered California Plans?

We’ve highlighted 19 health insurance plans offered by Covered California insurers based on the lowest deductible and monthly premium for 2023. For this article, we used the persona of a 30-year-old female who does not smoke, has no disability, and makes $70,000 to gather our data. Additionally, we used the zipcode 90011 to account for the highest population based on U.S. Census Bureau Estimates. Results are also based on medium-use doctor visits and low-use prescription drugs. 

19 Best Covered California Health Insurance Plans based on Lowest Deductible and Monthly Premium

Source: coveredca.com

Defining HMOs, PPOs, and EPOs 

Health insurance terms can be confusing. To save you several google searches, visit the Mira article to familiarize yourself with the most common terms you’ll come across when navigating your insurance process. 

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

HMOs usually limit coverage to care among doctors working for or in contract with the HMO. Out-of-network coverage is generally not covered except in cases of emergency. Coverage may also depend on whether you live or work within the area they service. 

Features of HMOs include: 

• Typically have lower insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs
• Lots of flexibility in choosing providers
• Requires a primary care physician (PCP) referral before seeking specialty care
• If out-of-network providers are used, expect to pay entirely out-of-pocket

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

PPOs allow you to choose your preferred physician or healthcare provider, whether in-network or out-of-network. This means you don’t need a referral from a primary care physician to visit other providers.

Features of PPOs include:

• Typically have higher premiums than HMOs or POS plans
• Those enrolled can freely seek specialists and out-of-network physicians without a referral
• A great option for those requiring frequent and various care and who can afford higher premiums

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)

EPOs are a budget-friendly managed care option. They are typically more restricted in their coverage and only cover in-network services. 

Features of EPOs include: 

• Usually have a more extensive network than HMOs
• May not require a referral from a primary care physician.
• Premiums are higher than HMOs but lower than PPOs