Covered Calif. reaches out to nearly 100,000 families at risk of losing health insurance

Stephanie O'Neill
3 hours ago

Covered California officials say nearly 100,000 California families are at risk of losing their health insurance if they don't soon provide the state with proof of lawful residency. JUSTIN SULLIVAN/GETTY IMAGES



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California's marketplace for health insurance is urging nearly 98,000 families that have yet to prove their lawful residence in the state to do so by the end of September, or risk losing their new health coverage.

The notices being sent to the families outline the documents required to maintain their insurance policies and any subsidies they may be receiving.
Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee says in some cases people had sent the proper documents but the paperwork was illegible, or they were required to send two pieces of proof, and they had only sent one.

Covered California says any documentation sent to the state will be used only to determine a person’s eligibility for health insurance programs and not for immigration enforcement.

Those who don’t comply by September 30th risk losing both their insurance coverage and any federal tax subsidies they now receive that lower their monthly premiums.

What's more, Covered California officials say, those found ineligible for subsidies already received may be required to pay back those tax credits.

The qualifying documents that prove lawful presence include:

  • A U.S. passport
  • A certificate of naturalization (N-550/N-570)
  • A certificate of citizenship (N-560/N-561)
  • A U.S. public birth certificate
  • A driver’s license issued by a U.S. state or territory
  • An identification card issued by the federal, state or local government
  • A school identification card
  • A foreign passport
  • A green card


 http://www.scpr.org/news/2014/09/05/...PCC%3A+News%29