Do you have a Covered California health plan with financial assistance from the Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC)? That’s fantastic! But did you know that reporting changes in your income is critical to maintaining accurate financial assistance? Whether you’ve received a raise, lost a job, or taken on additional work, keeping your income details updated ensures you don’t face surprises when it’s time to file taxes.

At Skyline Benefit, we know how important it is to stay ahead of these changes. Failing to update your income could mean missing out on benefits or owing money to the IRS. Let’s explore how you can easily report income changes to Covered California and why acting promptly is key to securing the financial assistance you deserve in 2025.

Why Is Reporting Income Changes to Covered California Important?

Reporting income changes ensures your health plan stays affordable and accurate. If you don’t update your income, you could:

  • Overpay for your premiums: Missing out on subsidies could cost you more each month.
  • Underpay and owe money: Receiving more assistance than you qualify for may require repayment during tax season.
  • Lose eligibility for other programs: Changes in income could qualify you for Medi-Cal or Enhanced Silver Plans.

Reporting promptly ensures that your coverage aligns with your current financial situation, saving you money and hassle.

What Income Changes Should Be Reported to Covered California?

Income changes aren’t limited to just your paycheck. You should report any of the following:

  • Employment changes: Starting or leaving a job, transitioning from full-time to part-time.
  • Raises or pay cuts: Significant increases or decreases in your salary or hourly wage.
  • Additional income: Rental income, freelance work, or starting a side business.
  • Household changes: Marriage, divorce, having a baby, or someone moving in or out of your household.
  • Eligibility for other programs: Qualifying for Medicare or employer-sponsored insurance.

How to Report Income Changes to Covered California

Updating your income with Covered California is a simple process:

  1. Log into your Covered California account: Go to CoveredCA.com and access your account.
  2. Select “Report a Change:” Look for this option on your account dashboard.
  3. Enter your updated income details: Include changes to wages, household size, or additional income sources.
  4. Review and submit: Double-check your information and click submit to finalize updates.

Need help? Skyline Benefit’s experienced agents are here to assist with any questions or challenges you may face.

What Are the Consequences of Not Reporting Income Changes?

Failing to report changes in your income can result in:

  • Owing money to the IRS: If your income exceeds what you reported, you may need to repay subsidies.
  • Missing out on benefits: If your income decreases, you might qualify for additional assistance or Medi-Cal.
  • Inaccurate premiums: You could be paying too much or too little for your health coverage.

Acting quickly ensures you receive the correct financial support and avoid unexpected tax bills.

Enhanced Silver Plans: Could You Qualify?

Enhanced Silver Plans offer lower out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. If your income falls within certain limits, updating your details might make you eligible for these cost-saving plans.

For example:

  • Annual income adjustments could allow you to switch to a reduced-cost plan.
  • Household size changes might qualify you for additional savings.

Accurate income reporting can open doors to more affordable healthcare options in 2025.

What Happens If Your Income Changes After Enrollment?

If You Earn Less Than Expected:

  • You may qualify for additional tax credits or Medi-Cal.
  • Adjustments could lower your monthly premium costs.

If You Earn More Than Expected:

  • You might have to repay excess subsidies at tax time.
  • Adjustments could increase your monthly premium.

Either way, updating your income ensures your coverage stays accurate.

Need Help to Report Income Changes to Covered California in 2025?

Skyline Benefit is a certified insurance agency with Covered California. Act now and get the premium subsidy and coverage that you deserve.

Our agents can review your medical needs and budget, and tailor your health insurance options during Covered California Open Enrollment.

Schedule a consultation today. Call us at: (714) 888-5112

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